Orange (fruit)

Orange (fruit)

The orange is the fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae; it primarily refers to Citrus × sinensis, which is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related Citrus × aurantium, referred to as bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually; varieties of sweet orange arise through mutations.

Etymology

The word "orange" derives from the Sanskrit word for "orange tree" (nāraṅga), which is probably of Dravidian origin. The Sanskrit word reached European languages through Persian nārang and its Arabic derivative nāranj.

Description

The orange is a small tree, growing up to 10 m tall and with evergreen leaves. The leaves are arranged alternately, are ovate in shape with crenulate margins, and are 4–10 cm long. The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.

Cultivation

Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or fragrant peel.

See also

• Citrus taxonomy
• List of citrus fruits
• Mandarin orange
• Tangerine

References

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