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Aerin Lauder |
Calamondin citrus trees pictured above are cold hardy citrus (hardy to 20 degrees F.) that are a cross between a mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata, tangerine, or Satsuma) and a kumquat (Fortunella margarita). Calamondin citrus trees were introduced from China to the U.S. around 1900. Used in the United States primarily for ornamental purposes and often as a bonsai specimen, Calamondin trees are cultivated throughout southern Asia and Malaysia, India, and the Philippines for their citrus juice. Since the 1960’s, potted calamondin citrus trees have been shipped from southern Florida to other areas of North America for use as houseplants; Israel does much the same thing for the European market.