Food Plants International

407
Names
English: Pomelo, Pummelo Scientific name: Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr
Tok ples: Plant family: Rutaceae
Description: A spreading, spiny tree. It grows up to 15
m high. Leaves are large. The leaf stalks have wings.
Young shoots and stems have fine hairs on them.
Flowers are large (2 cm) and creamy white. The
flowers are produced in bunches from woody shoots.
The fruit is very large (20 cm) with a thick skin. The
skin is dotted with oil glands. The skin is light green or
pale yellow. The flesh can be white, pink or red. Each
segment of the fruit is covered by a strong membrane.
Some kinds have many seeds, while others are almost
seedless.
Distribution: A tropical plant. They thrive in warm
lowland areas in the tropics. They can grow from sea
level up to 900 m. They are tolerant of brackish and
salty conditions. They suit humid climates.
Cultivation: They are mostly grown from seed, but do not breed true. The seed only produce
one seedling unlike many citrus. Trees are often produced by aerial layering, but budding or
grafting can be used. Air-layered trees give sweeter fruit. Trees start producing after about 9
years. Trees need to be about 9 m apart. Trees grown away from other trees often produce
almost seedless fruit.
Production: Fruit is produced almost all the year round. The time from flowering to ripe fruit,
is about 6 months. Fruit can be stored quite well.
Use: The fruit can be eaten fresh or made into marmalade.
The peel can be candied.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C Zinc
part % KJ g mg mg µg mg mg
Fruit
Peel
89.1 159 0.76 0.11 0 61.0 0.1
Insects:
Diseases:
Collar rot Fungus Athelia rolfsii
Pests:
Importance: Trees can be seen occasionally in several coastal areas of Papua New Guinea and
they are common in New Ireland Province.