Food Plants International

505
Names
English: Kumquat, Oval kumquat Scientific name: Fortunella margarita (Lour.) Swingle
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Citrus margarita Lour.
Tok ples: Plant family: Rutaceae
Description: An evergreen shrub up to 4 m high. It
spreads to 2 m across. The stem is slender and
branching. It has a rounded crown. It has spiny
branches and shiny oval leaves with pointed tips. The
leaves are leathery. Flowers are white with 5 petals.
They occur singly and have a perfume. Fruit are very
small and about 2.5 cm across. They are divided into
only 3-6 sections.
Distribution: It suits subtropical locations. It grows
from sea level to at least 1150 m altitude in the tropics.
It is cold tolerant. When dormant it can stand frosts,
but not when in leaf. It cannot tolerate drought. It
prefers well drained soils in an open sunny position.
They cannot stand waterlogging. They do best with a
pH of 5 to 6. They cease growth when temperatures
fall below 13°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.
Cultivation: Plants are grown from seeds or by grafting. They can also be grown from cuttings.
Seed need to be sown fresh.
Production: Fruiting is seasonal. The season tends to be December to May in the southern
hemisphere. The fruit improve in flavour if allowed to stay on the tree after ripening.
Use: The ripe fruit can be eaten fresh, skin and all.
The fruit are often pickled or used in jam.
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 81.7 264 0.9 0.4 30 37 0.1
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance: Occasionally grown in Papua New Guinea. These plants have been hybridised to
give limequats and orangequats.