Fortunella polyandra (Ridl.) Tan.

ORIGIN DATA:

Kumquat native to the Malaysian peninsula and the Hainan Island, southeast China. Given some of its characteristics it is thought to be a hybrid. As its origin is more tropical than that of other kumquats, it is more sensitive to cold, which characterizes it, along with the morphology and size of its leaves.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Small tree with slow growth. Lanceolate leaves larger than those of other kumquats. Fruit of subglobose morphology, sometimes pyriform, with a slightly depressed apical zone and persistent stylar union. Medium size among kumquats. The rind is golden orange, thin and smooth, with very visible but not prominent oil glands. Abundant flesh, orange, tender, acid and with a solid central axis. It has seeds.

USES:

The fruit is consumed whole and fresh, although it is also candied. In Malaysia it is dried and used as a condiment, in addition to being used for flavoring and preparing beverages.