Citrus karna Raf.

ORIGIN DATA:

The Khatta is the result of a natural hybridization between an old Mandarin and a Citron, both to be determined. It is native to northeastern India. Its fruits exhibit characters of Citrus jambhiri and sour orange or citron.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Vigorous, upright tree. Both young shoots and flowers are purple. Large fruits, variable in shape, but generally round to oval. They may have a wide and prominent apical mamelon. Rind very adherent to the pulp and variable texture: smooth, rough or ribbed. Bright orange color when ripe. Edible albedo, thick, mild flavor, can be somewhat flabby. Pulp scarce, yellow, juicy and very sour taste.

USES:

This species is used as rootstock in India. Its juice is used as a substitute for lemon, although its flavor is slightly different, with a predominant sour touch.