1. Fortunella japonica Rutaceae Family Haley McClure 2/27/13
Kumquat
Fortunella japonica
Rutaceae Family
Haley McClure
2/27/13

2. Geography of cultivation and origin
Native to southern Asia and Asia-Pacific region
Earliest reference to kumquats appeared in 12th century Chinese literature
Cultivated in Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and southeast Asia
Introduced to Europe in 1846 and North America shortly after
Main cultivators: China, South Korea, North Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Japan, the Middle Ease, Europe, Pakistan, and southern United States

3. Morphological description
Small sized evergreen tree
Mature tree bears several hundred olive-sized, golden-yellow fruits in winter
Fruit flesh resembles an orange: segments firmly adhered to each other and the rind
1-2 seeds placed centrally
Fruit can be round or oval shaped
Peel has a sweet flavor; flesh has a sour flavor

4. Features of cultivation
Cultivated throughout subtropics
Requires hot summer (25-38oC); can withstand frost (-10oC)
Enter winter dormancy, even through several weeks of warm weather without putting out new shoots or blossoms
Grow best grafting rootstock of another citrus fruit

5. Plant uses
Eaten fresh, preserved, candied, or made into jams and jellies
Used in many culinary dishes, such as salads, cocktails, and desserts
Cantonese preserve in salt to create a remedy for sore throats
In Vietnam, kumquat bonsai trees are a staple as an ornamental tree
Celebrated in the US with the Kumquat Festival in Dade City, FL

6. Interesting Facts
Symbolizes good luck in China and other Asian countries; given as gift during the Lunar New Year
Many hybrids are created using kumquats
Have a caloric equivalent to grapes (100g of fresh fruit = 71 calories)

7. Sources http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumquat