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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings, grafting
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (1000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
3 m-7 m
Spread
:
3 m-9 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, purple
Size
:
1 cm - 2 cm
Period
:
September -
October
Smell
:
scented, strong,
gives freely of
its scent, leaf,
flower, fruit,
sweet, fruity
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
7 cm - 12 cm
Toxicity
:
edible
Lemons grow on small evergreen trees originating in southeast Asia. The fruit has been cultivated
since ancient times. Often seen on farms in the Arriyadh region, the lemon tree is also a good
ornamental tree for the garden, not least because of the excellent fragrance of its blossoms. Trees
may be trained to a handsome shape. The bright yellow colour of the fruit contrasts well with
the dark-green leaves. Alkaline soil and high salinity may cause chlorosis, which can be cured by
applying iron chelate: soil should be well drained and sandy. Seedlings should not been grown
because they often exhibit thorny twigs and plenty of water sprouts. Many cultivars may be repro-
duced by large cuttings, while cash crops are budded to ensure maximum fruit production. Trees
should be spaced 7 metres apart. They should be pruned to a compact shape and rejuvenated by
severe cutting back after ten years. Weedkillers should not be sprayed, since lemon trees are high-
ly sensitive to herbicides. Commercial growers withhold irrigation in summer for a few weeks
until the trees begin to wilt. After heavy watering and high nitrogen fertilisation, an enormous
bloom is induced in early autumn. C. limon is susceptible to mealybugs and aphids and a citrus
virus disease. Terracotta containers with lemon trees have a high ornamental value.
106
Citrus limon,
Rutaceae
Lemon