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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
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-5 m
Spread
:
5 m-7 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
2 cm
Period
:
September -
October
Smell
:
fruity
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
20 cm
Toxicity
:
edible
This variety of the lemon tree is also known locally as trunj, and is probably the hybrid named
‘Ponderosa’: it is often seen on farms in the Arriyadh region. It is, however, relatively frost-tender
and the trees may be damaged by drying winds or prolonged cold. Bearing highly ornamental
fruit of extraordinary size of more than 20 cm, twigs may be bent down by the weight of many
huge lemons. The tree grows fast up to 3 metres high, bears fruit early and has an angular shape
with large leaves. It can be trained on a trellis to stabilise the branches and to prevent damage.
Young plants are delicate and cannot compete with weeds. ‘Trunj’ requires a well-drained, san-
dy and fertile soil, with regular watering until established. Complete NPK fertilisers should be
applied in early spring. Citrus trees have the attractive tropical feature of producing flowers and
fruit at the same time. The fruit does not have any particular commercial value, but the non-acid
lemons have a thick, bumpy rind that can be used for producing jam. The rind is low in essential
oils, but gives off an aromatic scent and is sometimes candied or preserved in brine. Pruning
should be limited to removing water sprouts, usually the result of severe cutting back of the
branches of older trees. Most of these shoots are short-lived anyway and leave unsightly sticks
on the branches. Deadwood might be provoked by prolonged drought or waterlogging. Like all
citrus, the trees suffer from attacks by mealybugs, aphids and often have mildew.
107
Citrus limon ‘Trunj’,
Rutaceae
Giant Lemon,
trunj