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Common Name: Ichang Papeda

General Information

Citrus ichangensis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - W. and S.W. China.

Habitat

Highland areas.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position[]. Prefers a pH of 5 to 6[]. Plants are intolerant of water logging[]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results[]. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it[]. When watering pot plants it is important to neither overwater or underwater since the plant will soon complain by turning yellow and dying. Water only when the compost is almost dry, but do not allow it to become completely dry[].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c when dormant[]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[]. This is the hardiest member of the Citrus genus and is of interest for use in breeding for greater cold tolerance in other members of this genus[].
Plants dislike root disturbance and so should be placed into their permanent positions when young. If growing them in pots, great care must be exercised when potting them on into larger containers[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Juicy but too acid for most people to eat raw, the fruit can be used as a lemon substitute[]. The fruit is quite large, up to 10cm x 5cm but with large seeds about 15mm long and 8mm thick[].

Medicinal

Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some people[]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it ripe after thoroughly rinsing it[, ]. Sow stored seed in early spring in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembrionic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least three growing seasons before trying them outdoors. Plant them out in the summer and give them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Layering in early autumn.