Description
The Kagazi lemon plant, also known as the Indian Wild Lemon, is a citrus plant notable for its vigorous growth and thorny branches. Here are some key features and descriptions:
Plant Characteristics:
- Growth Habit: The Kagazi lemon plant is a perennial, evergreen shrub or small tree. It has a bushy appearance with dense foliage.
- Height: It can grow up to 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) in height.
- Thorns: The branches are typically armed with sharp thorns.
Leaves:
- Appearance: The leaves are dark green, glossy, and elliptical with a pointed tip.
- Aroma: When crushed, the leaves release a characteristic lemon fragrance.
Flowers:
- Color: The flowers are white with a slight purplish tinge.
- Fragrance: They are highly fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees.
Fruits:
- Shape and Size: The fruits are oval to round, similar to other lemon varieties.
- Color: They start green and turn yellow when ripe.
- Peel: The peel is relatively thin and smooth.
- Juice: The fruit is known for its high juice content, which is very acidic and flavorful.
- Seeds: It contains numerous seeds.
Growing Conditions:
- Climate: Prefers warm, subtropical to tropical climates.
- Soil: Thrives in well-draining, sandy to loamy soils with a slightly acidic pH.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Watering: Needs regular watering, especially during dry spells, but is tolerant of short periods of drought once established.
Uses:
- Culinary: The juice is widely used in culinary applications for its tangy flavor, from beverages to cooking and seasoning.
- Medicinal: Often used in traditional medicine for its high vitamin C content and other beneficial properties.
- Aromatic: The leaves and peel are used for their aromatic qualities in various preparations.