Citrus x limon (=Limone)

Citrus x limon is the botanical name of the lemon, a fruit tree of the Rutaceae family.

Characteristics
A medium sized tree with a dense, rounded crown, reaching 3-6 m according to variety and conditions. The leaves are oval to lanceolate, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, aromatic when crushed. White, scented flowers are borne in small terminal clusters, opening in spring and often repeatedly through the year, and are visited by bees. The fruit is oval to oblong with a thick, textured yellow rind and juicy, sharply acid flesh, and can be picked over a long season.

Growing and care
Full sun, shelter from cold wind and fertile, well drained soil; water and feed regularly, since lemons are hungry plants, and protect below about -2 °C. Prune after harvest to keep the crown open and remove suckers from below the graft.

Uses
The classic potted plant for terraces, courtyards and orangeries, and an ornamental fruit tree for Mediterranean gardens.