''Citrus'' × ''deliciosa'' (thorny (Australia), amarillo, beladi, ''Willowleaf Mandarin'', ''Mediterranean Mandarin'') is a

citrus hybrid Citrus taxonomy refers to the botanical classification of the species, varieties, cultivars, and graft hybrids within the genus ''Citrus'' and related genera, found in cultivation and in the wild. Citrus taxonomy is complex and controversial. ...

mandarin orange The mandarin orange (''Citrus reticulata''), also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree fruit. Treated as a distinct species of orange, it is usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. Tangerines are a group of orange-colou ...

with just under 6 %

pomelo The pomelo ( ), ''Citrus maxima'', is the largest citrus fruit from the family Rutaceae and the principal ancestor of the grapefruit. It is a natural, non-hybrid, citrus fruit, native to Southeast Asia. Similar in taste to a sweet grapefr ...

ancestry. and Supplement It is related to the ponkan. It has been widely grown around the Mediterranean since it appeared in Italy (between 1810 and 1818), but was not found in the orient until it was exported there. It is one of the most commercially important

citrus ''Citrus'' is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including important crops such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes. The genus ''Citrus'' is native to ...

. Its sweet fruit is eaten, its rind oil is used to flavour food and drinks, and petitgrain oil is extracted from the pruned leaves. Its flowers (particularly petals) are also rich in essential oils. This species produce those which are perhaps the tastiest of all citrus fruits. That's why its scientific name is ''Citrus'' × ''deliciosa'', which means delicious citrus. The production of Mediterranean mandarin has suffered a sharp decline since the middle of the 20th century because of the perishability of the fruits and the tendency for an alternating production with years of low production and years of excessive tree load, but consumers who require more intense citrus aromas and fragrances continue to enjoy this mandarin. Therefore, this mandarin has a commercial space for different markets that value the traditional cultivars. This is the case of the PGI "Citrinos do Algarve". These characteristics and its time of maturity, which implies being little affected by ''Ceratitis capitata'', make Mediterranean mandarin recommended for organic farming.

Cultivars

* Avana * Emperor * Yousef Effendi * Comuna/commune * Natal (Mexico) * Paterno * Willowleaf (in USA) * Setubalense Fruits os Mediterranean mandarin

Hybrid descendants

the Citrus × deliciosa is a parent of some hybrid cultivars like: * '

Clementine A clementine (''Citrus × clementina'') is a tangor, a citrus fruit hybrid between a willowleaf mandarin orange ( ''C.'' × ''deliciosa'') and a sweet orange (''C. × sinensis''), named in honor of Clément Rodier, a French missionary who fir ...

' (Citrus × deliciosa × unknown sweet orange). * '

Kinnow The Kinnow is a high yield mandarin hybrid cultivated extensively in the wider Punjab region of India and Pakistan. It is a hybrid of two citrus cultivars — 'King' (''Citrus nobilis'') × 'Willow Leaf' (''Citrus × deliciosa'') — first dev ...

', (Citrus × deliciosa × King tangor) * 'Wilking', (Citrus × deliciosa × King tangor) * '

Encore An encore is an additional performance given by performers after the planned show has ended, usually in response to extended applause from the audience.Lalange Cochrane, in ''Oxford Companion to Music'', Alison Latham, ed., Oxford University Pre ...

', (Citrus × deliciosa × King tangor) * 'Temple', (Citrus × deliciosa × unknown sweet orange) * 'Cravo', (Citrus × deliciosa × unknown sweet orange) * 'Amoa 8', (Citrus × deliciosa 'Avana' cultivar x Citrus × sinensis 'Moro' cultivar) * 'Allspice' tangelo, (Citrus × deliciosa 'Willowleaf' cultivar x Citrus × paradisi 'Imperial' cultivar) * 'Pearl' tangelo, (Citrus × deliciosa 'Willowleaf' cultivar x Citrus × paradisi 'Imperial' cultivar)

References

Citrus hybrids {{Rutaceae-stub