''Citrus indica'' is a species of hybrid ''

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 ...

'' known by the common name Indian wild orange.Malik, S. K., R. Chaudhury, O. P. Dhariwal and R. K. Kalia. (2006)
Collection and characterization of ''Citrus indica'' Tanaka and ''C. macroptera'' Montr.: wild endangered species of northeastern India.
''Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution'' 53 1485-93. It is native to South Asia.

Taxonomy

This wild orange plant was originally characterized as one of the likely ancestors of today's cultivated citrus fruits, if not the main one. It was considered to be the most "primitive" citrus.Laskar, M. A., M. Hynniewta and C.S. Rao. (2009)
In vitro propagation of ''Citrus indica'' Tanaka — An endangered progenitor species.
''Indian Journal of Biotechnology'' 8 311-16. However, genomic analysis has revealed it to be a citrus hybrid, with maternal

citron The citron (''Citrus medica''), historically cedrate, is a large fragrant citrus fruit with a thick rind. It is said to resemble a 'huge, rough lemon'. It is one of the original citrus fruits from which all other citrus types developed throu ...

ancestry and also

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 ...

and unspecified papeda contributions. It can be used as a

citrus rootstock Citrus rootstock are plants used as rootstock for citrus plants. A rootstock plant must be compatible for scion grafting, and resistant to common threats, such as drought, frost, and common citrus diseases. Principal rootstocks Five types of roots ...

for cultivated citrus. Recent searches of the plant's reported home range confirmed its presence only in

Meghalaya Meghalaya (, or , meaning "abode of clouds"; from Sanskrit , "cloud" + , "abode") is a state in northeastern India. Meghalaya was formed on 21 January 1972 by carving out two districts from the state of Assam: (a) the United Khasi Hills and J ...

, where it grows in the

Garo Hills The Garo Hills (Pron: ˈgɑ:rəʊ) are part of the Garo-Khasi range in Meghalaya, India. They are inhabited by the Garo people. It is one of the wettest places in the world. The range is part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests ecoregion. De ...

Uses

This species is used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by the

Garo people The Garo is a Tibeto-Burman ethnic tribal group from the Indian subcontinent, living mostly in the Indian states of Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland, and in neighbouring areas of Bangladesh, including Madhupur, Mymensingh, Haluagh ...

. The fruit is used to treat

jaundice Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and sclera due to high bilirubin levels. Jaundice in adults is typically a sign indicating the presence of underlying diseases involving abnormal heme meta ...

and

stomach The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The stomach has a dilated structure and functions as a vital organ in the digestive system. The stomach i ...

conditions in humans and animals, and it was used to treat

smallpox Smallpox was an infectious disease caused by variola virus (often called smallpox virus) which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. The last naturally occurring case was diagnosed in October 1977, and the World Health Organization (WHO) c ...

. It is also used for spiritual purposes.

Conservation status

This plant is considered to be an

endangered species An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and inv ...

. Threats to the species have included

habitat destruction Habitat destruction (also termed habitat loss and habitat reduction) is the process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. The organisms that previously inhabited the site are displaced or dead, thereby ...

caused by

slash-and-burn Slash-and-burn agriculture is a farming method that involves the cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to create a field called a swidden. The method begins by cutting down the trees and woody plants in an area. The downed veget ...

(jhum) activity. This plant requires a specific

microclimate A microclimate (or micro-climate) is a local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas, often with a slight difference but sometimes with a substantial one. The term may refer to areas as small as a few squ ...

, and appropriate habitat is limited. The

Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Nokrek National Park, the core area of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, is a national park located approximately 2 km away from Tura Peak in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India. UNESCO added the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve to its list of ...

is an important site for the species, and its presence inspired the creation of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary within the reserve.Borah, A
Local citrus goes global.
''Down to Earth'' January 31, 2009.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q12656745 indica Flora of Meghalaya Flora of Bangladesh