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Sweet orange (Citrus × sinensis)
Photo: Luis Fernández García, CC BY-SA 2.5 es, Wikimedia Commons

On the map in 2 countries crop

Sweet orange

Citrus × sinensis

Family: Rutaceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Spain, Israel.

A small evergreen tree with glossy, leathery leaves and highly fragrant white flowers known as orange blossom (azahar). The fruit ripens in winter and is one of the world’s most important citrus fruits. The orange needs a mild, frost-free winter and irrigation. Neroli oil is extracted from the flowers, and the peel is used to make flavourings and liqueurs.

Description from: Spain.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

  1. Spain no. 5 of 10 introduced or naturalised

    Spain is the world’s largest exporter of oranges, and the orchards around Valencia (the huerta) are a symbol of the region. The scent of trees in blossom (azahar) in spring is associated with Valencia and Seville.

  2. Israel no. 7 of 8

    The Shamouti variety arose in the 19th century in the orchards around Jaffa; its thick peel made it easy to ship, so the “Jaffa” brand became a symbol of the country’s agriculture and exports.