The African cherry orange, scientifically known as Citropsis articulata, is a little-known citrus fruit with a tangerine-like appearance and a typically sweet, orange-like flavor. Locally known as "omuboro", the species is typically a shrub, but can occasionally grow into a tree. This fruit, endemic to Central and Western Africa, is a small citrus, about the size of a tangerine.
Description and Appearance
The African cherry orange (Citrus sinensis) is a hybrid citrus fruit native to Africa. It is considered a cross between a sweet orange and a sour orange and is related to the tangerine. The fruit has a thin, yellow-orange skin with deep red flesh and is smaller and rounder than a regular orange. The flavor is sweet and tangy, similar to a tangerine.
The African cherry orange is also known as Citropsis articulata, the West African cherry orange, or the Uganda cherry orange. The leaves can grow up to 33 centimeters long and have pointed leaflets. The inflorescence features a cluster of flowers with four white petals, each nearly 2 centimeters long. The style may reach 1.5 centimeters in length.
Origin and History
The history of the African cherry orange dates back to the 18th century. It is believed to have been introduced to the continent of Africa by Portuguese traders in the late 1700s. The fruit quickly became popular among African cultures and was soon grown in many parts of the continent. In the 19th century, the African cherry orange was introduced to the United States and Europe.
Cultivation
The African cherry orange is a medium-sized evergreen tree, with the typical appearance of a citrus tree, growing to 15-30ft. To grow it successfully:
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- Grow like any citrus.
- Water regularly.
- Grow in well-drained, rich, moist soil.
Propagation can be achieved by grafts and seeds. Seeds can be slow to germinate and should come relatively true to their parent.
Uses and Benefits
The African cherry orange is used in a variety of ways:
- Fruits can be eaten raw.
- Fresh fruit is eaten as a snack or used to make juice, jams, and jellies.
- The rind and juice are also used to flavor a variety of dishes.
- The dried peel can be used as a flavoring agent.
Nutritional experts say that this fruit contains 5% of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin C and vitamin A. Furthermore, one serving of cherry serves up to 2% of iron, a mineral very important for oxygenating your body, that you need every day. They can also be consumed generously as a great source of phytochemical. It is also believed that the leaves of the fruit condensed glucose levels in diabetic rabbits, the same function that insulin in the human body act upon.
The African cherry orange is a popular ingredient in salads, smoothies, juices, and desserts. It is also used to make jams and preserves. The African cherry orange is an important source of food and nutrition in many parts of the world. The fruit is high in vitamins A and C, and is also a good source of dietary fiber. The fruit is also believed to help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
The roots of this tree are also used to treat impotence. In Uganda, an infusion made of the ground root of omuboro, drunk once a day for three days is considered to be a powerful aphrodisiac for men only. The herbal preparation is sold locally, however, science has not investigated the veracity of this belief. This practice has unfortunately led to the demise of many wild populations of this uncommon tree.
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Potential Threats
The African cherry orange is susceptible to several diseases, including citrus canker, citrus leaf miner, citrus black spot, and citrus blight. These diseases can be controlled through the use of fungicides and insecticides and can be prevented by avoiding overcrowding of trees and providing good air circulation.
Taxonomic Information
Citropsis is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae. This genus is in the subfamily Aurantioideae, which also includes the genus Citrus. Synonyms for Citropsis articulata include C. preussii and C. gabunensis var.
Table: Nutritional Content of African Cherry Orange (per serving)
| Nutrient | Percentage of Daily Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 5% |
| Iron | 2% |
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