PROPAGATION. Stem cuttings.
SPECIAL USES. Foliage plants in greenhouses.
Fortunella Rutaceae Kumquat
Smallest, and hardiest, of the evergreen citrus trees or shrubs, with typical glassy, leathery leaves and flowers at intervals during the year, sometimes coincidental with the thin-skinned fruit. The species vary in size, habit, and fruit, some taking a lifetime to reach ten feet. But before they achieve that altitude, they can long pass as dwarfs or miniatures. Who wants to wait a lifetime to watch a kumquat outgrow a three-inch pot?
hindsi—Small spiny tree with small (less than one inch) pea-shaped fruit.
japonica—marumi kumquat—Small tree, well branched and shapely, with perfectly round, somewhat sweet fruit nearly one and a half inches in diameter.
margarita—nagami kumquat—Most frost-resistant and dwarf. Nearly thornless, with sour-sweet, egg-shaped fruit.
CARE. Intermediate temperature (any sudden changes in temperature may cause the leaves to drop), soil on the dry side (not too much fertilizer), bright sun, pollinate if you wish fruit, maintain humidity.
PROPAGATION. Seeds, grafting, cuttings.
SPECIAL USES. Potted plants, seedlings for miniature gardens.