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Bitter Orange

Citrus aurantiumfam. Rutaceae
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Citrus aurantium (Citrus aurantium) — botanical photograph
Pl. F739 — Citrus aurantium
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I

Overview

Citrus aurantium, commonly known as bitter orange, is a member of the Rutaceae family and is native to regions in West Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Guinea, Gulf of Guinea Islands, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Rwanda, Togo, and Zaïre. This tree can grow up to 9 meters tall and thrives in full sun with moist, medium to heavy (clay) soil, making it hardy in zones 8-11. Known for its edible fruit and documented medicinal uses, bitter orange is both ornamental and useful. The plant features light green foliage that contrasts well with its bright orange fruit, making it a popular choice for gardens. The fruit can be used in condiments and essential oil production, while the tree can be used as a hedgerow or for fragrance. While the fruit is edible and the tree can be used as a hedgerow or for fragrance, it is important to note that the plant should be used with caution due to its potential medicinal properties.

Quick answers

What is Bitter Orange?

Citrus aurantium, commonly known as bitter orange, is a member of the Rutaceae family and is native to regions in West Africa, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Guinea, Gulf of Guinea Islands, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Rwanda, Togo, and Zaïre.

Compare with:Citrus ichangensis→Lavalle corktree→Limequat→all comparisons →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestion
tincture
Traditional use for aiding digestion and soothing the stomach.
Respiratory Relief
respiratory
tea
Traditional use for respiratory issues and congestion.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Bitter Orange thrives in full sun and prefers moist, medium to heavy clay soil. It is hardy in zones 8-11 and can grow up to 9 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Given its native habitat in tropical and subtropical regions, it requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
9.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Bitter Orange for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Bitter Orange.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Bitter Orange plant or seedling.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of medium and heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 1 meter wide.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants to their permanent spot, ensuring they have enough space to grow up to 9 meters.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny location.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every few months.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruit when they are fully colored.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:Essential OilHedgerowoilRootstockFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

12 native · 85 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 12 native· 85 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)AlbaniaItalyPortugalSpain
Asia15 regions
introduced (15)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaIraqJapanLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSouth KoreaSri LankaTaiwanVietnam
Americas14 regions
introduced (14)BahamasBelizeCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorHaitiHondurasJamaicaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoVenezuela
Africa21 regions
native (9)AngolaBeninCameroonCôte d'IvoireGabonGuineaLiberiaRwandaTogo
introduced (12)AlgeriaAngolaBeninEgyptEthiopiaGambiaGuinea-BissauLibyaMauritiusMoroccoSomaliaTunisia
Oceania2 regions
introduced (2)New CaledoniaVanuatu
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Gulf of Guinea Is., Zaïre
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Bermuda, Borneo, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central American Pac, Cook Is., East Himalaya, Florida, Gulf of Guinea Is., Leeward Is., Line Is., Louisiana, Marianas, Mexico Southeast, Nansei-shoto, Panamá, Réunion, Rodrigues, Santa Cruz Is., Socotra, Solomon Is., Tadzhikistan, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Wallis-Futuna Is., West Himalaya
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Citrus aurantium (Citrus aurantium) — botanical photograph
Citrus aurantium (Citrus aurantium)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

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