Fortunella margarita

Nagami

(Loureiro) Swingle

SK: Kumkvát oválny

General aspect and origins

Fortunella margarita, also known as the oval kumquat or the Nagami kumquat, is a close relative to Citrus species. It is a small evergreen tree, that can reach more that 12 ft (4 m) high and 9 ft (3 m) large. It is native to southeastern Asia, and more precisely to China. The oval kumquat has very fragrant citrus-like white flowers, and small edible oval orange fruits.

Leaves

The evergreen leaves of the oval kumquat are deep-green and relatively small. They can reach up to 3 in (7 cm) long and 1.5 in (3.5 cm) wide.

Flowers

The white flowers of the oval kumquat are similar to the citrus flowers. They are strongly perfumed, and they appear relatively late in the growing season. (generally late-spring).

Fruits

The oval kumquat is a fruit that looks like any Citrus fruit, with an orange rind. The fruits are oblong, up to 2 in (5 cm) long. Unlike the common Citrus, which have a rind which is inedible raw, oval kumquats have a and edible sweet rind. The flesh, however, is not as sweet as the rind, and is quite acidic and sour. This fruit is generally eaten fresh, with its rind. It can also be processed into preserves, jams, and other recipes.