The calamondin tree is a citrus plant that can be found on native soil in China and the Philippines. Its fruit is an important crop in these countries, but in America, its function is mainly decorative. Hardy and the tough, it can survive cold weather, but it thrives in the welcoming, moist and sunny areas of California, Florida and the Gulf Coast. Physically, the calamondin tree can be identified by its upright branches, evergreen leaves, lack of thorns and average height of 10 feet (3.05 m).
The calamondin tree blooms all year long. Blooming consists of both flowers and fruit. The tree's flowers are small in size and white in color. Its fruit is less than two inches wide (5 cm) and is ripe when it reaches an orange-yellow color. The fruit's interior is naturally segmented, acidic and has a sweet and sour taste that closely mirrors the taste of lemons and limes. Because of its similarity to lemon and limes, the fruit of a calamondin tree can be used to prepare foods and drinks like tea, seafood, meats, sauces, marmalade, chutney, curry, gelatin salads and desserts like pies.
In addition to its uses as decor and a crop supplier, the calamondin tree can also be a source of beauty and good health for its owner. Shampoos, deodorants, acne treatments, creams to even the skin tone, cough medicines, laxatives, itch relievers and decongestants can all be made from the juice of the calamondin tree fruit. The juice can even be used as a cleaning agent and does fairly well in removing stains like ink from fabric.
Despite their many favorable attributes, calamondin trees also have a few disadvantages connected to owning them. For example, it is a popular host for Caribbean and Mediterranean fruit flies. It is also not immune to common citrus plant problems like psorosis, crinkly leaf, exocortis, xyloporosis and tristeza. While they favor well against scab and canker, they may be negatively effected by chlorosis or deficiencies in magnesium and calcium.
The tree, when incorporated into a home's decor, can liven up any space. Many owners of calamondin trees use them as a doorway decoration. Since they are able to be potted and moved to different locations, they may also be used in other parts of the house and transported to more hospitable locations when inclement weather arises. Owners may also appreciate a calamondin tree's novel ability to be used as a Christmas or bonsai tree.
