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What is the current accepted taxonomy of the Citrus genus, and how do common cultivated fruits fit into it?

Biology Asked by Avery on July 28, 2021

I want to learn about the taxonomy of Citrus, and how cultivated fruits fit into it. I know that the history of cultivated citrus fruits is full of hybridisation and that the taxonomic classifications have changed extensively over time, but I’m looking for the most up-to-date and currently accepted classifications.

Kew (Plants of the World Online) has information about which species names are currently accepted and which are synonyms. But there is no information about ancestry or about how cultivated plants fit into those species. Horticulture/agriculture widely use common names, and botany widely uses scientific names, but I’m looking for information that bridges these two areas.

I want to be able to write a full binomial and cultivar (if applicable) name for common citrus fruits. For example:

  • "Meyer lemon". Is it Citrus × meyeri? Citrus × limon ‘Meyer’? Citrus × limon var. meyeri?
  • "Satsuma". Is it Citrus unshiu? Citrus deliciosa? Citrus × deliciosa? Citrus aurantium var. unshiu? Citrus reticulata?
  • "Seville orange". Is it Citrus × aurantium? Citrus aurantium var. aurantium? Citrus aurantium ‘Seville’?

Researching individual species or cultivars turns up some answers, but they often don’t match each other because there are so many different sources. I want a cohesive summary of the current classification for the entire genus. Is there a book or article that can help me?

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