Calamondin is a small evergreen tree or large shrub in the citrus family (Rutaceae) native to Asia and is thought to be a cross between mandarin orange and a kumquat. It is grown commercially in the Philippines and parts of tropical Asia and Latin America. The specific epithet microcarpa means "small fruit" in reference to the relatively small size of the fruit. Grow calamondin in full sun and high humidity for best flowering and fruit production and in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. In colder winter areas, it is best grown in a container and overwintered indoors. Sources vary as to what the growing zones are. Some say 10 to 11, some 9b to 11 and others 8b to 11. The tree blooms in spring with fragrant white flowers and repeats bloom 4 to 5 times during the season. It is possible to see blooms and fruit at the same time. The fruit has a thin, fragrant peel and an acidic pulp and it can take up to a year to mature. It is used in drinks and as a flavoring for foods. Calamondin is often used as an ornamental in this country and can be grown in a container in cooler climates. It can also be grown for its edible fruits, in an Asian garden or a winter garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insects include spider mites, scale insects, citrus leafminer and aphids. Diseases that affect the plant include citrus canker, sooty mold, citrus greening and root rot.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12-24 feet
NC region
Coastal
Mature size
Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Ovate
Leaf feel
Leathery
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves are glossy, rich green with wing-like appendages on the leaf petioles. They have a citrus aroma when crushed. They are 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide.
Flower color
Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Cyme
Flower shape
Star
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Fragrant white 1-inch 5-petaled star-shaped flowers that may have a hint of purple and a yellow center. Blooms in spring and then intermittently through summer. They grow singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Green; Orange
Fruit value
Edible; Showy
Fruit size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Fruit detail
The round fruit is 1 to 1 3/4 inches across and starts out green, maturing to orange.
Bark color
Light Brown; Light Gray
Bark detail
Mature bark is grayish brown is finely fissured and corky.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Gray/Silver; Green
Stem detail
Stems are greenish when young, turning woody and greyish-brown as they mature and are nearly thornless with a smooth texture.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Asia
Wildlife value
The flowers attract pollinators. The fruit is eaten by birds, squirrels, and opossums. Deer may browse the fruit.
Attracts
Pollinators
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit
Harvest time
Fall; Summer
Edibility
The fruit is edible and adds a tangy flavor to drinks and foods, such as noodles
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Patio
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Children's Garden; Edible Garden; Winter Garden
Design feature
Flowering Tree
Garden tags
#edible garden #citrus tree #wildlife friendly #evergreen tree #Asian garden #winter garden #small tree #edible fruit #bee friendly #bird friendly #ornamental tree