Article Nº 0931 Plant Vol. I · p. 524
Citron (Citrus medica)
Original title: Cidreira (Citrus medica)
The citron shrub, of Asian origin, cultivated mainly in Curral das Freiras for fruit used by Funchal confectioners.
A shrub, rarely a tree, from 1.50 m to 3 metres tall, with thorny branches, blunt leaves (in the lemon and orange trees they are pointed) and large, more or less oblong fruits. These fruits never show the nipple or protuberance seen in those of Portugal. The citron, a native of Asia, is grown chiefly in Curral das Freiras (‘nuns’ fold’), from where large numbers of citrons are sent to Funchal every year for the confectioners.
Places mentioned