The kumquat (sometimes spelled kamquat) is a small, citrus-like fruit-bearing plant known for its sweet and tangy edible fruits. Here’s a detailed description:

🌿 Plant Overview:

Scientific Name: Citrus japonica (syn. Fortunella spp.)

Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)

Origin: Native to South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region (especially China)

🌱 Plant Characteristics:

Growth Habit:

Evergreen shrub or small tree

Typically grows 2–4 meters (6–13 feet) tall

Dense, bushy foliage with thornless or occasionally thorny branches

Leaves:

Small, glossy, dark green leaves

Simple, oval-shaped with smooth margins

Flowers:

Fragrant white flowers

Five petals, usually bloom in spring or early summer

Attract pollinators like bees

🍊 Fruit Characteristics:

Shape & Size:

Oval or round, about the size of a large olive (2–5 cm in length)

Color:

Bright orange to yellow-orange when ripe

Peel:

Thin, smooth, and edible

Surprisingly sweet

Flesh:

Tart and tangy

Contains small seeds (pips)

Juicy, with a zesty citrus flavor

Eating:

Eaten whole, including the peel

Used in jams, marmalades, salads, or candied

🌞 Growing Conditions:

Climate:

Prefers subtropical to warm temperate climates

Tolerates light frost better than other citrus

Sunlight: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

Container Friendly: Yes – great for pots and small gardens

✅ Special Features:

Ornamental appeal (compact size, bright fruits)

Hardy and low-maintenance

Often used in bonsai or decorative landscapes

Fruit ripens in winter, adding color when other plants are dormant