Differences between Citrus aurantium and Citrus

1. Leaf Difference

The leaves of trifoliate orange are narrow and winged, usually with digitate 3 leaves, rarely with 4 to 5 leaflets, the leaflets are equal in length or the middle one is larger, 2 to 5 cm long and 1 to 3 cm wide, symmetrical or bilaterally asymmetrical, with finely blunt teeth on the leaf margin or entire.

The leaves of orange are alternate, with petioles 0.5 to 1.5 cm long and narrow wings. The leaf blades are lanceolate or elliptical, 4 to 11 cm long and about 1.5 to 4 cm wide. The tip of the leaves is acuminate or slightly concave, the base is cuneate, and the leaf margins are entire or wavy.

2. Flower Differences

The flowers of the trifoliate orange are solitary or paired in the axillary, usually opening before the leaves. The diameter of the flowers is 3.5 to 8 cm. The petals are white, spoon-shaped, and 1.5 to 3 cm long.

Orange flowers are solitary or clustered at the branch ends or leaf axils. The calyx is cup-shaped, with 5 lobes, 5 petals, white or light pink.

3. Fruit Difference

The fruit of the trifoliate orange is nearly round or pear-shaped, usually 3 to 4.5 cm in diameter, with a slightly concave top, dark yellow skin, and 6 to 8 valvular capsules inside.

The tangerine fruit is a mandarin orange, yellow in color, nearly round or oblate, 4 to 7 cm in diameter, with a thin and wide peel and 7 to 14 lobes inside.