Citrus limon Lemox - Lemon Tree

The lemox lemon tree is a recent hybrid variety, resulting from the cross-breeding of three varieties: the 'Femminello' lemon (Citrus limon 'Femminello'), the Commandeur Pear lemon (C. lumia 'pyriformis'), and the 'Doppio Lentini' lemon. 'Lemox' can be considered the first hybrid with fruit characteristics very similar to those of the true lemon. It forms a medium-sized, spiny plant with a spreading habit. The oval fruits, with rather smooth and thin skin, are completely seedless. They reach maturity from the beginning of October, weighing an average of 120g. Sensitive to temperatures below -4°C (24.8 °F), it is only suitable for outdoor cultivation in mild climates; elsewhere, it is preferably grown in a large container, overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.

The lemon tree, Citrus limon in Latin, is a relatively vigorous citrus tree, which forms a small tree with a rounded spreading habit, both ornamental and useful. It is one of the most widely cultivated citrus trees by amateur gardeners, due to its ease of cultivation, as well as its rapid growth and fruiting. The lemon tree produces, from a young age, white flowers tinged with purple that give rise to these oval and yellow fruits when ripe, highly appreciated worldwide. Rich in vitamins, the lemon is considered a panacea by some eminent naturopaths. Hardy up to approximately -7°C (19.4 °F), lemon trees and their varieties are extensively cultivated in open ground throughout the Mediterranean region. They also perform very well in pots, to be stored indoors during winter elsewhere.

The Citrus limon is a small tree of the Rutaceae family, like all citrus trees. It is probably native to the Southeastern Himalayas, Assam, and Northern Burma, and is believed to be the result of a hybridisation between the Citron tree and the Bitter Orange. It has a spreading habit, wider than it is tall. It can reach a height of 3 to 5m (9 ft 10 in to 16 ft 5 in) when grown in open ground, but will remain smaller in a pot. The young branches are tinged with purple, then turn a more grey colour with age. It has entire, ovate to lanceolate leaves, 5 to 10cm (2 to 3.9 in) long and 3 to 4cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) wide, dark green in colour. Flowering mainly occurs in spring, in May-June, but can occur again during the summer. The purple flower buds open into small star-shaped white flowers tinged with purple. The flowering is followed by the formation of oval fruits with a small rounded bump at the apex. They measure about 6cm (2.4 in) in diameter and 10cm (3.9 in) in length. Their thick green skin turns rather pale yellow when ripe. They are very rich in essential oils. The pulp, yellow-green, is very acidic and juicy, rich in citric acid, minerals, and vitamins C, A, and B but low in sugars.

Cultivated for its ornamental qualities as well as for its lemons, the lemon tree belongs to the culinary traditions of all regions of the world. Its use is widespread in savoury or sweet dishes and its juice is used in refreshing drinks or cocktails, as well as a condiment in sauces and carpaccios. The zest is often used to flavour pastries and desserts. In addition to its importance in food, the lemon tree is also a medicinal plant whose therapeutic properties, used for centuries in traditional medicine, are now scientifically proven. The zest of the lemon, rich in essential oil, is widely used in aromatherapy and perfumery. Easy to store, this citrus fruit was once carried on sailing ships, providing a good source of vitamins to combat scurvy. The wood of the lemon tree is used in cabinet-making.

Like all Citrus, the Lemox lemon tree contains visible pockets of essential oils in its leaves, flowers, and fruits, from which essential oil with dermatological, cosmetic, tonic, and disinfectant properties is extracted by distillation (flower and leaves) or by pressing (zest). The fragrance of the essential oil is described as fresh, pleasant, sweet, and lemony.
Most citrus trees thrive in open ground in Mediterranean coastal regions, where they find the necessary warmth all year round. Elsewhere, they will be grown in pots and stored at the first sign of cold weather. Not very hardy, the Lemon tree starts to suffer from the cold at temperatures below -5°C (23 °F) and dies beyond -10°C (14 °F).

Flowering and pollination: The lemon tree is a self-fertile bush, which means that a single individual is sufficient for complete pollination and fruiting. However, if your citrus tree remains indoors permanently, you will need to occasionally let the pollinators do their work or, if you feel delicate enough, carry out hand pollination.