Description
(Citrus myrtifolia)
Sometimes called a cumquat or ‘orange’, the Chinotto is actually its own variety of little citrus that’s thought to be a natural mutation of a sour orange.
They’re primarily cultivated in Italy where they’re used to make a very popular beverage also called Chinotto.
The tree itself is quite small, even when fully grown, reaching up to 2 or 2.5m tall in its lifetime, though they can have more of a shrubby growth habit.
The leaves are actually really lovely looking. They’re quite small and emerge in tightly formed little clusters that give the tree a very dense look that makes them amazing pot specimens.
The Chinotto fruits very heavily with masses of bright orange fruit that can get to about golf ball size. Right off the tree, the fruit would be quite sour and not really palatable.
Its predominantly used for cooking, making jams and other preserves, as well as to flavour beverages like tea and soda.
For our citrus care recommendations, please check our Help & Advice page!
