The lemon plant (Citrus limon) is a small, evergreen tree or large shrub cultivated primarily for its highly acidic fruit. This member of the Rutaceae family presents a distinct appearance, often holding foliage, flowers, and developing fruit simultaneously.
The Overall Structure of the Tree
The lemon tree typically grows to a moderate size, reaching 10 to 20 feet in height and spread if left unpruned. Its growth habit is naturally bushy and spreading, forming an irregular, open canopy. The branches often appear angular, especially when young, and may bear sharp thorns on the twigs or new growth.
The trunk of a mature lemon tree is short and woody. While the bark is smooth on younger wood, it develops a more fissured or slightly rough texture as the tree ages. Since the tree is evergreen, it retains its leaves year-round, allowing it to display fruit and flowers simultaneously in warmer climates.
Identifying Features of the Foliage
The foliage is a deep, glossy green, providing a rich color contrast to the lighter hues of the blossoms and fruit. Individual leaves are ovate or elliptical, measuring up to four inches long, and are attached to the stem by a slightly winged petiole. The upper surface is dark and shiny, while the underside is typically a lighter shade of green.
Younger leaves may emerge with a reddish tint before hardening into the characteristic dark green. A distinguishing feature is the presence of oil glands, which release a distinct, fresh citrus aroma when the leaf is crushed. The branches often feature small, pointed thorns that develop at the nodes.
The Appearance of Lemon Blossoms
The flowers, known as lemon blossoms, are prized for their strong, sweet fragrance. These blossoms are relatively small, usually growing in small clusters or appearing singly in the leaf axils. They possess a waxy texture and typically consist of four or five petals.
The petals are a bright, clean white on the upper surface. The color is often accented by a purplish or pinkish tint on the underside, which is noticeable when the flowers are still in bud form. The sweet scent of the flowers is distinct from the tartness of the fruit.
Stages of Fruit Development
Lemon fruit development begins after successful pollination, when the ovary at the base of the flower swells to form a small, hard fruit. The newly set fruit is a solid, deep green color and must remain on the tree for several months to reach maturity. Maturation time ranges from four to twelve months, varying based on climate and variety.
As the fruit grows, it develops the characteristic oval shape with a small, nipple-like protrusion, or mammilla, at one end. The skin, or rind, is initially thick and smooth. As the lemon expands, the surface often becomes slightly pitted or bumpy due to aromatic oil glands. Ripening is marked by a gradual color change, ending in the familiar bright yellow color that signals readiness for harvest.