The lemon tree is a small, woody member of the citrus family cultivated globally for its distinct fruit. As an evergreen perennial, it maintains its foliage year-round, contributing to its appeal in warm climates. Understanding its appearance involves noting its size, the structure of its branches, the texture of its leaves, and the characteristics of its flowers and developing fruit.
General Appearance and Tree Structure
The lemon tree grows as a small to medium-sized tree, reaching a height of 10 to 20 feet when planted in the ground. It can be trained as a large shrub or maintained at a smaller size, especially in containers. The canopy is often dense and spreading, giving the tree an irregular or rounded shape.
The main trunk is woody and often highly branched, with the bark developing a grayish-brown and smooth texture as the tree matures. A distinctive feature of the branches is the presence of sharp, stiff thorns. These thorns are found along the twigs, near the point where the leaves attach, serving as a noticeable identifying trait.
Distinctive Lemon Tree Foliage
The leaves are a deep, rich green, providing constant color throughout the year. The upper surface is smooth and glossy, contrasting with a lighter, duller green on the underside. Individual leaves are oval or lanceolate in shape, ending in a pointed tip, and sometimes feature slightly serrated edges.
Young leaves often emerge with a reddish tint before maturing into the darker green shade. The foliage is highly aromatic because the leaves contain numerous tiny oil glands. When crushed, these glands release a strong, clean lemon scent, which helps distinguish the tree.
The Flowers and Fruit Development
Lemon trees produce small, highly fragrant flowers that appear singly or in small clusters. The buds are often tinted a reddish-purple color, making the emergence of the blooms visually striking. The opened flowers have four or five waxy petals that are predominantly white on the interior, carrying a subtle purple or pink tint on the edges.
The tree produces flowers and fruit throughout the year, especially in warm climates. This results in the simultaneous presence of fragrant blooms, small green fruit, and fully developed lemons on the branches. The developing fruit is oval-shaped and features a small protrusion at the tip. Initially dark green, the fruit transitions to a bright yellow color as it ripens.