A fruit tree of the citrus genus that forms part of the Rutaceae family.

This is an average bearing tree of some 5m in height with smooth-edged, elliptical and long evergreen leaves; the petiole on the higher part of the tree is broadly winged.  

The symmetrically spread, perfumed, white flowers have 5 pointed petals and numerous stamens, whose filaments fuse to the base of the flower forming open sheaves.

The orange is a plurilocular fruit called hesperidium. Oranges originated from India, Pakistan, Vietnam and South-West China and were brought to the Western world by the Arabs.

This species is cultivated in regions with warm, damp climates.

In Spain, oranges are mainly cultivated in Valencia, Andalusia and Murcia where they are usually irrigated abundantly.

Although this is a crop that grows on irrigated land, it does not withstand excessive dampness or waterlogging, as this would cause the tree to die.

Continual frosts below 0 affect both the quality and loss of fruit.

PART USED

The flower. 

COMPOSITION

0.2-0.5% essential oil that is mainly composed of monoterpenes such as: linalyl acetate, linalool, -pinene, limonene, geraniol, etc., together with methyl anthranilate.

It also contains bitter substances and flavonoids. 

PROPERTIES AND USES

Orange blossom is used as a mild sedative for nervousness and sleep disorders as well as being used as a fragrance.

DID YOU KNOW ?

It is said that the Arabs brought the tree to Syria, Palestine and the rest of the Mediterranean from India. The Cordovan Caliphs (9th-10th century) considered the bitter orange as the best ornamental plant, planting it in the streets, gardens, private courtyards and mosques; for example the Orange Courtyard of the Mezquita (mosque) in Cordoba, the Alcázar Gardens in Seville, etc.