Citrus reticulata / CHEN PI / Tangerine Peel

Botanical Name – Citrus reticulata

Chinese Name – CHEN PI

English Name – Tangerine Peel

The tangerine (Citrus tangerina) is a group of orange-colored citrus fruit consisting of hybrids of mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata). The name was first used for fruit coming from Tangier, Morocco, described as a mandarin variety.  Under the Tanaka classification system, Citrus tangerina is considered a separate species. Under the Swingle system, tangerines are considered to be a group of mandarin (C. reticulata) varieties.  Genetic study has shown tangerines to be mandarin orange hybrids containing some pomelo DNA. Some differ only in disease resistance.

The Citrus reticulata tree is more drought-tolerant than the fruit. The mandarin is tender and is damaged easily by cold. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas. Citrus reticulata is a moderate-sized tree usually not exceeding 4 m in height; however, a 30-year-old tree can reach 5 metres.