Orange

Ornamental tree valued for fragrant white blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and colorful edible fruit. Creates excellent shade trees, screening hedges, or espalier specimens. Traditional symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Mediterranean and Asian gardens.

Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and essential oils. Peel contains d-limonene with antimicrobial properties. Traditional uses include digestive aid, cold/flu remedy, and anxiety relief through aromatherapy. Orange blossom water used for calming and skin care.

Versatile culinary fruit - juice, fresh segments, zest for flavoring, marmalade, candied peel. Flowers produce orange blossom water for Middle Eastern desserts. Leaves used in Asian cuisine. Pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and poultry dishes.

Provides nectar for bees and butterflies, especially important for honey production. Birds nest in dense foliage. Fallen fruit feeds wildlife. Moderate water needs once established. Susceptible to citrus greening disease. Carbon sequestration through long-lived trees.

Evergreen tree 20-30 feet tall. Alternate, oval leaves 3-4 inches, glossy dark green. Fragrant white 5-petaled flowers. Round hesperidium fruit 2.5-4 inches, orange when ripe, with dimpled peel. Thorns on some varieties. Sweet citrus scent when leaves crushed.

Hard, fine-grained yellowish wood occasionally used for small turned objects, tool handles, and inlay work. Not commercially important for lumber due to small tree size. Wood has pleasant citrus scent when worked. Traditionally used for walking sticks.

Originated in ancient China over 4,000 years ago. The word 'orange' derives from Sanskrit. All navel oranges are clones from a single Brazilian tree mutation in 1820. Orange trees can produce fruit for over 100 years. Color named after the fruit, not vice versa.