Citrus paradisii (Grapefruit)

Hybrid between Pummelo Citrus maxima and Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis.

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) > Eudicotyledons > Core Eudicots > Rosids > Eurosid II > Order: Sapindales > Family: Rutaceae > Genus: Citrus

This hybrid species is thought to have originated on the island of Barbados in about 1750. Further varieties of Grapefruit were developed mainly in Florida and Texas, USA. Grapefruit are usually eaten by cutting them in half and scooping out the flesh, often with a little sugar added to relieve the bitterness. They are also used in juices and fruit salads.

Publications

• Sauer, J.D. 1993. Historical geography of crop plants - a select roster. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.