PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Citrus x sinensis
Sweet Orange
(L.) Osbeck
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small to medium-sized, shallow-rooted evergreen citrus tree featuring a compact, rounded crown and slender, spiny twigs. It has dark green, lustrous, ovate leaves with narrowly winged petioles that emit a clean citrus scent when bruised. The tree yields highly fragrant, white, five-petaled blossoms (orange blossoms) that mature into globose, bright orange hesperidium fruits protected by a leathery rind containing oil glands and filled with sweet, juicy pulp segments.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Sapindales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Rutaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Citrus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Osbeck
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
A historic ancient hybrid originating from Southern China and Southeast Asia. It thrives in rich, deep, well-drained sandy loam soils with access to full sunlight and moderate, well-distributed watering. It performs exceptionally well in subtropical zones and Mediterranean climates that experience distinct but mild winter cooling, which enhances fruit coloration. It is extensively cultivated across subtropical and tropical belts globally.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An evergreen commercial tree that interacts dynamically with local orchards. It follows a seasonal rhythm governing vegetative growth and flowering flushes. Under agricultural settings, its structural profile is controlled via grafting and selective pruning, maintaining steady carbohydrate allocation to foster dense, uniform fruit sets.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
400.0 - 900.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The fruit features a specialized leathery outer rind (flavedo) packed with aromatic oil glands containing d-limonene, serving as a highly effective chemical defense mechanism against herbivorous insects and fungal pathogens.
Exhibits polyembryony in its seeds, allowing multiple nucellar embryos to develop alongside the zygotic embryo, enabling the plant to produce offspring that are genetically identical clones of the parent tree directly from seed.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Extremely threatened by Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing or HLB), a lethal bacterial disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter africanus/asiaticus and spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, leading to mottled leaves, bitter green fruit, and rapid tree decline.
Vulnerability to Citrus Canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri, which induces unsightly eruptive lesions on leaves, twigs, and fruits, resulting in premature fruit drop and restricted international trade.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The sweet orange is not a wild, naturally occurring species; it is an ancient complex cultigen resulting from a historical cross between two distinct citrus parents: the pomelo (Citrus maxima) and the mandarin (Citrus reticulata).
In many cold-subtropical growing regions, oranges can be perfectly ripe inside while their skin remains bright green. The characteristic orange rind color only develops when exposed to chilly nighttime temperatures, which destroy the green chlorophyll.