Citron
Family Rutaceae
Citrus medica, the citron (C. medica 1), was the first of the Citrus species to reach Europe from the East about 300 BC. It is a shrub, up to 3 m high, with elliptic serrate leaves and wingless petioles; and with both bisexual and male flowers; the latter with 30-40 stamens. The oblong fruits (C. medica 2) are large, up to 20 cm long, with a very thick yellow peel and sour greenish pulp.
Use
The citron was used medicinally by the ancient Romans. Theophrastus called it the Persian apple; Pliny called it Citrus, the name that was taken by Linnaeus for the genus.
Candied peel is made from the rind, and is used for flavouring cakes and confectionery. The variety Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis (C. medica 3, C. medica 4), the fingered citron, is medicinally used in China.