CITRON

(Citrus medica), small evergreen tree or shrub in the family Rutaceae, cultivated in Mediterranean countries and the West Indies. It grows to about 3.5 m (11.5 feet) high and has irregular, spreading, spiny branches. The leaves are large, pale green, broadly oblong, and slightly serrate with wingless petioles. The flowers of the acidic varieties, such as the Diamante, are purple on the outside and white on the inside, while those of sweet varieties, such as the Corsican, are creamy white. The oval or oblong fruit is protuberant at the tip, about 12 to 15 cm (5 to 6 inches) long, and furrowed. The inner portion of the adhesive rind is thick, white, and fleshy; the outer is thin, greenish yellow, and fragrant. The pulp is firm, either acidic or sweet, and used only for by-products. The thick peel is cured in brine, candied, and sold as a confection. The fruit of the Etrog variety of citron is used in Jewish religious rites.