Citrus trifoliata

Citrus trifolia, commonly known as the trifoliate orange, is a unique evergreen shrub valued in traditional medicine. Distinguished by its three-leaflet structure, this plant offers diverse therapeutic properties. Rich in essential oils and bioactive compounds, it is widely utilized for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and digestive-supporting medicinal benefits.

  • Scientific name: Citrus trifoliata
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Rutaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Citrus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Sapindales WCVP
Family Rutaceae WCVP
Genus Citrus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Citrus trifoliata, is referred to by various names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is commonly called 枳 in standard Mandarin (zh), simplified Chinese (zh-cn), and traditional Chinese (zh-tw). In Swedish, it is known as Citrontörn, and in Persian, it is called پرتقال سهه‌برگی.
Language Common Name Source
zh Wikidata
zh-cn Wikidata
zh-tw Wikidata
sv Citrontörne Wikidata
fa پرتقال سه‌برگی Wikidata
ko 탱자나무 Wikidata
da Dværgcitron Wikidata
frr Triibleedrag Aapelsiin Wikidata
hy Պոնցիրուս եռատերև Wikidata
tr Poncirus trifoliata Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across multiple regions of Asia and Europe. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented within the borders of Bulgaria and Romania. Moving eastward into Central Asia, the species can be found inhabiting Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the plant has a significant distribution within China, specifically located in the South-Central region. Together, these locations highlight the diverse environmental habitats where the species thrives.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Central Asia Tadzhikistan WCVP
Central Asia Uzbekistan WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Citrus trifoliata, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its aromatic leaves which are often used in traditional remedies. The fruits are highly significant, serving as a primary source of bioactive compounds, and the individual fruit can be processed to extract juices or essential oils. Each of these parts contributes to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Citrus trifoliata has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarins, auraptene, furocoumarins, imperatorin, limonin.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
auraptene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
furocoumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
imperatorin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
limonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myrsellin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phellopterin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
scoparone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triphasiol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
umbelliferone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Citrus trifoliata has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Citrus trifoliata has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, gastrointestinal disorders.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastrointestinal disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆