The Meyer Lemon Tree is a citrus fruit native to China. It is generally believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin or sweet orange. It is belong to Rutaceae family and citrus genus. Citrus X Meyeri actually it is not a species but hibrid. Because of its obvious resemblances to the lemon and its suitability as a substitute for that fruit, it has come to be known as the Meyer Lemon.

Citrus X Meyeri was introduced to the United States in 1908 by the agricultural explorer Frank Nicholas Meyer. By the mid 1940s had become widely grown in California. However, at that time it was discovered that a majority of the Meyer Lemon Tree being cloned were symptom-less carriers of the Citrus tristeza virus, a virus which had killed millions of citrus trees all over the world.  After this finding, most of the Citrus X Meyeri trees in the United States were destroyed to save other citrus trees. Fortunately, one stock was deemed free and clear of disease and became the source for a newly developed “Improved Meyer Lemon” tree that released in 1975 by the University of California.

Citrus X Meyeri reaching a mature height of 3-4 meter and spacing 2,5-3 m if not pruned. Tree is almost thornless, has much wider range of climatic adaptation than either the common lemon or lime. Taste of this lemon is sweeter than the common lemon.

Fruit of Meyer Lemon Tree medium in size, oblong to short elliptical, surface very smooth, color yellowish-orange to orange, very juicy, lemon-flavored,  moderately seedy.  It grows well in warm climates, although produces fruit throughout the year, the majority of the crop is harvested in winter. A tree grown from seed usually begins fruiting in four years.

Citrus X Meyeri likes warm, sunny area where the soil drains well. While the roots prefer to stay on the dry side, citrus leaves love humidity. Pruning is needed to maintain the tree’s shape. Meyer Lemon Tree, is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Flowers are fragrant as at common lemon tree. It can be grown at full sun to partial shade.  It is self-fruitful, does not need a second tree to make fruit.

Use in Landscape: Citrus X Meyeri primarly is not a landscape design material. However it can be used as a landmark at small gardens. Or can be used both side of pathways. It is frequently grown as an ornamental container plant. In cold climates should be grown indoors.