Garden's Busy Day During Citrus Harvest: High Activity Levels Observed
In the heart of Solingen, the Botanical Garden plays host to one of the largest collections of citrus plants in North Rhine-Westphalia. Boasting approximately 45 different varieties and species, this unique collection is a haven for citrus enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
The collection, curated by passionate expert Timm Preuhs, a volunteer at the garden, showcases an array of unusual citrus varieties, each with its own distinctive characteristics. During the recent Citrus Harvest Day, visitors were treated to a tour of these fascinating plants, gaining new insights into the world of citrus cultivation.
One of the most striking varieties on display was the "Citrus Medica Digitata", also known as "Buddha's Hand". This type of citron lemon features bright yellow fruits that hang like curved fingers from the branches. Unlike traditional citrus fruits, Buddha's Hand has very little fruit flesh and instead showcases the mesocarp, the white part of all citrus fruits.
Another intriguing variety was the "Citrus Medica Etrog", a round fruit with a tip at the end, known for its slightly bitter, sweet taste and ideal for aromatic citrus marmalade. The Etrog was tasted during the Citrus Harvest Day, offering visitors a chance to sample this unique citrus variety.
In addition to classic lemons, oranges, and mandarins, the collection includes peculiar specimens such as bitter oranges, cedar lemons, and citron lemons. One such peculiar specimen is the 'Thomasville' Citrangequat, a complex hybrid combining orange, trifoliate orange, and kumquat. This variety is valued for its cold hardiness, unusual lime-kumquat-orange flavour, and prolific fruiting.
Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about the care of these unique citrus plants. Timm Preuhs explained that citrus plants prefer a bright location but direct sunlight should be avoided. Moreover, moisture should be avoided at all costs when caring for citrus plants, and it's advisable to let the soil dry out before watering again.
The focus of the collection is on the cultivation and preservation of old and historically significant varieties of citrus plants. This includes the 'Changsha' Mandarin, among the hardiest of true mandarins, and the 'Ichang Lemon', a hybrid with large, lemon-scented fruits and excellent cold tolerance.
The Citrus Harvest Day served as a platform for exchange and enthusiasm among like-minded people. Visitors asked numerous questions about the different plant species and their care, making the day a lively and interactive event.
The greenhouse, with its limited space, allows for small group tours, ensuring a personal and engaging experience for all visitors. The Citrus Harvest Day was a testament to the passion and expertise of Timm Preuhs and the Botanical Garden's commitment to preserving and showcasing these unusual and fascinating citrus varieties.
[1] source: https://www.britannica.com/plant/Buddha-s-hand-lemon [2] source: https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/citrus_hybrids.html [3] source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/ventura-lemandarin-2214303 [4] source: https://www.britannica.com/plant/Etrog [5] source: https://www.logees.com/plants/citrus/ponderosa-lemon-tree/4001
- Timm Preuhs, the passionate expert and volunteer at the Botanical Garden, curates a unique collection of citrus plants that showcases global cuisines such as the 'Buddha's Hand' citron lemon, known for its distinctive characteristics in food-and-drink.
- The Botanical Garden's collection, also housing gardening specimens like 'Thomasville' Citrangequat, a hybrid of home-and-garden favorites, offers insights into citrus cultivation and lifestyle, providing an educational experience for visitors.
- During the Citrus Harvest Day, attendees had the opportunity to sample peculiar citrus varieties, learn about their care, and partake in discussions on global-cuisines, furthering their understanding and appreciation of the world of citrus plants.
