Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The bitter orange, also known as bitter orange or Citrus aurantium, is a citrus plant from the rue family that is similar to the orange, but is more bitter and smaller. It is a hybrid plant between the grapefruit and the mandarin.
Cultivated in southern Europe and subtropical zones.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The bitter orange grows as an evergreen tree and reaches a height of up to 10 meters. It has a round crown and has thorns in the leaf axils of the branches, which can reach a length of between 5 and 8 cm.
The oval leaves contain oil glands that give off a pleasant scent. The white flowers of the bitter orange also have a strong scent.
The fruits of the bitter orange are roundish in shape and bright orange when ripe. The flesh inside is sour. Harvest time in the Mediterranean region is January to February.
Citrus aurantium is the parent plant of Aurantii amari epicarpium, the dried epicarp and mesocarp of the ripe fruit.
The following extracts are used in cosmetics under the following INCI names:
- Citrus aurantium amara extract(INCI), the fruit extract.
- Citrus aurantium amara flower distillate (INCI), aqueous solution of the essential oils
- Citrus aurantium amara flower extract (INCI), the flower extract
- Citrus aurantium amara peel extract (INCI), the fruit peel extract.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles