Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
The bitter orange, also called bitter orange or Citrus aurantium, is a citrus plant from the rue family, which is similar to the orange, but is more bitter and smaller. It is a hybrid between grapefruit and tangerine.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The bitter orange grows as an evergreen tree and reaches a height of up to 10 metres. 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 smell. 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 fruit flesh inside is acidic. 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 designations:
- Citrus aurantium amaraextract (INCI), the fruit extract
- Citrus aurantium amara flower distillate (INCI), aqueous solution of 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