Wild orange

Wild orange is a common name for several plants bearing fruit reminiscent of oranges. They are not necessarily related to family Rutaceae (which contains true oranges). Plants called wild orange include:

Citrus indica

Citrus indica is a species of Citrus known by the common name Indian wild orange.

It is native to India.

Taxonomy

This wild orange plant is likely one of the ancestors of today's cultivated citrus fruits, if not the main one. It is considered to be the most "primitive" citrus. It can be used as a citrus rootstock for cultivated citrus.

Recent searches of the plant's reported home range confirmed its presence only in Meghalaya, where it grows in the Garo Hills.

Uses

This species is used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by the Garo people. The fruit is used to treat jaundice and stomach conditions in humans and animals, and it is used to treat smallpox. It is also applied to dead bodies to remove their ghosts.

Conservation status

This plant is considered to be an endangered species. Threats to the species have included habitat destruction caused by slash-and-burn (jhum) activity. This plant requires a specific microclimate, and appropriate habitat is limited. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is an important site for the species, and its presence inspired the creation of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary within the reserve.