Chemical Properties
Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis (Hoola van Nooten) Swingle, is a “fingered” variety of citron. This evergreen plant produces fragrant blossoms and fruit all year. It thrives in full sun with a moderate open growth to 3 m high or smaller as a container plant. The fruit is about 12 cm (5 in.) long. Similar to citrons, fingered citron produces an extremely strong and pleasant odor. It is shaped like a hand with extra fingers and when ripe the fruit turns bright yellow. The fruit emits a smell without its skin being ruptured to expose an essential oil. Interestingly the smell is not citrusy, but very reminiscent of violets. The aroma will persist for weeks until the fruit dries out, shrinking to the size of a large pecan, but never rotting.
