Citrus originated from Southeast Asia . Around the year 1000, the Arabs introduced citrus into Spain and Sicily , both lemons and the Seville orange . Over time other varieties were developed : lime, limette, mandarin, clementine, soft orange, grapefruit and later hybrids such as tangerines and kumquat.

These varieties are now also grown in the following countries :

• Mediterranean counties : Israel , Greece , Morocco , Spain , Italy and Turkey .
• North America : Florida and California .
• South America : Brazil and Argentina .
• Asia : China and India .
• Africa : South Africa .

France also produces clementines, but only in Corsica .

The trees are evergreen and can grow between 3 to 15 metres in height, depending on the variety.

Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C.