Fauna
Plant

Kumquat

Citrus japonica

Also known as Round Kumquat, Marumi Kumquat, Morgani Kumquat

Kumquats are compact evergreen shrubs or small trees native to East Asia, distinguished by dark glossy foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and small golden-orange fruits. Unlike most citrus trees, they demonstrate remarkable cold hardiness, entering a winter dormancy that allows them to survive brief freezes. Spring flowers attract a wide variety of native pollinators, while dense branching provides sheltered nesting sites for songbirds.

EvergreenFragrantFruit Bearing
Kumquat reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic (autotroph)
Predators
  • Citrus Swallowtail Caterpillars
  • Rats
  • Fruit Flies
ThreatsCitrus greening disease (huanglongbing), extreme freezes, and habitat loss
HabitatsSubtropical forests, orchards, and cultivated gardens
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyRutaceae
  3. GenusCitrus
  4. SpeciesCitrus japonica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Fruit is eaten whole by people; citrus peel oils can upset dogs and cats, so keep fallen fruit away from pets.
Responsible observation
  • Light Needs: Place in full sun for at least six hours daily to encourage dense flowering.
  • Soil Requirements: Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil to prevent root rot.
  • Pet Precautions: Keep fallen foliage and rinds away from curious dogs and cats.
Related species
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