Citrus Maxima is a plant that produces green leaves, white flowers, green or purple colored fruits and white seeds. the fruit of the plant is sweet, delicious and juicy, its popularity is above 80 percent. The fruit of the plant is used for medicinal properties and to suppress human hunger. The Citrus Maxima plant is found in abundance in Southeastern Asia, the East Indian, America, Canada, Afghanistan and Brazil. The plant is also known as Pomelo, Limau Bali, Jambura, Limau Besar, Shaddock, Pummelo, Holud Jambura, Limau Betawi, 柚子 etc.

Citrus Maxima: Details and accurate overview about the Pomelo Plant.

Citrus Maxima plant is quite environmentally friendly and its fruit increases the immunity of the human body against various skin diseases including fever, malaria, cancer. From the last 1950 to 2024, about 40 to 42 countries in the world exported Citrus Maxima seedlings or fruits every year during the rainy season. Since this plant can survive in all environments, several countries have conducted research and experiments on this plant from 2000 to 2024. For example: America, Brazil, Britain, India, Africa etc.

Plant Characteristics and Taste.

Citrus Maxima survives in excess of drought or excess of rain so this plant is identified as quite a hardy plant. Its flowers and fruits are quite beautiful and attractive. 90 percent of Citrus Maxima plants are propagated by seed and 10 percent by grafting.

Discussion about the flowers of Citrus Maxima.

The flowers of Citrus Maxima are spherical and Panicle type. However, only once a year, flowers and fruits are seen growing at the tip of the branches, which are fragrant and pollinating. However, the seedlings sown in the ground start to bear flowers or fruits only when the plant is 5 years old. However, flowers or fruits of cloned or grafted plants can be seen growing in 1 year in modern organic ways.

Flower buds can be seen on plant stems at the end of February. At the beginning of March, the flowers bloom slowly and this flower blooms until the 25th of March. By the early part of April, the pollination of flowers is completed and the fruiting process begins.

The flower peduncle is light green, 0.5 cm thin and 5 cm long, its skin is soft and lush. Sepal is quite hard and green in color. 3 cm in length and 2 cm in width. The ovule is located in the center which is quite white and soft. There are 20 to 30 filaments which are pale yellow in color and 2 cm long. 5 petals which are white in color and 2 cm long to 1.6 cm wide. The anther is yellow in color and the stamens are present at its tip. Style is 2.4 cm long and white in color. Stigma is light green in color and contains white heavy sticky substance. But there is a hole in the center.

A disease-free 6-year-old plant produces 2 to 2.5 thousand flowers and a 10-year-old plant produces 4 to 4.5 thousand flowers. However, after pollination, we can see that the 6-year-old plant can pollinate 100 to 120 flowers and the 10-year-old plant can pollinate 150 to 200 flowers. And this remaining flower is created from the flower to make the seed.

At the end of pollination, the peduncle, ovule, style and stigma of the flower remain but all the rest fall off and rot on the ground.

Accurate discussion about the fruits of Citrus Maxima.

The fruiting process of the Citrus Maxima plant begins between April 12 and 15. First green and small fruits are formed from inside the ovule. Then the weight of this fruit is 10 grams: length 4 cm and width 6 cm. After that the weight started to increase by an average of 5 grams per day. After 2.5 months its weight is 1 to 1.4 kilograms. Then the fruit begins to ripen. The structure of the fruit is Pome. A 6-year-old plant of Citrus Maxima produces 20 to 30 fruits per year.

If the fruit is divided into two, 3 types of substances can be found inside.

1. The upper cover is green. However, seeds and pulp are covered by a hard sheet of white color inside which is known as membrane. The upper coat of a fruit is 40 to 120 grams. Membrance 20 to 40 grams.
2. Pulp: which looks white or yellow to pink flesh substance. It is sweet partially sour and edible. Which has a juicy and sour taste to eat. Its weight is 400 to 600 grams.
3. Seeds: The seeds are brownish in color and are 3 cm to 2 cm long and 1 to 2 cm wide. A fruit contains 30 to 65 seeds. However, 2 percent of these seeds are found immature and unable to produce new plants.

Among the 3 substances, only the pulp can be eaten. The remaining two substances are not edible. Citrus Maxima has a small amount of citric acid on the surface of the fruit, which will increase the eye allergy or eye irritation.

Discuss about the leaves of the Citrus Maxima plant.

The leaves of the Citrus Maxima plant contain 30 percent water. The leaves contain mineral salts and have a bitter smell. Crushing the leaves with both hands gives off a bad smell, but if crushed too much, the leaves turn into a black paste.

The average size of a 10 to 2 month old healthy and disease free leaf is 6 inches long and 3.5 inches wide and Veins: Netlike, Shapes: spear shaped, Arrangement: Compound, Edges: smooth, Arrangement on the stem: Alternative. Petiole green color thin tender and 0.5 cm long. Lamina of young leaves is light green and mature leaves are dark green. Veins 4 to 5 present. Midrib hard, 6 cm long and narrow, color dense green. Tip smooth and super soft.

It takes 4 to 5 days to grow a new leaf. When the new leaves are 5 days old, the leaves are odorless, light green in color, 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. The leaves are dark green in color from 10 to 60 days old, with a bitter smell. Leaves turn yellow when old. The average life cycle of a leaf is 2 months. Young leaves or thick green leaves were used to make medicines to cure various diseases. Especially medicine for skin diseases or cholera.

Discuss about the seeds of Citrus Maxima plant.

The seeds of the Citrus Maxima plant are inside the fruit. When the fruit is ripe, cut in half to reveal the brown seeds inside. The seed size is 4 cm in length and 2 cm in width, weight is 4 to 5 grams, brown in color, but if the seed is fertile or dead seed, its size is relatively small and less than 2 grams. Straighten the seed’s head. Seeds can be stored up to 3 years. Seeds take 10 to 12 weeks to germinate in 25 percent moist soil. If the seed is divided into two parts, there are three substances inside:

1. A seed embryo.
2. The upper covering of the seed or the hard substance protecting the seed which is brown in color.
3. Carbohydrates of white color are seen in the food of sprouting plants.

Citrus Maxima plant seeds taste bitter when chewed. Excessive consumption may cause vomiting. These seeds are not eaten by animals but are useful in the propagation of herbs or trees.

Discussion about the roots and stems of Citrus Maxima plant:

Stem: The stem of Citrus Maxima plant is hard wood, gray in color. A 5 year old plant has 50 to 55 stems. Each stem increases in average volume by an average of 1 inch per year.

Root: The roots of the Citrus Maxima plant are a combination of light brown and black and the inner covering is quite strong. The root contains 40 percent water, 10 percent mineral salts and 50 percent wood. A 6-year-old Citrus Maxima plant has 20 to 24 lateral roots, one primary root, 100 to 120 root hairs, one root tip, and one root cap. A 6-year-old Citrus Maxima plant has an average root spread of 5 square feet. However, this plant prevents soil erosion by 82 percent.

Scientific Classification and Biological Name.

Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Citrus
Species:	C. maxima
Binomial name:	Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.
Popularity:	80%
Global Type:	Food and Medical Plant

The botanical name Citrus maxima was given by Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist and father of modern taxonomy, in the 18th century. The species was originally described and named by Johann Burmann, but later reclassified or revised by Elmer Drew Merrill. So, “Citrus maxima” is the accepted name, “Burm.” refers to the initial author (Johann Burmann), and “Merr.” refers to the botanist who revised or updated the classification (Elmer Drew Merrill).

Interesting Facts about the plant.

1. Citrus maxima can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in salads, Kacchi Biryani, desserts, and savory dishes.
2. Pomelo is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, making it beneficial for boosting the immune system and promoting overall health.
3. Citrus maxima plants can survive at 50 degrees Celsius.
4. Delicious to eat; Its fruits are mixed with sour and sweet. So women like to eat more.
5. Leaves of Citrus maxima plant are great medicine for skin diseases.
6. Although the leaves are bitter (no side effects), they can be eaten by livestock to meet their food needs.
7. When the flower blooms, the fragrance spreads around. Birds or insects flock to eat Honey from open flowers. It looks nice.
8. Citrus maxima plant has many varieties. Its fruit size is sometimes Chandler, Honey, and Thong Dee. It looks impossibly beautiful.
9. The fruit of Citrus maxima plant is used in Hindu Durga Puja and then it is given to people to eat as Prosad.

Distribution, Life cycle and Habitat of the Plant.

Distribution:

The Citrus maxima plant is abundant in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is now being cultivated commercially in China, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. But suitable climate for this plant is Bangladesh, Africa, the Americas, and Australia.

Life cycle:

Plants are produced by seed or cutting method. Collection of fertilized seeds from seedlings and seedlings from seeds. However, a Citrus maxima plant can live for 20 to 60 years. 80-year-old Citrus maxima plants can be found in Africa.

Habitat of the Plant:

Pomelo trees thrive in warm, tropical and subtropical climates. They prefer well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and require plenty of sunlight for optimal growth and fruit production. The plant can be found around houses, roadsides, forests, nurseries or sunny places. 10 to 60 percent moisture in the soil can survive this plant.

Market Demand, Global price, Economic Importance.

Market Demand:

Because the flowers of Citrus maxima plant are beautiful and the fruits are delicious, it is in great demand in America, Canada, Australia, Japan, China.

However, 1 kg of Citrus maxima fruit is:

1. Qatar – 60 Qatari Riyal (QAR)
2. Luxembourg -5 Euro (EUR)
3. Singapore – 70 Singapore Dollar (SGD)
4. Brunei -50 Brunei Dollar (BND)
5. Ireland – 40 Euro (EUR)
6. Norway – 40 Norwegian Krone (NOK)
7. United Arab Emirates – 50 UAE Dirham (AED)
8. Kuwait -20 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
9. Switzerland – 40 Swiss Franc (CHF)
10. Hong Kong – 20 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
11. America- 60 Dollars (USD).

However, the price of small seedlings is higher. 200 to 220 American dollars. However, the demand for fruits is more than seeds or plants in the international market. 200 to 250 dollars per kg of seeds.

Economic Importance:

Pomelo is cultivated for its large, sweet fruits which are consumed fresh, juiced, or used in culinary dishes. Countries like Thailand, China, and Malaysia are significant exporters of pomelo. Beyond the fruit itself, other parts of the pomelo tree, such as leaves and peel, can be utilized. So its economic importance is immense.

Plant Benifits and Uses: Good side.

1. Prolonged headache and fever:

The pulp of Citrus maxima plant, mixed with salt and pepper, is good for fever and headache. 2 days after 200 to 250 gm to eat.

2. Excessive headache:

As the fruit of Citrus maxima is sour and salty, 100 to 120 grams of it with sugar can cure headache.

3. Increases Digestive Power:

Ripe fruit of Pomelo is rubbed with salt to increase digestion power.

4. Performing Hindu Pujas:

The Hindu community has been worshiping various deities with the fruit of the Citrus maxima plant for the past 2000 years.

5. Observance of Iftar by Muslims:

The fruit of pomelo is halal for Muslims. So many Muslims like to eat Pomelo fruit during Iftar.

6. To control the temperature of the environment.

The leaves of Citrus maxima plant absorb the excess temperature in the air and keep the temperature of the environment normal. So the people of the Sahara desert are now planting more Pomelo plants.

7. Pomelo plant wood can be used as fuel.

The leaves and wood of the Pomelo plant are flammable. So the wood or leaves of this plant are used as cooking fuel in the rural environment.

8. Pomelo plant prevents soil erosion.

Citrus maxima plant prevents soil erosion. So this plant surrounds the pond

Chemical Constituents and Toxicity.

The chemical constituents of Citrus maxima (pomelo) include various compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils. These constituents contribute to its aroma, flavor, and potential health benefits. But these are organic material and not dangerous for humans.

Fruit flowers or seeds of Citrus maxima are non-toxic, beneficial. Therefore, it is completely beneficial and non-toxic for human and animal bodies.

Nutritional value of pomelo per 100 grams:

Nutritional value list:	Vitamins:	Minerals:	Other Constituents:
Energy: 159 kJ (38 kcal) Carbohydrates: 9.62 g Dietary Fiber: 1 g Fat: 0.04 g Protein: 0.76 g	Thiamine (B1): 3% DV, 0.034 mg Riboflavin (B2): 2% DV, 0.027 mg Niacin (B3): 1% DV, 0.22 mg Vitamin B6: 3% DV, 0.036 mg Vitamin C: 73% DV, 61 mg	Iron: 1% DV, 0.11 mg Magnesium: 2% DV, 6 mg Manganese: 1% DV, 0.017 mg Phosphorus: 2% DV, 17 mg Potassium: 7% DV, 216 mg Sodium: 0% DV, 1 mg Zinc: 1% DV, 0.08 mg	Water: 89 g

Etymology and Common names.

The term “pomelo” is believed to have originated from the Tamil word “pampa limāsu” or “pampa limāsā,” which refers to a large citrus fruit. Over time, this term was likely adopted and adapted by various languages, including Portuguese (“pomelo”), Dutch (“pomelo”), and English (“pomelo”).

Nickname:

1. Thailand – Som-O (Thai)
2. Indonesia – Buah Jeruk (Indonesian)
3. Vietnam – Bưởi (Vietnamese)
4. Philippines – Pomelo (English)
5. China – 柚子 (Mandarin Chinese)
6. United States – Grapefruit (English)
7. Germany – Pampelmuse (German)
8. Latvia – Pampelmūze (Latvian)
9. Spain – Pomelo (Spanish)
10. Italy – Pompelmo (Italian)
11. India – पोमेलो (Hindi)
12. France – Pamplemousse (French)
13. Netherlands – Pomelo (Dutch)
14. Canada – Pomelo (French)
15. Australia – Pomelo (English)
16. Brazil – Pomelo (Portuguese)
17. South Korea – 포멜로 (Korean)
18. Russia – Помело (Russian)
19. Egypt – Pomelo (Arabic)
20. Argentina – Pomelo (Spanish)
21. Bangladesh – জাম্বুরা (Bangla)

Threats and Conservation.

Habitat loss:

Forests are being cut down to make additional houses or buildings. It is killing the pomelo plant in excess. 92 percent of the pomelo plant is located in the forest and tropical environment.

Agricultural expansion:

Due to the high cost of pesticides and fertilizers, the amount of Pomelo plant cultivation is decreasing and both the farmer and the plant are disappearing. Every government should encourage Pomelo plant cultivation.

Diseases:

Pomelo plants are affected by various viruses and bacteria due to excessive fog or waterlogging. Such as citrus greening (Huanglongbing) and citrus canker. However, when the flower comes, the immune system of the plant is reduced and more diseases or viruses are affected. So we should use more compost instead of chemical fertilizers. Poison can be sprayed if additional spiders attack.

Cultivation and Care of the plant.

Citrus maxima can be cultivated in two ways.

1. Cultivation in tubs.
2. Cultivation in open fields.

Cultivation in tubs is a bit more expensive and produces fewer flowers, fruits or seeds than plants. Fertilizers and insecticides should be given frequently to each plant.

Cultivation in open field results in higher yield of flowers, fruits and seeds as well as maturity. Per plant requires less fertilizer, pesticides and water. Produced fruits can be exported to the market to meet the needs of their families. However, the amount of cultivation of the plant in the agricultural way in the world is 8 percent. It is cultivated more commercially in China and France.

Care list:

1. Seeds should be sown commercially keeping a distance of 1 meter. And if in a tub, a seed should be sown in a tub.
2. Virus or diseased seedlings should be removed and burned and other seedlings should be planted in that place.
3. Compost fertilizer and water must be given while planting seeds and seedlings. It will make the plant healthy and grow fast.
4. After 1 year the best branches of the tree should be cut less than usual. It is better not to cut it. Because cutting the extra branches reduces the flowers and fruits of the tree.
5. Do not cut the branches and leaves of the tree when the flowers bloom.
6. Water should be given once in 2 days in Summer and once in 2 days in winter. But don’t give during the rainy season.
7. 10-05-02 (kg) per hectare of land should be given compost fertilizer-chemical fertilizer-insecticide every 2 months.
8. Immature fruits should not be plucked and marketed in the hope of gaining extra profit. This will reduce the rate of production of the next crop. Ripe fruits must be collected and marketed.
9. Fruit collection from trees should be stopped for 10 days after pesticide spraying. It will reduce the risk.
10. While collecting the seeds, the seeds must be fertilized and mature seeds should be selected. But you can also collect from seed refineries. This will increase the rate of seedling or fruit production from your next plant.

Cultivation method.

Citrus maxima is cultivated worldwide from 1800 to 2024 in two ways:

1. Cultivation in tubs.
2. Cultivation in open fields.

let’s know clearly:

1. Cultivation in tubs.

A. Selecting a Tub.

15 to 25 kg soil capacity tub should be taken. The bigger the tub, the better the plant will grow and flower sooner. To take the tub made of burnt-clay. However, if clay tubs are not enough, plastic tubs can be taken. Place the small hole in the bottom of the tub. It can remove excess water very easily.

B. Soil Mix.

Must collect loam or sandy loam soil. Mix 2 percent water with the soil and keep the humidity at 10 to 15 percent. 10-05-01 (kg) should be mixed with soil-compost fertilizer-lime and poured into the tub.

C. Planting.

2 seeds should be sown in a tub keeping a distance of 12 inches. If the right humidity and weather conditions are maintained, the seeds will germinate within 1 month after sowing. After sowing the seeds, water should be given after 4 days so that the soil moisture will be correct. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers can be applied after sowing. If the size of the seed is 12 inches, keep one fertilized seedling in the tub and plant the rest elsewhere.

D. Location.

Place the tub in a place that gets 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day and take care that rain water does not accumulate in the tub. Keep the tub area away from livestock and harmful insects.

E. Watering.

Water should be given every 2 days from seed sowing to fruit collection. However, water cannot be given during winter and monsoon. Take care that excess water cannot accumulate at the base of the plant, it disrupts the normal growth of the plant.

F. Fertilization.

Tubs do not accumulate silt in the rain like open environments, so you have to apply fertilizers and pesticides every 15 days. And compost without using chemical fertilizers. Because this fertilizer is eco-friendly and does not harm the environment. After 1 month, give 0.5 kg of nitrogen fertilizer per 10 kg of soil. 0.2 kg of potassium fertilizer per 10 kg of soil. Water must be given after application of fertilizer.

G. Pruning.

Prune Citrus maxima (pomelo) trees year-round by removing dead/diseased branches. Thin overcrowded areas for airflow and light penetration, promoting even fruit ripening. Shape trees to an open, vase-like structure for sunlight distribution. Trim vigorous growth to stimulate branching and manage size. Eliminate suckers to conserve energy for fruiting. Conduct major pruning in late winter to early spring. Use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts, sanitizing after each use to prevent disease spread. Avoid over-pruning to maintain tree health and fruit production. Effective pruning ensures healthy, productive Citrus maxima trees.

H. Protection.

Protect this plant from extreme weather, pests, and diseases. Shield against frost and winds with cloth or burlap. Apply organic insecticides and fungicides to combat pests and diseases. Ensure proper irrigation to prevent water stress. Use tree guards to deter pests and rodents. Monitor for signs of stress, pests, or disease, taking prompt action when necessary. Effective protection ensures the health and longevity of your Citrus maxima trees.

I. Pollination.

When the flower blooms, be careful that insects or flies can come around the flower and cause pollination. For example: Don’t have lizards around the plant. Because if lizards eat bugs and flies, the normal process of pollination is disrupted. The flower is actually the leaves of the tree or the flower of the tree does not get shaken. It destroys flowers and disrupts pollination.

J. Harvesting.

Harvest Citrus maxima (pomelo) fruits when fully ripe, typically in late fall to early winter. Check for color change and firmness, indicating readiness. Twist or cut fruits from the tree, avoiding damage to the stem. Mature and ripe fruits should be collected in the morning. Picking immature and unripe fruits can attack citrus maxima plants with viruses and bacteria.

2. Cultivation in open fields.

A. Selecting accurate Land and Preparation.

The land must contain at least 70 percent loam and 20.5 silt. Select land that gets at least 5 to 5.6 hours of sunlight a day. Cultivate the land well with a plow or machine and shake the soil. Cultivate 5 times in total 2 days apart in 10 days. It will be convenient for you to water if there is a good water system near the land. If there is no water supply, install deep tube wells. Then the selected soil should have a pH value of at least 6.5-7. So balance the ph with proper lime. Now 10-03-01 (kg) ratio of compost fertilizer-urea (nitrogen fertilizer)-potassium should be given. The seedlings will grow faster. If we add more than this amount of fertilizer, the plant will grow faster, but after a few days, your plant may suffer from iron deficiency disease; The probability is 80%. So give proper amount of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Then level the land.

B. Planting and Accurate care.

Collect government seeds or take your own collected seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 1 hour and let them dry in the sun. Roast again and cover with wet cloth for 5 to 7 days; Keep the weather between 15 and 25. After 10 days the seeds will germinate and when the sprouted seedlings are 1 inch, dip them in red or black dye and plant them in the ground. Because you dye these seeds the birds will not eat those seeds. When planting, carefully plant 1 inch below the soil. After 2 days spray water over theke land.

C. Way to make land clean.

After 15 to 20 days after sowing the germinated seeds, the seedlings will grow 5 to 6.7 inches and weeds will grow as well. These weeds must be removed by hand but weed killers cannot be used. When the seedlings are 30 days old, an average of 7 grams per seedling should be given nitrogen fertilizer and sufficient water.

D. Watering with proper time.

If the height of the sapling is 6 to 7 inches, the land should be watered after 10 days. Weeds should be cleaned before watering and seedlings should be observed. Seedlings infected with virus or disease should be removed and burnt and new seedlings should be planted in that place. Water must not be iron-free water and flood water.

E. Smart Fertilization.

Fertilizers, pesticides and watering should never be over-applied. If the height of seedlings is 10 to 12 inches, nitrogen-potassium-compost fertilizer 04-02-10 grams should be given per seedling. If the height of the seedlings increases to 5 inches, this size should be increased by 2 grams and this rule should be followed till the flowering and fruiting of the seedlings.

F. Pruning.

When the Pomelo seedlings are 150 to 200 days old, the bamboo poles should be tied. After 300 days, the unnecessary branches should be cut. However, cutting the extra stems of the Citrus Maxima plant will kill the plant. So be careful. Always try to cut the lower stems of the plant, not the upper ones.

G. Plant Protection.

Keep the weeds clean around the Pomelo plant. Make sure that the leaves of the plant are not attacked by spiders or insects. However, you can spray insecticides to control pests. Viral plants must be removed and burned. The land should be surrounded with nets so that the domestic animals do not eat the leaves or stems of the plants.

H. Flower Pollination.

The flowers of the Pomelo plant are white in color and fragrant, so 80 to 90 percent pollination is done if there are enough bees and beetles. But if you don’t see enough beetles or bees then you can do the pollination with your hands. For example: 3 days after flowering, pluck a flower and apply it to the stamens of the tip of all flowers. Remember that the male and female flowers of Citrus Maxima are not produced separately. Therefore, stamens and pistils exist in every flower.

I. Fruit Harvesting and Market control.

When the Pomelo is ripe, its color becomes light yellow. But within 3-4 months this fruit is ripe and edible. Ripe fruits should be collected from the trees in the morning and afternoon and marketed in black polythene. Nutritious, fresh, disease-free, correct weight and quality fruit should be marketed.

Top Popular and Eye-catching Image of the plant.

Conclusion.

Planting Citrus maxima, or pomelo, offers several benefits. Firstly, it yields nutritious fruits rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients, contributing to a healthy diet. Cultivating pomelo also supports biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.