Florida State Flower

Orange Blossom (common name)
Citrus sinensis(scientific name)

Overview

The orange is an incredibly important symbol of the state of Florida, which has been one of the world’s largest exporters of the fruit for decades. Besides being a delicious edible fruit, orange oil is used in making perfume, flavoring baked goods, and even as a powerful commercial cleaning agent. The small flowering trees bear very fragrant flowers that turn into a fruit in the autumn or winter. Citrus fruits are very acidic, with a pH level of 2.5–3. The trees are native to northern India, southern China, and Vietnam. The organge blossom became Florida's official flower in 1909.

Close-up

STATUS

Official

PHYSICAL DETAILS

Duration: Perennial
Plant: Tree
Mature Height: 20–40 ft (approximately 10 m)
Flowering: Spring
Flowers: fragrant clusters of up to six small cup-like flowers with five petals each
Flower Color: White
Leaves: shiny, thick, oval, curved, evergreen leaves 1.5–4 inches (4–10 cm) long
Fruit/Seed Color: bright orange fruit with multiple medium-sized, oval white seeds

HABITAT

Location: sunny or partially shaded areas with sandy soil that receives a fair amount of rain, 40–45 in (102–114 cm) per year.
Range: tropical areas worldwide, although major production areas are in North America (California, Texas, and Florida), Brazil, India, and China.

TRIVIA

• The English word orange is derived from the Sanskrit wordnâraga.
• The flower’s scientific name means Chinese citrus in a reference to the tree’s Asian origin.
• The flower is traditionally associated with good fortune and it used at weddings in bridal bouquets and head wreaths.

Click to enlarge an image

Orange Blossom

Orange Blossom with Fruit

Close-up of Orange Blossom Flower

CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom:	Plantae
Subkingdom:	Tracheobionta
Superdivision:	Spermatophyta
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Rosidae
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Citrus
Species:	C. sinensis

Author: World Trade Press