What is the common name of Citrus indica?

January 14, 2026 •

3 min read

The Citrus indica, a species endemic to northeastern India, is an endangered plant primarily known by the common name Indian wild orange. This native fruit is historically significant and genetically unique, representing a wild relative of many common citrus fruits we enjoy today.

Quick Summary

Citrus indica is most commonly known as the Indian wild orange. This rare and endangered hybrid citrus is native to northeastern India, particularly the Garo Hills, where it holds cultural and medicinal significance for the local Garo people.

Key Points

Indian Wild Orange: The most common name for Citrus indica is the Indian wild orange, reflecting its origin and habitat.
Endangered Species: This plant is an endangered species primarily due to habitat destruction in its native range of Meghalaya, India.
Natural Hybrid: Contrary to early belief, genomic analysis shows C. indica is a hybrid with ancestry from citron, mandarin, and papeda.
Genetic Sanctuary: The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya is home to a gene sanctuary established to protect the Indian wild orange's unique genetics.
Cultural and Medicinal Use: The indigenous Garo people use the fruit for traditional medicine and spiritual practices, treating ailments like jaundice and stomach issues.
Valuable Rootstock: Its unique genetic makeup makes it potentially useful as a resilient rootstock for modern, cultivated citrus fruits.

Unveiling the Identity of Citrus indica

The botanical name Citrus indica refers to a distinct, and increasingly rare, species of wild citrus. Its most prevalent common name is the Indian wild orange, a designation that reflects its origin and native habitat. This species is of particular interest to botanists and conservationists due to its unique genetic makeup and critical conservation status. The Indian wild orange is an endemic species, primarily found in the Garo Hills within India's Meghalaya state, specifically within the protected boundaries of the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.

The Genetic Significance of the Indian Wild Orange

For a time, some scientists believed the Indian wild orange was the most primitive form of citrus and a direct ancestor to all modern varieties. However, more recent genomic analysis has painted a more complex picture. Studies have shown that Citrus indica is actually a natural hybrid, possessing genetic contributions from several other citrus groups. Its maternal lineage traces back to the citron (Citrus medica), while it also contains genes from the mandarin orange and an unspecified papeda. This makes it a crucial part of the citrus family's genetic history, representing a critical link in the evolutionary tree of these economically important fruits. Its unique genetic profile has made it a valuable resource for breeders seeking to introduce novel traits like disease resistance into cultivated varieties by using it as a rootstock.

Where the Indian Wild Orange Can Still Be Found

The Indian wild orange's natural habitat is severely restricted, which is a major factor in its endangered status. The Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Meghalaya is its primary stronghold, and its presence there led to the establishment of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary. This protected area is vital for safeguarding the species from extinction. The plant's habitat is under threat from human activities, most notably slash-and-burn agriculture, locally known as jhum.

Characteristics of the Indian Wild Orange

A small, shrubby evergreen tree, typically reaching a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Features long, stiff spines at the leaf axils.
Bears fragrant white flowers that often have a purple tint.
Produces small, rough-skinned orange to dark orange fruit with thick rinds.
The pulp is typically sour and contains large seeds.

Medicinal and Cultural Importance

For the Garo people native to the region, the Indian wild orange is far more than just a wild fruit; it is a culturally significant plant with traditional medicinal applications. The fruit has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. This indigenous knowledge highlights the deep connection between the local community and this unique plant.

Traditional Uses of Citrus indica

Used as a traditional remedy for jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Utilized for treating stomach-related issues in both humans and animals.
Historically employed in treatments for communicable diseases.
The Garo people also incorporate the fruit into their spiritual and ritual practices.

Comparison: Indian Wild Orange vs. Common Citrus Relatives


Feature	Indian Wild Orange (Citrus indica)	Citron (Citrus medica)	Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Genetic Profile	Natural hybrid of citron, mandarin, and papeda.	One of the four original ancestral citrus fruits.	Hybrid of pomelo and mandarin.
Conservation Status	Endangered, with very limited populations.	Widely cultivated, not endangered.	Most common and widely cultivated citrus fruit.
Fruit Characteristics	Small, rough, thick-skinned, sour, with many large seeds.	Large, thick-rinded, aromatic, with minimal, often dry, pulp.	Medium-sized, thin-skinned, sweet, and juicy.
Primary Use	Cultural, medicinal, and genetic conservation.	Candied peel (succade), perfume, and ritual use.	Fresh consumption, juice production.
Native Region	Northeastern India, specifically Meghalaya.	Lower Himalayan foothills; widely naturalized.	Southeast China/Northeast India region.

Conclusion: The Importance of a Wild Relative

In conclusion, the common name for Citrus indica is the Indian wild orange, a plant with deep roots in both the botanical history of citrus and the cultural heritage of northeastern India. Despite being a wild relative with a bitter taste and minimal pulp, its genetic significance is immense, offering valuable traits for the resilience of cultivated citrus varieties. Its endangered status underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts, especially in protected areas like the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve. Ultimately, protecting the Indian wild orange is not just about preserving a single plant species; it is about safeguarding a crucial piece of the global citrus heritage and respecting the traditional knowledge of the communities who have long coexisted with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The scientific name for the Indian wild orange is Citrus indica.

The Indian wild orange is native to northeastern India, specifically within the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve located in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

It is a small, shrubby evergreen tree that produces small, rough-skinned fruits. The fruit has a thick rind, is orange to dark orange in color, and contains a sour, juicy pulp with large seeds.

Not directly. While it was once considered a primitive ancestor, modern genomic analysis shows it is a natural hybrid, deriving its genetics from citron, mandarin orange, and a papeda ancestor.

As a natural hybrid, it contains a unique blend of genetic material that is of interest to botanists and citrus breeders. Its genetics could potentially be used to improve the resilience and disease resistance of cultivated citrus varieties.

The primary threat to the Indian wild orange is habitat destruction, largely caused by slash-and-burn agriculture (jhum) in its native region. Its reliance on a specific microclimate also limits its habitat.

The indigenous Garo people of Meghalaya use the fruit for both traditional medicinal and spiritual practices. It is a culturally significant plant for the community.