The lemon tree (Citrus limon or limonum) is a shrub with persistent and glossy dark green leaves, also called "English lemon tree", which belongs to the large Rutaceae or citrus family.
Its genus includes one hundred and sixty species. Its leaves, with translucent glands, give off a strong scent when crumpled. Its fruits are present on the tree all year round, with peaks in March-April and October-December. Citrus limon is the result of a natural hybrid between the citron (Citrus medica var. vulgaris), the lime (Citrus limetta) and the grapefruit (Citrus paradisii).
Main aromatic molecules: Monoterpenes (limonene), terpene aldehydes (geranial, neral), monoterpenols (linalool).
Family: Rutaceae.
Productive organs: Zest (fruit pericarp).
Yield: 4kg of essence for 100kg of peel.
Equivalence: 1ml → 31 drops (dosage calculated for a calibrated dropper European Pharmacopoeia).
