ရှောက်

Myanmar Name – ရှောက်

Common Name – Lemon

Botanical Name – Citrus  limon(L.) Osbeck

Family Name – Rutaceae

Habitat – Native to Burma, although it is also prevalent in northern India. Moreover, it has found suitable cultivation conditions in various regions, including China and parts of Europe, notably southern Italy.

Habit – Height up to 6 meters, medium type of plant, evergreen. There are many branches and sharp thorns all over the tree.

Bark – The bark is smooth and dark brown when the tree is young, and becomes rough and dark brown as it ages.

Leaves – Simple, alternate, ovate to elliptical in shape, and typically grow in an alternate arrangement on the branches. They have a glossy texture, with a leathery feel, and emit a citrusy aroma when crushed.

Inflorescence and Flower – Clusters of white, fragrant flowers. These flowers are typically solitary or in small clusters at the leaf axils. Each flower has five petals and numerous stamens.

Fruit and  seed – Oval or elliptical in shape and typically yellow when ripe and contain several seeds within their pulp. These seeds are typically small, ovoid, and light brown in color

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering  time from March to May and Fruiting from June to September.

Usage – In Burmese medicine books, the gourd is sour and clears the heart. Purifies the blood.