in taxon citrus family mandarin orange tree Citrus reticulata Blanco MANSFELD:7687 PLANTS:CIRE3 The mandarin orange (*Citrus reticulata*), also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges, usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. Specifically reddish-orange mandarin cultivars can be marketed as tangerines, but this is not a botanical classification. Mandarins are smaller and oblate, rather than spherical like the common oranges (which are a mandarin hybrid). The taste is considered less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger. A ripe mandarin is firm to slightly soft, heavy for its size, and pebbly-skinned. The peel is very thin, with very little bitter white mesocarp, so they are usually easier to peel and to split into segments. Hybrids generally have these traits to a lesser degree. citrus deliciosa citrus nobilus citrus reticulata citrus unshia fremont loose-skinned orange tangerine tree Citrus reticulata requires discussion