Citrus x sinensis

The sweet orange (also identified as Citrus sinensis) is in the citrus or Rutaceae family and it has been recorded in China as early as 300 B.C. The fruit is the hybrid C. x sinensis which is a cross between the pomelo (C. maxima), a grapefruit-like citrus fruit which is native to south and Southeast Asia, and the mandarin orange (C. reticulata).

The sweet orange was originally brought to Florida by the Spanish conquistadores.

Globally, Brazil, China and India are the largest cultivators, followed by the United States. Sweet oranges account for approximately 70% of world citrus production.

Over 30 or more cultivars of the sweet orange are grown all throughout the northern and southern hemispheres.