Citrus maxima

The pomelo is in the citrus or Rutaceae family and is native to south and southeast Asia. It is one of the original citrus species from which the rest of cultivated citrus have been hybridized.

For instance, the sweet orange (Citrus x sinensis) was developed in China over 2,400 years ago by crossing the pomelo with the mandarin orange and now is grown all over the world (e.g., the Florida and the California sweet orange).

• Fruit of the pomelo is the largest of citruses, growing to 1-2 kg in weight; taste is sweet, like a mild grapefruit; rind is thick and sometimes is made into marmalade.