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This, the largest citrus fruit, is known in the western world mainly
as the principal ancestor of the grapefruit.
The common name is derived from the Dutch pompelmoes,Bali lemon, and
pomelo.
The pummelo tree may be 16 to 50 ft (5-15 m) tall, with a somewhat
crooked trunk 4 to 12 in (10-30 cm) thick, and low, irregular
branches. Some forms are distinctly dwarfed. The fruit 4 to 12 in
(10-30 cm) wide; the peel, clinging or more or less easily removed,
may be greenish-yellow or pale-yellow, minutely hairy, dotted with
tiny green glands; 1/2 to 3/4 in (1.25-2 cm) thick; is divided into
11 to 18 segments, very juicy to fairly dry; the segments are easily
skinned and the sacs may adhere to each other or be loosely joined;
Propagation from seed.
Medicinal Uses: In the Philippines and Southeast Asia, decoctions of
the leaves, flowers, and rind are given for their sedative effect in
cases of epilepsy, chorea and convulsive coughing. The hot leaf
decoction is applied on swellings and ulcers. The fruit juice is
taken as a febrifuge. The seeds are employed against coughs,
dyspepsia and lumbago. |
