Analysis of ‘Marrakesh limetta’ (Citrus × limon var. limetta (Risso) Ollitrault, Curk & R.Krueger) horticultural history and relationships with limes and lemons

Citrus (Rutaceae) species have a relevant role in the culture of Mediterranean countries, not only for their gastronomic or medicinal value, but especially ornamental and symbolic importance. The interest on diversity led to collect cultivate numerous cultivars around Sea, at least since Roman period. Their image is documented mosaics, paintings, sculptures coins first millennium BC. Among these, sweet sour limettas × limon var. limetta (Risso) Ollitrault, Curk & R.Krueger stand history conservation status. Presently cultivated Morocco, Marrakesh, Valle de Ricote (Murcia, Spain). Our work has three main objectives: characterize basis Spanish Moroccan populations, as well its cultural relevance throughout history, painting, gastronomy, agriculture gardening, determine relationships with limes lemons evaluate availability state that legacy. We analyze illustrate morphology plant, flowers fruits differences other related citrus cultivars: limetta, lemon, common lime, Persian bergamot, mellarosa, Meyer rough Pursha Romana Palestine Pomum Adami lemon Rangpur lime. above were selected base known ancestry pomological characters. distinctive characters are useful identification field also identifying images this plant paintings. analyzed different taxa involved compared classification based phenotypes proportion ancestors’ genomes each individual taxa. appears from van Eyck's Ghent Polyptych (early 15th century), still life works by Italian authors 16th 18th centuries. A peculiar type evidence provided presence pictorial catalogues Medici's fruit collections displayed series paintings Bartolomeo Bimbi. This distinctly sold markets Rabat (and cities Morocco), either fresh, candied brined canned. It an important ingredient traditional cuisine. Although lime was widely used cuisine during 17th century, preservation deplorable outside even there it gradually replaced lemons. recommend cultivation resource both obtaining rootstocks fruits, parts world excellent aromas flavors they contribute dishes. In way, promoting crop, we will prevent disappearing. preserve germplasm banks.