Orange

Orange, tree (genus Citrus) of the rue family; also, the fruit of the tree. Oranges, which have been cultivated since ancient times, probably originated in tropical regions of Asia. The sweet, or China, orange (C. sinensis) and the mandarin orange (C. reticulata), the main species in cultivation, are used as dessert fruit and for making orange drinks. The Seville, or sour, orange (C. aurantium) is mainly used to make marmalades. The chief orange-growing states are Florida, California, Arizona, and Texas.