The All-Purpose Plant

What is wooden flower of life meaning?

The wooden flower of life is a magnificent specimen of a bloom-like shrub commonly known for its exquisite beauty and long-lasting perfume. As the flowers develop, they unfurl brilliant hues of orange, lemon and lime over an aromatic base.

Familiar with the plant and its Latin name? You may well be, as the species was first described back in 1841. However, botanists from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have estimated that there are still people who have never even heard of ‘Citrus Grandis'.

What is the difference between citruses and citrus fruits?

Technically speaking, fruits are the mature products of plants; flowers are the reproductive parts of plants. When we think about fruits, we usually think about fleshy products that we can eat or drink. The terms ‘citrus' and ‘citrus fruit' are often used interchangeably, but this is a common mistake. While citrus fruits are indeed a type of citrus, not all types of citrus fruits are classified as ‘citrus'.

For instance, lemons and limes are both types of citrus fruits, but they are not botanically related. Similarly, oranges also contain citric acid, but the outer surface is covered in a waxy coating and they are thus not considered ‘citrus fruits' by experts. For the sake of simplicity, we will henceforth use the terms ‘citrus' and ‘citrus fruit' interchangeably.

Botanical classification

The Botanical Classification of the wooden flower of life is ‘Citrus Grandis'. It is a type of citrus known as the ‘Royal Horticultural Society Citrus Grandis', named after the famed garden where it was first discovered. It is a member of the genus Citrus, family Rutaceae, order Malpighiales.

While ‘Citrus Grandis' is a type of citrus and not a specific variety, it does happen that some types of ‘Citrus Grandis' are more readily available to purchase than others. For example, the type grown in Argentina is known as ‘Citrus Grandis Argentina' and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Argentine Giant', ‘Argentine Moon', or ‘Argentine Sun'. The type grown in Thailand is known as ‘Citrus Grandis Thailand' and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Citrus Grandis Emerald'.

The common name ‘wooden flower of life' is due to the fact that the shrub has a similar appearance to some types of flower, albeit on a much smaller scale. While most people are familiar with flowers in the animal kingdom, the woody plant world is also renowned for its extravagant blooms and decorative foliage. The flower buds, which appear towards the end of the summer, are reminiscent of a flower's pistil and stamen. Unsurprisingly, given its botanical classification, ‘Citrus Grandis' is also frequently referred to as a ‘grapefruit' in English speaking countries. In the US, the term ‘grapefruit' is often used erroneously to mean ‘Citrus Grandis', as the two fruits do not taste the same. Grapefruit is a smaller, thinner fruit with a sharper acidity.

Where does it come from?

The origin of ‘Citrus Grandis' is unknown. It was first cultivated in Argentina, where it was first identified amongst the pampas. Since its original discovery, it has been widely planted around the world for its lovely fragrance and vibrant orange blooms.

The botanical classification of ‘Citrus Grandis' means that it is a type of citrus, but it does not imply that it is native to any one country. The name itself suggests that there is more than one place where this citrus can flourish, as it is a great all-arounder that will grow in most climates and soil types.

What is it used for?

The main use for ‘Citrus Grandis' is as a decorative plant; both in and outside your home. When grown in large quantities, it provides a wonderfully rich orange colour and excellent winter foliage colour. Its pretty flowers are easy to grow from seed and will happily brighten up your space for you.

Due to its hardiness, you can use it to outline paths and borders as well as to decorate your house with. Many people choose to grow it as an accent plant in their garden, either in a container or in the earth. If you live in a cooler climate, you can bring it into your kitchen and let it act as garnish for your fruit during the summer months. It really is a great all-purpose plant that can be used to enhance the beauty of your home in more ways than one.

An excellent way to experience ‘Citrus Grandis' firsthand is to visit one of its production plants. You'll get a good idea of how it grows, with its sprawling branches and heart-shaped leaves. There is also the opportunity to meet the people behind the plant, as many of them are very happy to speak to prospective growers. In addition to this, you can wander around the nursery and pick out all the different types of citrus, talking to the knowledgeable staff about which ones to plant at home.

Flavours and aromas

The fruit of ‘Citrus Grandis' is not something that you'll want to eat as this type of citrus is frequently used in cooking and drinks as flavouring rather than as an accompaniment to a main course. It is also quite high in acidity, which some people find problematic, as it can cause corrosion in metals. However, the flavour of ‘Citrus Grandis' is very pleasing to most people and it imparts a fruity taste to whatever you're cooking, refreshing almost any dish. While it is frequently used as an ingredient in many Asian cuisines, including Thai cuisine, it is also popular in certain parts of Latin America. For example, in Argentina, where it is known as the ‘Argentine Giant'.

It is often confused with other types of citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which is why we mentioned it above. The aroma and flavour of ‘Citrus Grandis' are quite distinct from that of grapefruit and it is relatively easy to tell the two fruits apart. If you are purchasing either of these citrus fruits at a retail level, then make sure that you're buying a reputable brand that guarantees the quality of their produce.

The fruit of ‘Citrus Grandis' contains essential nutrients that your body needs, especially vitamin C and citric acid. These are both very important for human health, as vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis and citric acid is essential for the metabolism of proteins and fats. Therefore, you're getting a double dose of goodness in every mouthful of citrus fruit!

It is a common mistake to think that all types of citrus fruits are created equal. While most people have a good idea of what a grapefruit is and how it tastes, many are not exactly sure what a ‘Citrus Grandis' is. It is a type of citrus fruit that is quite distinct from your average orange and it would be a pity to confuse the two, as the botanical classification of ‘Citrus Grandis' makes this clear. There is no reason to be shy about trying this delicious and healthy fruit, as it is very easy to grow and is an excellent all-purpose plant!