Citrus macroptera


Citrus macroptera, also known as Bengali hatkhora, satkara, shatkora, hatxora, cabuyao, Melanesian papeda, or wild orange, is a semi-wild species of citrus native to Sylhet, Malesia and Melanesia.
Some authorities consider C. macroptera to be a taxonomic synonym of C. hystrix, while others consider C. macroptera var. annamensis to be a synonym of C. hystrix, but not C. macroptera var. macroptera.

Description

Citrus macroptera is so-named because of the large "wings" on the petiole, which is as large as the blade of the leaf.
The tree, which has thorns, can reach 5 m in height. Its fruit is about 6–7 cm in diameter, has a fairly smooth, moderately thick rind, and is yellow when ripe. The pulp of the fruit is greenish yellow and dry. The juice is very bitter, and somewhat sour.

Varieties

The species is sometimes divided into four varieties, or alternatively into three separate species, as follows:
A cultivar of C. macroptera var. annamensis known as 'Sat Kara', is grown primarily in the Sylhet Division of northeastern Bangladesh where it is called "hatkhora".

Uses

Culinary uses

In Bangladesh, the thick fleshy rind of the Citrus macroptera is eaten as a vegetable, while the pulp is usually discarded because of its bitter-sour taste. The thick rind is cut into small pieces and cooked in beef, mutton, and fish curries. The rind is often sun-dried for later cooking and consumption. The fruit is also a primary ingredient in satkora/shatkora pickles. It is also used in doner kebabs in British Bangladeshi fast-food restaurants.

Perfumery

Many of the C. macroptera var. annamensis fruits are exported from Bangladesh, exacting a high price because their oil is used in the perfume industry.