Characteristics – The mandarin is a fruit bearer that may have originated in the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in Brazil, both in domestic orchards, as well as in commercial ones. The mandarin ‘Mexirica do Rio’ is one of the oldest citrus cultivars grown in this country. It is a small evergreen tree, not too thorny, 3-5 m tall with dark green foliage. Leaves aromatic, coriaceous, glabrous, 2-5 cm long. Flowers solitary or in groups, form in August-September. Fruits flattened-globose, with a thin skin, with vesicles of highly aromatic and permeating oil, a succulent, soft pulp and a very pleasant, acidic-sweet flavor; they mature from April to June.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in natura, fresh and as juice, they are also made into jelly.

Propagation - By seeds and grafting.