Menton's 'Jardin Botanique Exotique'
The last train station in Mediterranean France before the Italian border is Menton Garavan. A few minutes walk from the station, and situated in the mildest climatic zone anywhere in France, is the Jardin Botanique Exotique Val Rahmeh - an offshoot of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris.
In November 2006, I had time for only a brief visit, but found a considerable number of interesting citrus varieties, not all labelled. Unfortunately, at that time I didn't have a list of varieties. I now have one, provided by the French Natural History Museum, which I have reproduced below with my English translations of the common names. So in February 2007 I had a good excuse for a return visit to take some more photos!
In November 2006, I had time for only a brief visit, but found a considerable number of interesting citrus varieties, not all labelled. Unfortunately, at that time I didn't have a list of varieties. I now have one, provided by the French Natural History Museum, which I have reproduced below with my English translations of the common names. So in February 2007 I had a good excuse for a return visit to take some more photos!
page created 30th November 2006
updated 11th Feb 2007 & 17th Nov 2018
updated 11th Feb 2007 & 17th Nov 2018
'Star Ruby' A very nice red-blushed grapefruit on a startlingly dark-green tree.
Citrus medica 'sarcodactylis' or Buddha's Hand Citron
A cluster of lemons variety 'Menton'.
The location map showed a sweet lemon, but the peel smelled just like a normal lemon. However, the flesh was sweet, acidless and very pleasant!
An ancient Nagami Kumquat tree, covered in ripe fruits
.
Two different citron trees, the top fruit is 'Florence'
Chinnoto, or Myrtle Leafed Bitter Orange
Not citrus, but a waterfall of Mediterranean mimosa!
Thornless Thai Lime
Chimera orange+lemon
Australian Round Lime
'Mela Rosa'
CITRUS IN AND AROUND MENTON: SEE THESE OTHER PAGES
Fete du Citron pavilion
| Citrus medica L. | Citron |
| Citrus medica L. 'Sarcodactylis' | Buddha's Hand Citron |
| Citrus nobilis Lour. | Mandarin |
| Citrus nobilis Lour. | Mandarin 'Deliciosa' |
| Citrus paradisi Macfad | Grapefruit |
| Citrus paradisi Macfad | Grapefruit 'Star Ruby' |
| Citrus pyriformis Hassk | Ponderosa Lemon |
| Citrus reticulata Bl. | Clementine |
| Citrus reticulata Bl. | Clementine 'Cleopatre' |
| Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck | Sweet Orange |
| Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck | Blood Orange |
| Fortunella margarita Swingle | Nagami Kumquat |
| Poncirus X C. paradisi Hort | Citrumelo |
| Citrus aurantiifolia Sw. | Lime |
| Citrus aurantium L. | Bitter Orange |
| Citrus aurantium ssp. amara | Willow Leaf Bitter Orange |
| Citrus aurantium L. var. myrtifolia | Myrtle Leaf Bitter Orange |
| Citrus bergamia Wight et Arn. | Bergamot |
| Citrus hystrix DC. | Thai Lime |
| Citrus limon (L.) Burn.f. | Lemon |
| Citrus limon (L.) Burn.f. | Sweet Lemon |
| Citrus limon (L.) Burn.f. | Menton Lemon. |
| Citrus limon (L.) Burn.f. | Variegated Lemon |
| Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. | Pummelo |