05.11.2024 - 09.02.2025 Citrus plants are blooming in the lemonarium of the Central Botanical Garden. The lemonarium is the only and unique greenhouse of citrus fruit plants in the Republic of Belarus. There are about 100 varieties of citrus fruits here: 60 varieties of lemons, 15 varieties of oranges, 10 varieties of tangerines and 10 varieties of grapefruits, as well as such rare citrus fruits as quincans (fortunello, kumquat), citrons, calamondins (citrofortunello). Interesting facts about citrus fruits: The first mentions of citrus fruits date back to the 3rd century BC. Essential oils of citrus fruits not only destroy bacteria and viruses, but also have a beneficial effect on the emotional state of a person, helping to cope with depression. Until the beginning of the 18th century, citrus fruits were unavailable to ordinary people. They were the decoration of royal feasts. Aristocrats rubbed aromatic citrus oils into their skin, drank juices from these fruits, and also sewed dried lemon peels into their clothes. In Europe, lemons have long been grown as an ornamental plant, while in Asia, on the contrary, lemons were used in medicine and cooking. The peel, leaves, and seeds of citrus fruits contain more vitamins than the fruits. In Spanish folk beliefs, lemon symbolizes unrequited love, and orange symbolizes mutual feelings.
