Kumquat of the genus Fortunella, a fruit resembling a miniature orange, seldom more than 3 cm (1.25") across. Until recently it was placed with the orange in the genus Citrus, but has now been assigned to a genus of its own because of the simpler structure of its fruit. In particular, its attractive golden rind is not a distinct, pithy covering like that of a true citrus fruit, but is thin, soft, and pulpy. This is all to the good because the rind is therefore edible, and the fruit can be eaten whole, although the taste of most kinds is rather too sour for the average palate.
