Rare Citrus Trees

• Rare citrus trees bear exotic and tasty fruit.Chinotto image by Desiree M??ller from Fotolia.com
  
  If you love the taste of citrus fruits and want to grow some trees in your garden other than standard lemon or lime trees, you may want to include some rare varieties. These trees that bear fruits will add a pop of color to the garden space, as well as a pleasant aroma that will make walking through the garden especially enjoyable.
  
  

Mandarin

• The mandarin tree was originally grown in Southeastern Asia and can grow as tall as 25 feet. The fruit of the mandarin tree is officially classified as a berry, and it can be a red or deep orange color. The mandarin fruit is easy to peel, and the trees grow well even in cold climates. Tangerines and satsumas fall into the mandarin category as well, and many gardeners who live in cold climates can tend to the trees successfully and take advantage of the ripe fruit to eat right off the tree or use in recipes.
  
  

Kumquat

• Kumquats, which look like mini oranges or grapefruits, originated in China, and the fruit grows on short trees or shrubs that don't usually reach higher than 15 feet. The plants need plenty of water and sun and grow well in coastal or tropical areas. The flowers on the kumquat tree are a bold white hue contrasted with deep green leaves, which makes the tree especially appealing. Kumquats can be anywhere from a yellow to reddish-orange color. The fruit has a sweet taste, but some varieties have a tangy flavor that is ideal for savory dishes.
  
  

Miniature Lemon Tree

• Although lemon trees are somewhat popular in home gardens, miniature varieties are great for small gardens. These trees will be an eye-catching addition to your garden, but they need to be watered as soon as you plant them. The trees also need a lot of light, but they shouldn't be planted in a part of the lawn where the soil will dry quickly. A miniature lemon tree can be pruned in the shape of your choice, so you can do some customized landscaping by pruning the tree into a circle or triangle.
  
  

Buddha's Hand

• Buddha's hand plants are small, shrublike trees with citrus fruits that are long and skinny. The tree can grow well in cold climates, because the fruit is resistant to frost. Flowers and leaves, along with the Buddha's hand fruits, are a purple color, which contrast well with the yellow plant. The Buddha's hand is a symbol of long life and happiness in China. It has a limelike flavor.