Difference Between Tangerines and Oranges

1. Leaf Difference

Citrus leaves are compound leaves, the wing leaves are usually narrow, the leaf blades are lanceolate, broadly ovate or elliptical, the leaf blades vary in size, there is usually a notch at the top, the upper half of the leaf margin has obtuse or rounded teeth, and the margin is rarely entire.

The leaves of orange are thick and papery, the wing leaves are obovate-elliptical, the leaves are ovate or lanceolate, the large ones are about 8 cm long and 4 cm wide, and the small ones are about 2.5 cm long and 1 cm wide. The leaves are narrow and pointed at the top.

2. Flower Differences

Citrus flowers are solitary or in clusters of 2 to 3, with petals usually 1.5 cm long.

Orange flowers are solitary and drooping in the leaf axils, with short pedicels and white petals, sometimes with lavender on the back, about 1 to 1.3 cm long.

3. Fruit Difference

Citrus fruits are usually oblate or nearly spherical, with thin and smooth peels, or thick and rough peels, and are light yellow, dark red or scarlet in color. The fruit contains 7 to 14 lobes and the flesh is sour or sweet.

The orange fruit is oblate or pear-shaped, with a large diameter of 8 cm and a small diameter of about 4 cm. There is a ring-shaped protrusion on the top of the fruit, the peel is rough, thick, and light yellow in color.