The Orange: A Migrant Plant with Persian Roots

The orange tree, scientifically known as Citrus aurantium and belonging to the Rutaceae family, is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world. Its name in Italian, 'arancio', derives from the Persian word 'narang', but its geographic origins have long been a mystery. It is believed to have originated in China, from where it was imported to Spain and Portugal, leading to its fruits being called 'portogalli' in various languages including Latin, Arabic, and Germanic languages. Like other citrus fruits such as lemons, citrons, mandarins, clementines, limes, grapefruits, chinottos, and bergamots, the orange is undoubtedly a migrant plant. Its ancestors date back between 6 and 8 million years ago, but its history with humans began with domestication. According to Giuseppe Barbera, in the ancient Chinese text 'Yu Gong', also known as the 'Tribute of Yu', which narrates the Xia dynasty (c. 2195 BC – 1675 BC), there is a precise reference to the orange. This article by Marco Belpoliti and Anita Romanello, published on doppiozero.com on August 27, 2026, explores the botanical and historical journey of this fruit, highlighting its significance as a cultural and agricultural migrant.