The Nobleman Retort -clymenia- May 2026

However, the fruit known commercially as "The Nobleman Retort -Clymenia-" is not the wild variety. It is a specific, cultivated polyploid (a plant with more than two sets of chromosomes) selected for one purpose: Part 2: The Legend of the "Retort" Why "Retort"? The word has two meanings, both of which apply to this fruit.

In the vast, fragrant universe of citrus fruits—where the common lemon and orange reign over supermarket shelves—there exists a shadowy echelon of near-mythical specimens. These are fruits that have been coddled by royalty, stolen by spies, and lost to history. Among these elite, one name stands out not just for its rarity, but for its audacious personality: The Nobleman Retort -Clymenia-. The Nobleman Retort -Clymenia-

Unlike the common orange ( Citrus sinensis ) or lemon ( Citrus limon ), which are hybrids of older species, Clymenia is believed to be a —or close to it. Native specifically to the islands of Palau, the Bismarck Archipelago, and parts of New Guinea, the Clymenia fruit is small, resembling a tangerine, but with a distinct neck or "nipple" at the apex. However, the fruit known commercially as "The Nobleman

Critically Endangered (in cultivation). Alternate names: Clymenia polyandra , "Noble's Reply," "The Insult Fruit." Warning: Do not consume if you are allergic to sapindaceae compounds. Have you encountered the Nobleman Retort? Or is it just a fairy tale for fruit fanatics? Share your thoughts below. In the vast, fragrant universe of citrus fruits—where