- 1). Observe the foliage. Make note as to the color of the leaf, the shape and whether or not the leaves are single or grow in masses. Orange and tangerine trees are known for glossy, dark-green leaves. Lemon and lime trees have oval-shaped leaves. Grapefruit trees also have glossy leaves, but its leaves are much larger than those of the orange or tangerine tree.
- 2). Note the flowers of the tree. Pay special attention to the color and shape of the flower and individual petals. Sketch out the appearance of the flowers to compare to pictures later on. Orange, tangerine, lemon and lime trees all have small, white, aromatic flowers, while the grapefruit tree bears flowers with little to no scent.
- 3). Observe the fruit on the tree. Notice the size, color and shape of the fruit. If possible, remove a fruit from the tree, cut it open and smell. Oranges are spherical and orange, tangerines are also orange but circular and squat in appearance. Lemons bear a bright yellow hue, while limes are bright green. Grapefruits are typically pale yellow and very large in comparison with its fellow fruits.
- 4). Determine the approximate size and shape of the tree. Certain types of citrus trees prefer to grow very tall and treelike, while others tend to appear more shrublike. Note the overall shape of the tree's branches. Some examples of tree shapes include arrow, pear and round. Orange and grapefruit trees tend to grow to heights of 30 feet plus. Lemons and limes stay to a height closer to 15 feet, while tangerines grow to a height of 20 feet.
- 5). Make note of any other distinguishing features about the tree. For example, bitter orange trees are known for growing large spikes, making this a unique characteristic of the tree. In the event that you are unable to determine what type of tree you have found, this could solve the problem.
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