[3] The Yemenite kind is highly affiliated with the Moroccan citron which is traditionally cultivated in a remote area in the absence of any other citrus species.The Ethiopian Jews did not follow the mitzva of four species, even though they did anticipate the Sukkot festival, as well as the rest of the Jewish ethnic divisions.Some believe that this is due to some Karaite influence, whose biblical interpretation indicates that the four species are only used as roofing for a sukkah (the S'chach), and not for a separate waving ritual.However, throughout Yemen, grafting is not enough to prevent infection by Phytophthora gummosis, which can nonetheless still be controlled by appropriate horticultural practices.[13] The main cultivation area of the Yemenite citron today is Israel, where it is highly sought out for its beauty and large size.
Cross section of a Yemenite citron (left), and a
Balady citron
("Chazon Ish" selection);
note the lack of pulp in the Yemenite kind.
A man in
Bnei Brak
examines a
Yemenite etrog
for flaws.