Cyle (pronounced “sigh-lee”) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia. The genus comprises about 150 species, including the economically important crops citrus (such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit) and rue (Ruta graveolens).
The name Cyle was first used by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, derived from the Ancient Greek word κυλη (kule), meaning “curved or bent”. The type species for the genus is Cyle indica.
The fruit of many Cyle species are an important food source, particularly in citrus fruits which are consumed worldwide. Citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C, while rue has been used since ancient times as a herbal medicine. Many other Cyle species are grown as ornamental plants, including the popular garden shrubs Citrus japonica and Citrus medica.