• The lemon tree offers a wide range of important resources.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
  
  The lemon tree produces one of the world's most popular citrus fruits and provides a number of other valuable resources. The precise origin of the lemon tree is unknown, though Purdue University states that some researchers have linked the tree to northwestern India. Lemon trees thrive in warm, coastal climates where the summers are too cold for oranges and grapefruits to ripen. Lemons are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, niacin and thiamin.
  
  

Lumber

• Lemon trees produce compact, fine-grained lumber that's easy to carve. In Mexico, lemon tree wood is often used to make toys, chessmen, small spoons and other wooden objects.
  
  

Food

• Lemon trees produce lemons, which are used around the world in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Lemons are often served as garnishes with fish or meat, and its flavorful juice is a common ingredient in the preparation of the two. Lemons are often served with tea, both hot and iced. Lemonade is a popular drink made from lemon juice, sugar and sometimes mint. Additionally, a wide range of sweets are made using lemon flavoring, including candies, jams, sherbet, cookies, cakes, puddings, pies, tarts and confectionery. Dehydrated lemon peels are also sold as cattle feed in some parts of the world.
  
  

Cosmetics

• Lemon tree extracts are widely used in cosmetics and beauty products. Petitgrain oil made from distilled lemon tree twigs, leaves and immature fruits is a common ingredient in floral perfumes and colognes. Many facial cleansing soaps also use lemon juice, and it is reportedly effective in the removal of warts and freckles.
  
  

Cleaning Products

• Lemon juice is a common ingredients found in cleaning products, as it produces a pleasant, fresh scent. Due to its high level of acidity, lemon juice is also an effective stain remover. A slice of lemon dipped in salt can be used to clean delicate cooking pots.
  
  

Medicinal Uses

• Lemon trees provide many medicinal uses. Lemon juice is widely used around the world as a diuretic, astringent, febrifuge and antiscorbutic. With its high vitamin C content, the lemon can help prevent a wide range of illnesses, including the common cold, by building up the immune system. A hot tea of lemon juice flavored with honey and ginger is a common cold remedy. In some parts of the world, an infusion of lemon tree bark and leaves is used to treat colic. Lemon tree root decoction is used to treat fever in Cuba and gonorrhea in West Africa.