Mandora is a citrus note from the mandora, a hybrid of mandarin and sweet orange (a tangor) grown mainly in Cyprus. In perfume it smells bright, juicy and sparkling, bridging the sweetness of orange and the tangy, aromatic zest of mandarin.

What does Mandora smell like?

Mandora's peel oil combines the full, sweet juiciness of orange with the lively, slightly sharp and musky edge of mandarin. It can seem almost blood-orange-like at first, then fresh and green, and some describe tea- or verbena-like nuances as it dries down. It is rounder and more complex than an ordinary sweet orange, and less candied than ripe mandarin.

Where Mandora comes from

The mandora is grown mainly in Cyprus, especially around the southern coast, where it is a commercial fruit of some importance; it is also cultivated in Spain. Small quantities of peel oil are cold-pressed for perfumers and aromatherapy suppliers.

• Also known as: Cyprus mandora, tangor
• Fragrance family: Citrus
• Type: Natural and synthetic
• Main origins: Cyprus
• How it's obtained: Cold expression of the peel
• Key aroma molecules: Limonene

Mandora in perfume history

Commercial cultivation of mandora began in Cyprus in the 20th century, and Cyprus exports much of its crop to Europe and Asia. Its history as a named fragrance note is short and mostly associated with niche perfumery. Some perfume brands treat mandora as a fantasy blend of mandarin and bitter orange, since the fruit's oil is relatively rare.

Mandora in modern perfumery

Mandora appears occasionally in niche fragrances, where it gives an unusual, textured citrus opening. Because supply is small and the fruit is mostly sold for eating, perfumers often recreate the note with mandarin and orange oils.

How Mandora wears and what it pairs with

Mandora is a top note lasting about 20 to 40 minutes. It pairs with neroli, petitgrain, tea, verbena, ginger, vetiver and cedar.

Safety and regulation

Limonene is an EU-declarable allergen. Expressed citrus oils can contain phototoxic compounds restricted by IFRA.