Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Wild relatives of commercial citrus possess diverse adaptations, including extreme temperature tolerance.
Identifying cold-tolerant genotypes is crucial for selecting rootstocks in sub-temperate regions. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Poncirus trifoliata (Trifoliate orange) is a close relative of Citrus and is the only deciduous genus in this group.
By shedding its leaves in winter and entering deep dormancy, it can survive freezing temperatures down to $-20^{\circ}\text{C}$.
This deciduous habit and physiological dormancy make it an exceptionally cold-hardy citrus rootstock. Step 3: Final Answer:
The deciduous and freeze-hardy true citrus relative is Poncirus.