I/2 Poncirus, 1/2 orange
C. trifoliata x C. sinensis 'Ruby'
Morton Citrange is one of a number of seedlings from the same fruit. A "cross was made by applying pollen of the sweet orange to a properly
bagged flower of the trifoliate orange and from a crossed fruit so secured a
dozen hybrid seedlings developed, among them the Colman, Morton, Savage,
Rustic, Etonia, Norton, Phelps and Sanford citranges" [
1]
Based on pollination comments and time of first fruiting, this cross was made in the period between 1896 to 1899.[2] pp. 221,222.
The fruit of the Morton citrange is so similar to an ordinary orange that the two would not be distinguished by an ordinary observer. The former differs from the latter only in bneing slightly lighter in color and having a slight indications of lobing. This does not detract from its appearance, which is equal to that of an good ordinary orange . The fruit has been tested by several different persons familiar with oranges and the orange industry, and all, without exception, considering its hardiness, pronounce it a vary valuable and desirable fruit. It is more sour than the ordinary sweet orange, but some so-called sweet oranges are sold in the market which are as sour as the Morton citrange. It s has a pleasant characteristic flavor, with a very slight bitter taste, and served with sugar it will be found to be a good breakfast fruit,. The rather firm membrane separating the segments allow the pulp to be easily extracted with a spoon.[
3]
p. 278
Photos of a 20 ft (6 m) tall Morton tree.[
4]
Hardy to
5°F, -15°C
Hi!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and interesting fruit! I'm wondering when does the fruit ripe. Before, in the middle or after the winter?
Thanks for sharing your passion with the world
Greetings from italy
The pictures were taken in November, fruit should ripen before frost if trees are grown in a warm climate.
ReplyDeleteI'm zone 7b would if protected from northern exposure would this tree survive.Also,would this tree need a pollinator.
ReplyDeleteNo pollinator needed. Morton is a hardier than most mostly evergreen citrus. For any hardy citrus variety, if there was a sustained period of wind and below freezing weather with sunshine the leaves and stems could be killed from dehydration. Direct sun on frozen stems can cause the bark to split. So a northern exposure is not a bad thing, but given that, if you are in a Southeast US location I would try it in whatever location you prefer, as it seems to be more tolerant of the cold than many 50% crosses.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Zone 6, any idea if it would survive and where I can find one?
ReplyDeleteMorton will not survive in your area. Only 100% Poncirus or perhaps 75% Poncirus will survive. There is breeding work that is selecting hardier 50% crosses. Ask for more edible selections of Poncirus or Flying Dragon here: https://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?board=13.0
ReplyDeleteAre Morton s flowers as fragrant as of the regular Orange? Wafting?
ReplyDelete