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