Re: "Mediterranean Mandarin" source
- Subject: Re: "Mediterranean Mandarin" source
- From: T* &* M* R*
- Date: Sun, 09 Dec 2001 20:19:52 +1300
Joe Seals wrote:
>
> I'm looking for something known, variously, as
> "Mediterranean Mandarin", "Willow-leaf", or "China
> Mandarin'. The most specific name I've found is
> Citrus reticulata 'Willow-leaf'.
Joe
I looked up C. reticulata in my local Botanica and they have this to
say:-
Mandarine, Tangerine
This, the most varied Citrus species, has a wide range of climate
tolerence among its varieties, some of which can survive an occasional
light frost. Growing to 12-20 feet or so high, it is a good fruit tree
for the suburban garden. Similar to oranges, the fruit are smaller and
looser skinned. It is slow-growing and has heavily-perfumed flowers.
Zones 9-11.
There is no mention of any particular variety by name..
Too tender for my garden, it is found occasionally in the neighburing
Hutt Valley, but is chancy to ripen there and much more successful in
slightly warmer areas where it is quite common as a garden tree. If they
get enough warmth the fruits are very pleasant and sweet.
Even where the fruit does not ripen to sweetness, it can anyway look
very decorative.
Another book confirms this species is native to south China. It has
yellow and red skinned varieties. In some countries the red skinned
kinds are known as Tangarines.
I cannot of course suggest a local source in your area, but hope some of
this informtion will help you to track it down.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand, SW Pacific. 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Time
