Re: Citrus in New Zealand (was Key limes)
Michael Barclay wrote:
> Dear Moira and Kurt, 06/20/00
>
> There are only two basic limes-"Key" from tropical Asia and "Tahitian" of
> which Bearss is a seedless sport. It grows quite well in Berkeley, California
> and easily handles temps down to 25F with minimal die back.
Thanks for this definitive information.
>
> The "Meyer's Lemon" is a cross of the Eureka type with a sweet Chinese orange.
> While a lovely ornamental I've found it useless for cooking or > drinking as it is so weak in tartness.
The Meyer is the only lemon which is hardy enough to fuit successfully
every year up in the hills where I live. Down in the main valley the
Eureka is quite safe and widely grown. However, I wonder if the tartness
of the Meyer is influenced by climate or whether we have perhaps a
different strain here as we find it plenty tart enough for culinary
purposes. Maybe it is partly what we are used to. I do know that my
eldest son as a youngster used to love to crunch up the fruits skin and
all!!
Your mention of liking variegated plants reminded me that some time ago
a variegated form of the Meyer with gently gold splashed lesves was sold
here. Whether it had some weakness or simply did not catch on I don't
know, as I haven't seen one offered for several years now.
... Happily a majority of its fruit occurs on the lowest outer
branches-unlike Meyer's,
This remark puzzles me as my Meyer insists on bearing a lot of its fruit
on lower branches which bend right down towards the ground. I am forced
to prune regularly to try and discourage this habit.
Best wishes
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
