Poncirus trifoliata
(L.) Raf. (Trifoliate orange ) |
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Family: Rutaceae Synonym(s): Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. Duration: Perennial Habit: shrub
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Description: Trifoliate orange is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows from 8-30 ft. (2.4-9.1 m) in height. The leaves are alternate, compound '3-lobed' (trifoliate), up to 2 in. (5.1 cm) long and have a winged petiole. The twigs are green with stout, 1 in. (2.5 cm) long thorns. The bark is conspicuously green-striped. Spring flowers are white, 5-petaled, 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) in diameter and showy. The fruit are edible but they are very acidic, sour, and seedy. They ripen to a bright yellow and are usually 1-2.5 inches in diameter. History: Trifoliate Orange is used as the root stock for many Citrus plants due to its hardiness. Biology & Spread: Flowers bloom from April to May, fully covering the branches. Fuzzy green fruit appear from July to October and contain multiple seeds within They ripen to a bright yellow. Animals help disperse the seeds. Ecological Threat: Trifoliate orange invades woodlands, forest edges, fence rows and urban green spaces. They grow in the understory very rapidly, and are able to shade out native plants. Their vicious thorns do not provide adequate habitat or shelter for nesting birds, squirrels or burrowing animals. US Habitat: woodlands, forest edges, fence rows and urban green spaces. Distribution
Resembles/Alternatives: Initially placed in the Citrus genus, its fruit closely resembles those Citrus species. The thorns and fruit can also resemble the Osage-Orange, Maclura pomifera. Management: Since Trifoliate Orange is used as the root stock for many Citrus there are no biological controls that can be created as those would also destroy commercial Citrus. USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL. Listing Source
Text References
Data Source Last Updated: 2024-02-09 by ARMO, TISI |
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