Difference between revisions of "Orange"

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{{Taxobox 
+
{{Plantbox
| color = lightgreen
+
| color = IndianRed
| name = Orange
+
| common_names = Orange
| image = OrangeBloss_wb.jpg
+
| growth_habit = [[Tree]]
| image_width = 300px
+
| high =  
| image_caption = Orange blossoms and oranges on tree
+
| wide =  
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
+
| lifespan = [[Perennial]]
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
+
| exposure = Sun, Indoors
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
+
| water = regular
| subclassis = [[Rosidae]]
+
| features = Fruit, Fragrance
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
+
| hardiness = Frost sensitive
| familia = [[Rutaceae]]
+
| usda_zones =  
| genus = ''[[Citrus]]''
+
| sunset_zones =  
| species = '''''C. sinensis'''''
+
|name = Orange
| binomial = ''Citrus sinensis''
+
|image = OrangeBloss_wb.jpg
| binomial_authority = ([[L.]]) [[Osbeck]]
+
|image_caption = Orange blossoms and oranges on tree
 +
| image_width = 240px
 
}}
 
}}
'''Orange'''—specifically, '''sweet orange'''—refers to the [[citrus]] tree ''Citrus sinensis'' ([[Synonymy|syn.]] ''Citrus aurantium'' [[L.]] [[var.]] ''dulcis'' [[L.]], or ''Citrus aurantium'' [[Risso]]) and its [[fruit]]. The orange is a [[hybrid]] of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between [[pomelo]] (''Citrus maxima'') and [[tangerine]] (''Citrus reticulata''). It is a small [[Flowering plant | flowering]] [[tree]] growing to about 10 [[metres|m]] tall with [[evergreen]] [[leaf|leaves]], which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with crenulate margins and 4-10 [[centimetre|cm]] long. The orange [[fruit]] is a [[hesperidium]], a type of [[berry]].
+
An '''orange'''—specifically, the '''sweet orange'''—is the [[citrus]] fruit ''Citrus sinensis'' ([[Synonymy|syn.]] ''Citrus aurantium'' [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]] [[var.]] ''dulcis'' [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]], or ''Citrus aurantium'' [[Antoine Risso|Risso]]) and its [[fruit]]. The orange is a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between [[pomelo]] (''Citrus maxima'') and [[tangerine]] (''Citrus reticulata''). It is a small [[Flowering plant| flowering]] [[tree]] growing to about 10 [[metres|m]] tall with [[evergreen]] [[leaf|leaves]], which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with crenulate margins and 4–10 [[centimetre|cm]] long. The orange [[fruit]] is a [[hesperidium]], a type of [[berry]].  
  
The [[Orange (word)|word "orange"]] ultimately comes from [[Sanskrit]] ''narang'' or [[Tamil language|Tamil]] "naraththai". Oranges originated in southeast [[Asia]], in either [[India]], [[Vietnam]] or southern [[China]]. The fruit of ''Citrus sinensis'' is called ''sweet orange'' to distinguish it from ''Citrus aurantium'', the [[bitter orange]].  
+
Oranges originated in Southeast [[Asia]]. The fruit of ''Citrus sinensis'' is called ''sweet orange'' to distinguish it from ''Citrus aurantium'', the [[bitter orange]]. In a number of languages, it is known as a "Chinese apple" (e.g. [[Dutch language|Dutch]] ''Sinaasappel'', "China's apple", or "Apfelsine" in German).  The name is thought to ultimately derive from the [[Dravidian languages|Dravidian]] word for the orange tree, with its final form developing after passing through numerous intermediate languages.
In a number of languages, it is known as a "Chinese apple" (e.g. [[Dutch language|Dutch]] ''Sinaasappel'' (China's apple)).
 
  
 
==Fruit==
 
==Fruit==
All citrus trees are of the single genus ''Citrus'', and remain largely interbreedable; that is, there is only one "superspecies" which includes [[lemon]]s, [[lime (fruit)|lime]]s and oranges.  Nevertheless, names have been given to the various members of the citrus family, oranges often being referred to as ''Citrus sinensis'' and ''[[bitter orange|Citrus aurantium]]''. Fruits of all members of the genus ''Citrus'' are considered [[berry|berries]] because they have many [[seed]]s, are fleshy, soft and derive from a single [[ovary (plants)|ovary]]. An orange seed is sometimes referred to as a [[pip]].
+
All citrus trees are of the single genus ''Citrus'', and remain largely interbreedable; that is, there is only one "superspecies" which includes [[grapefruit]]s, [[lemon]]s, [[lime (fruit)|lime]]s and oranges.  Nevertheless, names have been given to the various members of the genus, oranges often being referred to as ''Citrus sinensis'' and ''[[bitter orange|Citrus aurantium]]''. Fruits of all members of the genus ''Citrus'' are considered [[berry|berries]] because they have many [[seed]]s, are fleshy and soft, and derive from a single [[ovary (plants)|ovary]]. An orange seed is called a [[pip]]. The white thread-like material, attached to the inside of the peel is called [[pith]].
  
 
==Varieties==
 
==Varieties==
 +
===Persian orange===
  
===Persian orange===
+
The Persian orange, grown widely in [[southern Europe]] after its introduction to [[Italy]] in the 11th century, was bitter. Sweet oranges brought to Europe in the 15th century from [[India]] by [[Portugal|Portuguese]] traders, quickly displaced the bitter, and are now the most common variety of orange cultivated. The sweet orange will grow to different sizes and colours according to local conditions, most commonly with ten ''[[carpel]]s'', or segments, inside.
The Persian orange, grown widely in southern Europe after its introduction to Italy in the 11th century, was bitter. Sweet oranges were brought to Europe in the 15th century from [[India]] by Portuguese traders, quickly displaced the bitter, and are now the most common variety of orange cultivated. The sweet orange will grow to different sizes and colours according to local conditions, most commonly with ten ''[[carpel]]s'', or segments, inside.
+
 
 +
Some South East European tongues name [[Orange (fruit)|orange]] after Portugal, which was formerly the main source of imports of sweet oranges. Examples are [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] ''portokal'' [портокал], [[Modern Greek|Greek]] ''portokali'' [πορτοκάλι], [[Romanian language|Romanian]] ''portocală'' and [[Georgian language|Georgian]] ''phortokhali'' [ფორთოხალი]. Also in [[Italian dialects|South Italian dialects]] ([[Neapolitan language|Neapolitan]]), orange is named ''portogallo'' or ''purtualle'', literally "the Portuguese ones". Related names can also be found in non-European languages: [[Turkish language|Turkish]] ''Portakal'', [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''al-burtuqal'' [البرتقال], [[Persian language|Persian]] ''porteghal'' [پرتقال] and [[Amharic]] ''birtukan''.
  
[[Portuguese empire|Portuguese]], [[Spanish empire|Spanish]], [[Arab empire|Arab]], and [[Dutch empire|Dutch]] sailors planted citrus trees along trade routes to prevent [[scurvy]]. On his second voyage in [[1493]], Christopher Columbus brought the seeds of oranges, lemons and citrons to [[Haiti]] and the Caribbean. They were introduced in Florida (along with lemons) in [[1513]] by Spanish explorer [[Juan Ponce de Leon]], and were introduced to [[Hawaii]] in [[1792]].
+
[[Portuguese empire|Portuguese]], [[Spanish empire|Spanish]], [[Arab empire|Arab]], and [[Dutch empire|Dutch]] sailors planted citrus trees along trade routes to prevent [[scurvy]]. On his second voyage in [[1493]], Christopher Columbus brought the seeds of oranges, lemons and citrons to [[Haiti]] and the Caribbean. They were introduced in Florida (along with lemons) in [[1513]] by [[Spain|Spanish]] explorer [[Juan Ponce de Leon]], and were introduced to [[Hawaii]] in [[1792]].
  
 
===Navel orange===
 
===Navel orange===
[[Image:Navel_orange_sectioned.jpg|thumb|250px|right|A peeled sectioned navel orange. The underdeveloped twin is located on the bottom right.]]
+
[[Image:Navel orange sectioned.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A peeled sectioned navel orange. The underdeveloped twin is located on the bottom right.]]
A single [[mutation]] in [[1820]] in an [[orchard]] of sweet oranges planted at a [[monastery]] in [[Brazil]] yielded the '''navel orange''', also known as the Washington, Riverside or Bahia navel. The mutation causes navel oranges to develop a second orange at the base of the original fruit, opposite the stem. The second orange develops as a [[Conjoined twins|cojoined twin]] in a set of smaller segments embedded within the peel of the larger orange. From the outside, the smaller, undeveloped twin left a formation at the bottom of the fruit, looking similar to the human [[navel]].
+
A single [[mutation]] in [[1820]] in an [[orchard]] of sweet oranges planted at a [[monastery]] in [[Brazil]] yielded the '''navel orange''', also known as the Washington, Riverside, or Bahie navel. The mutation causes navel oranges to develop a second orange at the base of the original fruit, opposite the stem. The second orange develops as a [[Conjoined twins|conjoined twin]] in a set of smaller segments embedded within the peel of the larger orange. From the outside, the smaller, and undeveloped twin leaves a formation at the bottom of the fruit that looks similar to the human [[navel]].
  
Because the mutation left the fruit seedless and therefore sterile, the only means available to cultivate more of this new variety is to graft cuttings onto other varieties of citrus tree. Two such cuttings of the original tree were transplanted<ref>[http://thegoldengecko.blogspot.com/2005_11_01_archive.html Parent Navel Orange Tree in Riverside, CA]</ref> to [[Riverside, California|Riverside]], [[California]] in [[1870]], which eventually led to worldwide popularity.
+
Because the mutation left the fruit seedless and, therefore, sterile, the only means available to cultivate more of this new variety is to graft cuttings onto other varieties of citrus tree. Two such cuttings of the original tree were transplanted<ref>[http://thegoldengecko.com/blog/?p=34 Parent Navel Orange Tree in Riverside, CA]</ref> to [[Riverside, California|Riverside]], [[California]] in [[1870]], which eventually led to worldwide popularity.
  
Today, navel oranges continue to be produced via [[cutting (plant)|cutting]] and [[grafting|grafting]]. This does not allow for the usual [[artificial selection|selective breeding]] methodologies, and so not only do the navel oranges of today have exactly the same genetic makeup as the original tree, they can even be considered to all be the fruit of that single, now centuries-old tree.
+
Today, navel oranges continue to be produced via [[cutting (plant)|cutting]] and [[grafting]]. This does not allow for the usual [[artificial selection|selective breeding]] methodologies, and so not only do the navel oranges of today have exactly the same genetic makeup as the original tree, and are therefore [[clones]]; in a sense, all navel oranges can be considered to be the fruit of that single, over a century-old tree.
  
On rare occasion, however, further mutations can lead to new varieties.<ref>[http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/sweet_oranges.html Citrus Variety Collection]</ref>
+
On rare occasions, however, further mutations can lead to new varieties.<ref>[http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/sweet_oranges.html Citrus Variety Collection]</ref>
  
 
===Valencia orange===
 
===Valencia orange===
The [[Valencia orange|Valencia]] or [[Murcia]] orange is one of the sweet oranges used for juice extraction. It is a late-season fruit, and therefore a popular variety when the navel oranges are out of season. For this reason, the orange was chosen to be the official [[mascot]] of the [[1982 FIFA World Cup]], which was held in Spain. The mascot was called "[[Naranjito]]" ("little orange"), and wore the colours of the Spanish soccer team uniform.  
+
 
 +
The [[Valencia orange|Valencia]] or [[Murcia]] orange is one of the sweet oranges used for juice extraction. It is a late-season fruit, and therefore a popular variety when the navel oranges are out of season. For this reason, the orange was chosen to be the official [[mascot]] of the [[1982 FIFA World Cup]], which was held in [[Spain]]. The mascot was called "[[Naranjito]]" ("little orange"), and wore the colours of the Spanish soccer team uniform.
  
 
===Blood orange===
 
===Blood orange===
The [[blood orange]] has streaks of red in the fruit, and the juice is often a dark burgundy colour. The fruit has found a niche as an interesting ingredient variation on traditional Seville marmalade, with its striking red streaks and distinct flavour. The [[mandarin orange]] is similar, but smaller and sweeter, and the '''scarlet navel''' is a variety with the same diploid mutation as the navel orange.
+
[[Image:2005orange.PNG|thumb|right|Orange output in 2005]]
 +
The [[blood orange]] has streaks of red in the fruit, and the juice is often a dark burgundy colour. The fruit has found a niche as an interesting ingredient variation on traditional Seville marmalade, with its striking red streaks and distinct flavour. The '''scarlet navel''' is a variety with the same diploid mutation as the navel orange.
  
==Production==
+
==Cultivation==
{{nutritionalvalue | name=Orange, raw, Florida | kJ=192 | protein=0.70 g | fat=0.21 g | carbs=11.54 g | fiber=2.4 g | | sugars=9.14 g | iron_mg=0.09 | calcium_mg=43 | magnesium_mg=10 | phosphorus_mg=12 | potassium_mg=169 | zinc_mg=0.08 | vitC_mg=45 | pantothenic_mg=0.250 | vitB6_mg=0.051 | folate_ug=17 | thiamin_mg=0.100 | riboflavin_mg=0.040 | niacin_mg=0.400 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}
 
According to [[FAOSTAT]], the top producers of oranges (in [[tonnes]]) in [[2005]] were:
 
  
{|
+
==Propagation==
|1.||[[Brazil]]||17,804,600
+
Grafting, cuttings for true offspring. Seed.
|-
+
==Pests and diseases==
|2.||[[United States|USA]]||8,393,276
 
|-
 
|3.||[[Mexico]]||4,112,711
 
|-
 
|4.||[[India]]||3,100,000
 
|-
 
|5.||[[China]]||2,412,000
 
|-
 
|6.||[[Spain]]||2,294,600
 
|-
 
|7.||[[Italy]]||2,201,025
 
|-
 
|8.||[[Iran]]||1,900,000
 
|-
 
|9.||[[Egypt]]||1,789,000
 
|-
 
|10.||[[Pakistan]]||1,579,900
 
|}
 
  
==Juice and other products==
+
==Uses==
[[Image:Oranges and orange juice.jpg|thumb|left|Oranges and [[orange juice]].]]
+
Fruit, juice, marmelade. Oil from peel. Orange peel is used by gardeners as a [[slug]] repellent. Orange leaves can be boiled to make tea.
Oranges are widely grown in warm climates worldwide, and the flavours of orange vary from [[sweet]] to [[sour]]. The fruit is commonly peeled and eaten fresh, or squeezed for its juice. It has a thick bitter [[Peel (fruit)|rind]] that is usually discarded, but can be processed into animal feed by removing [[water]] using [[pressure]] and [[heat]]. It is also used in certain recipes as flavouring or a [[garnish]]. The outer-most layer of the rind is grated or thinly veneered with a tool called a zester, to produce orange [[zest (ingredient)|zest]], popular in cooking because it has a flavour similar to the fleshy inner part of the orange. The white part of the rind, called the [[pericarp]] or albedo and includes the [[pith]], is a source of [[pectin]] and has nearly the same amount of vitamin C as the flesh.  
 
  
Products made from oranges include:
+
==Taxonomy==
*[[Orange juice]], one of the commodities traded on the [[New York Board of Trade]]. Brazil is the largest producer of orange juice in the world, followed by the USA.
+
{{Taxbox
*Sweet [[orange oil]], a [[by-product]] of the juice industry produced by pressing the peel.  It is used as a [[flavouring]] of food and drink and for its [[fragrance]] in [[perfume]] and [[aromatherapy]]. Sweet orange oil consists of about 90% [[Limonene|d-Limonene]], a [[solvent]] used in various household chemicals, such as to condition [[wood]]en [[furniture]], and along with other citrus oils in [[grease]] removal and as a [[hand]]-cleansing agent. It is an efficient cleaning agent which is environmentally friendly, and much less toxic than [[petroleum]] distillates. It also smells more pleasant than other cleaning agents.
+
| color = IndianRed
*The orange [[blossom]], which is the [[List of U.S. state flowers|state flower]] of Florida, is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for [[wedding]]s for some time. The [[petal]]s of orange blossom can also be made into a delicately citrus-scented version of [[rosewater]]. Orange blossom water is a common part of Middle Eastern cuisine. The orange blossom gives its touristic nickname to the ''[[Costa del Azahar]]'' ("Orange-blossom [[costa|coast]]"), the [[Valencia (province)|Valencia]] seaboard.
+
|regnum = [[Plantae]]
*In Spain, fallen blossoms are dried and then used to make tea. 
+
|unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
*Orange blossom [[honey]], or actually citrus honey, is produced by putting [[beehives]] in the citrus groves during bloom, which also [[pollination|pollinates]] seeded citrus varieties. Orange blossom honey is highly prized, and tastes much like orange.
+
|unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
*[[Marmalade]], a conserve made usually with [[Seville orange]]s. All parts of the orange are used to make marmalade: The pith and pips are separated, and typically placed in a muslin bag where they are boiled in the juice (and sliced peel) to extract their pectin, aiding the setting process.
+
|unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
*Orange peel is used by gardeners as a [[Slug]] repellent.
+
|ordo = [[Sapindales]]
 
+
|familia = [[Rutaceae]]
Since oranges are susceptible to frost damage, growers commonly use sprinklers to coat them with ice when temperatures go below freezing. This practice protects the crops by regulating temperature.
+
|genus = ''[[Citrus]]''
 
+
|species = '''''C. sinensis'''''
== Etymology ==
+
|binomial = ''Citrus sinensis''
{{main|Orange (word)}}
+
|binomial_authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]) [[Osbeck]]
 
+
}}
<!-- Please go to the above main article, [[Orange (word)]] if you wish to add further examples from any additional languages. -->
 
 
 
''Orange'' derives from [[Sanskrit]] ''{{unicode|nāraṅgaḥ}}'' "orange tree", but another explanation tries to establish a link to a Dravidian root meaning "fragrant". Compare Tamil ''narandam'' [நரந்தம்] "bitter orange", ''nagarukam'' [நாகருகம்] "sweet orange" and ''nari'' [நாரி] "fragrance". The Sanskrit or Dravidian word was borrowed into European languages through [[Persian language|Persian]] ''nārang'', [[Armenian language|Armenian]] ''nārinj'', [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''nāranj'', ([[Spanish (language)|Spanish]] ''naranja'' and [[Portuguese (language)|Portuguese]] ''laranja''), [[Late Latin]] ''arangia'', [[Italian (language)|Italian]] ''arancia'' or ''arancio'', and [[Old French]] ''orenge'', in chronological order. The first appearance in English dates from the [[14th century]]. The forms starting with n- are older; this initial n- may have been mistaken as part of the indefinite article, in languages with articles ending with an -n sound (e.g., in French ''une norenge'' may have been taken as ''une orenge'').  The name of the colour is derived from the fruit, first appearing in this sense in 1542.
 
 
 
Some languages have different words for the bitter and the sweet orange, such as Modern Greek ''nerantzi'' and ''portokali'' ("Portuguese"), respectively. The reason for these is that the sweet orange was brought from [[China|China]] to Europe during the 14th century by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]]. For the same reason, some languages refer to it by "Applesin" which means "Apple from China".
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:Cara cara orange.JPG|Picture of a Cara Cara orange (left) with a pink [[grapefruit]] for comparison of size and colour.
+
Image:Ambersweet oranges.jpg|These varieties are called 'Ambersweet' oranges.
Image:Blood_oranges.jpg|While still maintaining an orange peel, the [[blood orange]] has streaks of red in the fruit and a dark burgundy pulp.
+
Image:Orangeseeds.jpg|Featured here are orange seeds (pips).
Image:Ambersweet oranges.jpg|'Ambersweet' oranges
+
Image:Florida navel orange 1.jpg|Navel oranges from Florida are the most common to be sold in US grocery stores.
Image:OrangeGrov.jpg|An orange grove.
+
Image:2007-12-25-IMG 0451.JPG|Satsuma Oranges picked on Christmas day 2007 in [[Gainesville, Florida]]
Image:Orangeseeds.jpg|Orange seeds
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
+
{{reflist}}
* McPhee, John,''Oranges'' (1966) - focuses on Florida groves.
+
* McPhee, John. ''Oranges'' (1966) - focuses on Florida groves.
* Sackman. Douglas Cazaux. ''Orange Empire: California and the Fruits of Eden'' (2005) comprehensive, multidimensional history of citrus industry in California
+
* Sackman, Douglas Cazaux. ''Orange Empire: California and the Fruits of Eden'' (2005) comprehensive, multidimensional history of citrus industry in California
* Train, John,'' Oranges'' (2006)
+
* Train, John. ''Oranges'' (2006)
 
 
{{Commons|Citrus sinensis}}
 
  
{{Link FA|am}}
+
==See also==
  
[[Category:Citrus]]
+
==External links==
[[Category:Fruit]]
 
[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
 

Revision as of 03:56, 15 October 2008


Orange blossoms and oranges on tree


Plant Characteristics
Lifespan: [[Lifespan::Perennial]]
Cultivation
Exposure: Sun"Sun" is not in the list (sun, part-sun, shade, unknown) of allowed values for the "Exposure" property., Indoors"Indoors" is not in the list (sun, part-sun, shade, unknown) of allowed values for the "Exposure" property.
Water: regular"regular" is not in the list (wet, moist, moderate, dry, less when dormant) of allowed values for the "Water" property.
Features: Fruit, Fragrance
Scientific Names


An orange—specifically, the sweet orange—is the citrus fruit Citrus sinensis (syn. Citrus aurantium L. var. dulcis L., or Citrus aurantium Risso) and its fruit. The orange is a hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and tangerine (Citrus reticulata). It is a small flowering tree growing to about 10 m tall with evergreen leaves, which are arranged alternately, of ovate shape with crenulate margins and 4–10 cm long. The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.

Oranges originated in Southeast Asia. The fruit of Citrus sinensis is called sweet orange to distinguish it from Citrus aurantium, the bitter orange. In a number of languages, it is known as a "Chinese apple" (e.g. Dutch Sinaasappel, "China's apple", or "Apfelsine" in German). The name is thought to ultimately derive from the Dravidian word for the orange tree, with its final form developing after passing through numerous intermediate languages.

Fruit

All citrus trees are of the single genus Citrus, and remain largely interbreedable; that is, there is only one "superspecies" which includes grapefruits, lemons, limes and oranges. Nevertheless, names have been given to the various members of the genus, oranges often being referred to as Citrus sinensis and Citrus aurantium. Fruits of all members of the genus Citrus are considered berries because they have many seeds, are fleshy and soft, and derive from a single ovary. An orange seed is called a pip. The white thread-like material, attached to the inside of the peel is called pith.

Varieties

Persian orange

The Persian orange, grown widely in southern Europe after its introduction to Italy in the 11th century, was bitter. Sweet oranges brought to Europe in the 15th century from India by Portuguese traders, quickly displaced the bitter, and are now the most common variety of orange cultivated. The sweet orange will grow to different sizes and colours according to local conditions, most commonly with ten carpels, or segments, inside.

Some South East European tongues name orange after Portugal, which was formerly the main source of imports of sweet oranges. Examples are Bulgarian portokal [портокал], Greek portokali [πορτοκάλι], Romanian portocală and Georgian phortokhali [ფორთოხალი]. Also in South Italian dialects (Neapolitan), orange is named portogallo or purtualle, literally "the Portuguese ones". Related names can also be found in non-European languages: Turkish Portakal, Arabic al-burtuqal [البرتقال], Persian porteghal [پرتقال] and Amharic birtukan.

Portuguese, Spanish, Arab, and Dutch sailors planted citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy. On his second voyage in 1493, Christopher Columbus brought the seeds of oranges, lemons and citrons to Haiti and the Caribbean. They were introduced in Florida (along with lemons) in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, and were introduced to Hawaii in 1792.

Navel orange

A peeled sectioned navel orange. The underdeveloped twin is located on the bottom right.

A single mutation in 1820 in an orchard of sweet oranges planted at a monastery in Brazil yielded the navel orange, also known as the Washington, Riverside, or Bahie navel. The mutation causes navel oranges to develop a second orange at the base of the original fruit, opposite the stem. The second orange develops as a conjoined twin in a set of smaller segments embedded within the peel of the larger orange. From the outside, the smaller, and undeveloped twin leaves a formation at the bottom of the fruit that looks similar to the human navel.

Because the mutation left the fruit seedless and, therefore, sterile, the only means available to cultivate more of this new variety is to graft cuttings onto other varieties of citrus tree. Two such cuttings of the original tree were transplanted[1] to Riverside, California in 1870, which eventually led to worldwide popularity.

Today, navel oranges continue to be produced via cutting and grafting. This does not allow for the usual selective breeding methodologies, and so not only do the navel oranges of today have exactly the same genetic makeup as the original tree, and are therefore clones; in a sense, all navel oranges can be considered to be the fruit of that single, over a century-old tree.

On rare occasions, however, further mutations can lead to new varieties.[2]

Valencia orange

The Valencia or Murcia orange is one of the sweet oranges used for juice extraction. It is a late-season fruit, and therefore a popular variety when the navel oranges are out of season. For this reason, the orange was chosen to be the official mascot of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Spain. The mascot was called "Naranjito" ("little orange"), and wore the colours of the Spanish soccer team uniform.

Blood orange

Orange output in 2005

The blood orange has streaks of red in the fruit, and the juice is often a dark burgundy colour. The fruit has found a niche as an interesting ingredient variation on traditional Seville marmalade, with its striking red streaks and distinct flavour. The scarlet navel is a variety with the same diploid mutation as the navel orange.

Cultivation

Propagation

Grafting, cuttings for true offspring. Seed.

Pests and diseases

Uses

Fruit, juice, marmelade. Oil from peel. Orange peel is used by gardeners as a slug repellent. Orange leaves can be boiled to make tea.

Taxonomy

Scientific classification
Domain: {{{domain}}}
Superkingdom: {{{superregnum}}}
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: {{{subregnum}}}
Superdivision: {{{superdivisio}}}
Superphylum: {{{superphylum}}}
Division: {{{divisio}}}
Phylum: {{{phylum}}}
Subdivision: {{{subdivisio}}}
Subphylum: {{{subphylum}}}
Infraphylum: {{{infraphylum}}}
Microphylum: {{{microphylum}}}
Nanophylum: {{{nanophylum}}}
Superclass: {{{superclassis}}}
Class: {{{classis}}}
Sublass: {{{subclassis}}}
Infraclass: {{{infraclassis}}}
Superorder: {{{superordo}}}
Order: Sapindales
Suborder: {{{subordo}}}
Infraorder: {{{infraordo}}}
Superfamily: {{{superfamilia}}}
Family: Rutaceae
Subfamily: {{{subfamilia}}}
Supertribe: {{{supertribus}}}
Tribe: {{{tribus}}}
Subtribe: {{{subtribus}}}
Genus: Citrus
Subgenus: {{{subgenus}}}
Section: {{{sectio}}}
Series: {{{series}}}
Species: C. sinensis
Subspecies: {{{subspecies}}}
[[{{{diversity_link}}}|Diversity]]
{{{diversity}}}
Binomial name
Citrus sinensis
(L.) Osbeck
Trinomial name
{{{trinomial}}}
Type Species
{{{type_species}}}
{{{subdivision_ranks}}}
[[Image:{{{range_map}}}|{{{range_map_width}}}|]]
Synonyms
{{{synonyms}}}

Gallery

References

  • McPhee, John. Oranges (1966) - focuses on Florida groves.
  • Sackman, Douglas Cazaux. Orange Empire: California and the Fruits of Eden (2005) comprehensive, multidimensional history of citrus industry in California
  • Train, John. Oranges (2006)

See also

External links