Details for: RRUT 445, Citrus ×aurantium L. var. chrysocarpa (Hassk.) ined., 'Umatilla'

"Technical description.--Fruit the size and shape of a large Satsuma of King orange, flattened at base and apex but without depression, size 3 1/4 to 4 3/4 inches in transverse diameter by 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 inches high; calyx small, persistent, shallow grooves radiating from calyx attachment; color reddish orange (Ridgway, orange chrome), rind of medium thickness (one-eighth to three-sixtenth inch), firm, somewhat free peeling though not of pronounced kidglove character; smooth and glossy despite slight indentations due to small, depressed oil cells; segments usually 10, separating easily, with thin segment walls; open core with slight quantity of fibrous tissue or rag; pulp tender and melting, translucent, very juicy, flavor rich and vinous with a blending of high acidity and sweetness somewhat resmbling orange (Ridgway, mikado orange); seeds variable but averagin one to a segment (some fruit entirely seedless), large and plump, greenish in cross section, like Satsuma. Tree of rather slow growth and spreading, with open top like Satsuma, fairly productive; leaves long-pointed, oval, strongly veined, dark green, thick and leathery, with practically wingless petioles, resembling Satsuma.

A sister hybrid (CPB 52031-B-2) closely resembles the Umatilla tangelo [sic] in fruit and tree characters, but its fruit is usually too acid for consumption until about a month after the Umatilla becomes palatable. Neother fruit shows any indication of dryong out after reaching maturity, although the rind is very thin.

"Until given further tests on different stocks for growth, vigor, and productivity, the Umatilla tangelo [sic] is not recommended for large-scale planting; but it is well worth of a place in the home fruit gatden and in plantings desgined to supply luxury fruits to a private trade." (Swingle et al, 1931, pp 11-12)

"...This variety has attracted attention because of its large, deeep-colored, glossy fruit of attractive appearance and good holding quality. Until it has been more extensively tested it can be commended for home planting only. It was described as the Umatilla tangelo, but its known parentage places it naturally with the tangor group..." (Webber, 1943, pp 653-654)

"...seeds monoembryonic...It has not achieved commercial importance except as a specialty fruit in Florida." (Hodgson, 1967, p 527)

This accession was acquired as a historical variety. It is currently apparently little cultivated even in Florida. (RR Krueger, 05/31/2009)