The Sweet Orange - Case Study Example

The Orange Tree The purpose of this essay is to discuss, in detail, the orange tree. The orange tree is known scientifically as Citrus Sinesis, but most of us think of it in terms of the delicious fruit that it produces. The oranges produced from the Citrus Sinesis is commonly referred to as the “naval orange” or the “sweet orange”. In fact, most of us assimilate oranges to the sunny state of Florida, home to a plentitude of orange trees. This is rather far from being the truth, especially when considering that oranges are not native to the state of Florida. Actually there are multiple regions around the globe that provide a tropical environment appropriate for the growth of healthy orange trees. Florida just happens to be just one of them: Originally, the orange tree comes from parts of Asia and Brazil, “The sweet orange is native originally to Vietnam, NW India and southern China. It is cultivated in subtropical and tropical areas throughout the world, especially in Brazil and the United States, which together account for over two-thirds of world production. In the continental US, commercial citrus production is mainly confined to zone 9B in Florida, California, the Rio Grande valley in Texas, southern Arizona and extreme southern Louisiana (Christmas 1). The Citrus Sinesis is a member of the citrus family of trees, also known as Rutaceae in scientific terms. It is essentially an evergreen, but smaller in size comparatively to other types of evergreens. When identifying this particular tree, one would commonly find it to be about 20-30 ft. tall. Its crown is commonly about 20 ft. and appears quite symmetrical in most cases. The leaves of the Citrus Sinesis possess a leathery quality and in the right sun light can be quite shiny.(Christmas 1). Many refer to this particular tree as the “sweet orange tree”, when implying the actual . In order for the sweet orange tree to flourish, it requires a great deal of sunlight. This, of course, is why subtropical areas are ideal for its growth and cultivation. In the case of “blood oranges,” cooler evening temperatures are necessary: “The "blood" oranges are a group of cultivars with especially red flesh and hints of raspberry flavor”(Christmas 1). Though orange trees are most easily grown in subtropical regions, with the appropriate steps they can be grown anywhere, including England. This requires the use of greenhouses or conservatories (fruitexpert.com). The orange tree does fairly well in the absence of adequate water. Citrus farmers, however, sometimes find that the tree requires supplemental water during times of particularly dry weather or drought, in order to produce optimal oranges. (Christmas 1). When the orange tree is grafted, one need wait about 3 years for the new tree to begin producing oranges. While other types of citrus trees might not have this quality, one of the many wonderful features of this specimen of tree is that its fruit may remain on its branches for several months and still be of high quality. The process of “grafting” is important when beginning an orange tree farm, “Orange tree grafting is a technique used to help propagate this type of citrus tree. There are many techniques that are done, which would fall under “grafting”, but the best form of grafting for all kinds of citrus trees is ‘budding’”(orangetreebloom.com). When undergoing the grafting process, one needs first to acquire an orange tree bud along with a scion (a piece of bark or bud wood retrieved from an existing orange tree). Then, the bud is placed under what is known as the bark of the rootstock of the host tree. (“orangetreebloom.com“). A primary concern for an individual beginning the process of orange tree propagation is whether or not the state in which he or she resides legalizes the process of budding or grafting. Similarly, when doctors perform skin or bone grafts in humans, they will want to make sure that the tissue being transplanted or moved, is healthy. This is equally done in tree propagation; if the bud or bark of a host tree is diseased, it will quickly spread to masses of other trees in the area. For this reason, many states do not permit the process of grafting and budding. Once an orange tree farmer has ensured that the grafting process is legal and the area in which he/she seeks to grow is fertile and ideal for orange trees, the farmer can then begin the process of growing between the months of April though November. When beginning this process, the orange tree farmer will want to choose an especially fertile and healthy tree to provide the rootstock. If the orange tree farmer carefully selects an adequate “host” tree to begin with, the growth process of daughter trees will go smoothly as well as render beautiful fruit. It can be said that a certain amount of human intervention is necessary for the proper growth of the orange tree. It is not a finicky tree but it does require a certain amount of care. When grown tenderly and in the proper type of environment, the orange tree not only delivers delicious and lovely fruit but blossoms which are highly aromatic. The blossoms appeal not only to the human eye but to the honeybee. Orange tree blossoms render a tasty nutrient which attracts and appeals widely to the honeybee. Incidentally, the orange blossom is the chosen state flower in Florida. (Christmas 1). Commonly, shoppers find that the best time to purchase oranges (particularly Florida oranges) is in the Winter months. This is a good time to harvest the fruit, but the careful orange farmer will want to make sure that the trees do not succumb to frost: Frost can destroy orange blossoms even if temperatures remain above freezing. To prevent frost from forming, keep the air moving over the blossoms with a fan, or cover with a blanket. Some gardeners place a frame of PVC pipe or 2x4 lumber around their citrus trees in winter and cover with clear plastic sheeting when freezing temperatures threaten (Christmas 1). Christmas shoppers will often fill baskets for friends and loved ones with newly harvested oranges shipped in from the Florida and California harvest. In fact, many assimilate the scent of the orange with the fragrances of the holiday season! The honeybee is not the only visitor that frequents the orange tree: “The caterpillar of the giant swallowtail butterfly, one of North Americas largest and most spectacular butterflies, relies solely on plants in the citrus family for food” (Christmas 1). This particular caterpillar is often referred to as the “orange dog” since it is frequently seen feasting on the orange tree. Fortunately, for residents of the tropics, oranges which are freshly picked, are much more flavorful than the ones that most of us find in the local grocery stores. Also, once the orange is picked from its tree, it discontinues ripening. This means that oranges being sent to market must bee kept cool to preserve flavor and freshness. When considering citrus trees, it is important to note that there are roughly 16 different species to choose from. The orange tree in particular is a favorite for prospective growers because the orange itself is so appealing. Other citrus fruits, though tasty, are not as readily edible as the orange. Additionally, as heart health is becoming increasingly more important, fresh oranges make a tasty and heart healthy snack. The acid found in oranges actually acts to emulsify fat within the body, making it a perfect snack for those watching their weight or dieting, “ Oranges are said to lower cholesterol and aid in the digestion of fatty foods. Unfortunately, the vitamin C in oranges is concentrated mainly in the peel and the white layer just under the peel. There are better sources of vitamin C”(Christmas 1). Many people think of oranges being high in vitamin C, but of course they do not realize that they do not get the vitamin C as it resides in the peel. Perhaps part of this misconception comes from so many orange juice commercials that highlight the vitamin C found in their product which is typically added to it. Oranges are still a healthy part of anyone’s diet, just not for the exact reasons that some people might think. With so many varieties and flavors of fruits to choose from, oranges remain an all time favorite for almost anyone. The orange tree is truly a unique and majestic species because not only does it render such delicious fruit, it graces viewers with lovely and fragrant blossoms. There are many reasons why orange trees are popular: “beauty of foliage; fragrance and beauty of the flowers; bright color of the fruits; or, more practically, probable value as a rootstock” (Swingle). It even provides nourishment for other organisms besides humans making it a truly positive addition to the world. Works Cited: Christmas, Steve. “Citrus Sinesis“ Floridata.com 11/23/2003. 9 June 2008. http://www.floridata.com/ref/C/citr_sin.cfm “Grafting for Orange Tree Propagation: Grafting Orange Trees“ Orangetreeblossom.com 2008. 9 June , 2008. http://orangetreebloom.com/Grafting+for+Orange+Propagation:+Grafting+ Orange+Trees.5434.htm “Orange trees.” 4 June 2008 Swingle, Walter T., “The Botany of Citrus and its Relatives. 4 June 2008 http://lib.ucr.edu/agnic/webber/Vol1/Chapter3.html Thomas, E.E., Haas, A.R.C., “Injection Method as a Means of Improving Chlortic Orange Trees.” Botanical Gazette, vol. 86, no. 3 (Nov., 1928), pp 355-362. Potvin, Catherine, Bergeron, Yves, Simon, Jean-Pierre, “A Numerical Taxonomic Study of Selected Citrus Species (Rutacae) Based on Biochemical Characters.” Systematic Botany, vol. 8, no. 2 (Apr.-Jun., 1983) pp. 127-133. Read More