Moanalua pummelo

Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. RUTACEAE

CRC 448
PI 539407

Source

Received as a cutting from Mr. Damon, Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu, 1914.

Parentage/origins

Parents unknown.

Rootstocks of accession

Yuma Ponderosa, C-35 citrange

Season of ripeness at Riverside

October to November

Notes and observations

Said to be a fine pummelo of large size. "Gave this the name Moanalua pummelo."--HJW 9/34.

Seedling yellows removed by thermotherapy 1985. Resembles Tahitian (CRC 3806) but thicker rind, much more sour. This and Tahitian are dwarf trees for pummelos. Citrus Industry, Vol. 1, pp 537-538, gives Moanalua as synonym for Tahitian pummelo.

Description from The Citrus Industry Vol. 1 (1967)

"Mention should be made of the so-called Tahitian grapefruit because of its distinctive characteristics and high quality. This agreeably-flavored fruit is in reality a thin-rinded, highly juicy pummelo. The seeds are monoembryonic and otherwise typical of the pummelo and the shoot growth is much more pubescent than any of the grapefruits. The faintly amber flesh color suggests the possibility that it may be lightly pigmented under conditions more favorable for color development.

The origin of Tahitian is obscure but it is believed to have developed in Tahiti from seed from Borneo whence it was taken to Hawaii. The variety is of local and limited importance only, but is highly reputed for its excellent quality."