Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi)

    Also called Pomelo, the grapefruit is the fruit of an important cultivated citrus tree belonging to the family Rutaceae. Grapefruit trees originated in the Far East as a sport of the shaddock. From there they were introduced into the United States, where they now are extensively cultivated in Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. The trees are about the size of orange trees, reaching a height of from 20 to 40 feet. They have large oval leaves, pubescent twigs and thin, sharp spines. Their white flowers develop into globular fruits, each four to six inches in diameter. Like the orange, the grapefruit blossoms during March, April, or early May. The fruit is divided internally into from 10 to 12 segments, each composed of numerous juice sacs which yield the juice widely used as a beverage. Grapefruit trees require a hot, moist climate and deep, rich, well-drained soil. They are propagated by budding the desired plants on young stocks of the same or different varieties.