28 
Citrus and Tropical Fruit Culture 
Tree. In habit and appearance very much like the 
Washington Navel ; a good grower, strong foliage and 
well branched. 
History. This fruit takes its name from that of the man 
(Mr. A. C. Thomson) on whose grounds it was first 
observed. Its origin from a scientific point of view was 
a matter of much speculation in the early days of the cit- 
rus industry in California; but of late years it is quite 
generally conceded that it took its inception as a bud 
sport of the Washington N'avel, rather than through any 
process or manipulation of bnds. 
MEDITERRANEAN SWEET 
Fruit. Medium to large; shape oval; color a rich 
orange yellow ; peel rather heavy and of good protective 
quality; flesh of good grain and orange yellow in color; 
flavor sweet and aromatic; a good shipping variety; sea- 
son between Washington Navel and Valencia, usually 
from April to July. 
Navelencia orange 
NAVELENCIA 
Fruit. In appearance much like the Thomson Navel, 
being of good size and shape ; peel of fine grain and 
rather thin ; flesh melting to the taste and reasonably free 
from "rag"; juice abundant and of good flavor; shipping 
qualities up to standard. Season, January to June. 
Tree. Of an unbrageous habit with fine symmetrical 
top; possesses small thorns; foliage dark green and 
glossy; an early and good bearer, often yielding fruit 
the second year from the bud. 
History. The claim that it is a cross between Thomson 
Navel and Valencia Late is hardly tenable; it probably 
is a variation in the regular Navel type of sufficient im- 
portance to give it specific rank. Not extensively culti- 
vated as a commercial sort. 
PAPER RIND ST. MICHAELS 
Fruit. Rather small, round, solid and heavy; peel 
smooth, thin and of fine texture ; color yellow verging to 
a lemon shade; membranes thin; grain of fine texture; 
juice abundant; flavor sweet and sprightly; good shipping 
quality. Season, April to June. 
Tree. Strong and upright grower; medium thorny; a 
good bearer. St. Michael trees in the Azores, in sheltered 
situations, have been known to bear from 15,000 to 20,000 
fruits in a single year. 
History. One of the oldest varieties in cultivation in 
the Mediterranean countries and in the Azores, where it 
has long been a favorite. First planted in California in 
the early stages of the exploitation and development of 
the citrus industry. 
Mediterranean Sweet orange 
Tree. A good bearer and vigorous grower inclined to 
a spreading habit but not attaining great size; practically 
thornless; will stand a slightly colder temperature than 
some of the other sorts; at one time extensively planted 
in Southern California, but of late years planted sparingly. 
History. Of European extraction and first introduced 
and disseminated in California by A. T. Garey in the late 
seventies and early eighties. 
JOPPA 
Fruit. Good size and highly colored when fully ma- 
tured ; has a smooth thin rind ; flesh sweet and full of 
juice, very little rag and nearly seedless. Ripens in April 
but will stay on the tree as late as July. 
Tree. Very vigorous and an upright grower, very 
much resembling the Valencia Late and quite thornless. 
History. Introduced from Joppa, Palestine. 
HOMOSASSA 
Fruit. Round, medium to large in size. Peel smooth 
and thin; color orange yellow; flesh somewhat coarse 
but remarkably free from rag; flavor sprightly and of ex- 
cellent quality; ripens early but does not drop. 
Tree. Of medium growth but of somewhat spreading 
habit; quite prolific. 
History. A Florida seedling originating in the grove 
of Hon. Mr. Yulee at Homosassa, Florida. 
