Unshiu tangerine
originates in China. It was later introduced to Japan, where this type of tangerines got its name: Unshiu and Satsuma. Japan was also so called secondary genetic center, where so many new excellent varieties originate or were bred in. Nowadays Unshiu tangerines are cultivated on 80% of all citrus plantations in Japan and surrounding Islands. They also became very popular in other subtropical regions with cold winters, where other citruses usually suffer some frost damage (Russia, coastal Croatia, California, etc.). Unshiu tangerine is in Mediterranean area often replaced by another, much superior Clementina tangerines. Only several varieties and mutations of Miyagawa are cultivated in the warmest parts of Europe, such as Italy; Unshiu tangerines are generally not very popular and thus not cultivated in Spain. Dormant Unshiu varieties that are after harvest can withstand frosts as low as -8 and -10°C. However it requires hot and warm weather in the fruit ripening phase, otherwise it can bear less quality fruit. Unshiu tangerine fruit tends to color up improperly and have bad, distasteful fruit low on acids, if it is cultivated in subtropical areas with mild winters.
It is a small, mostly horizontal growing tree with distinctive overhanging thornless branches and dark green leaves. They usually have distinctive petioles with narrow or now wings. White flowers usually grow out next to the leaf axils and usually both; in clusters and individually.
Fruit is formed from flower parthenocarpically, typically without pollination. In case there are too many pieces of fruit, it is necessary to remove some, preferably the damaged, improperly developing or otherwise useless fruit. Its pericarp is usually thin and orange; it contains lots of essential oils and can easily be peeled. Pulp is usually divided into 8-12 segments and the fruit is usually seedless. It blooms early in spring and the fruit ripens usually from September to December (5,5 to 7 months after blooming). There are many varieties and clones divided into 3 main groups:
Goku Wase are very early tangerine varieties with excellent flavor and fruit quality. They ripen from late August to late September
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Kartuli Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Cartuli
'Kartuli Saadreo' is probably a bud mutation of the 'Kawano' that was discovered in former USSR. It has a dwarf tree habitus with erect, more vertical growth and compact, dense crown full of small and narrow leaves. It has extremely high yields and starts producing the fruit very early after planting out. . It blossoms precisely one week before any other Unshiu tangerine and has quite varying yields each year. Its delicious fruit is rather average (6cm), weighs roughly 80g and grows in big clusters. The fruit's rind is usually orange, grainy, pebbled and well colored; it is tightly attached to the juicy, sweet (and slightly sour), aromatic, orange pulp. Each fruit contains 1,1% of acids, 7 % of sugars and 74 % of juices. The fruit can furthermore keep its excellent quality even after 5 months of hanging on the tree after fully ripening. The frost hardiness of 'Kartuli Saadreo' is comparable with that of other Unshiu tangerines, but this particular variety's fruit starts ripening month before most of other Unshiu tangerines, which is especially desired in our climate. Provided that it is grafted on a good rootstock, it can even be grown indoors. It is one of the triplet group "Saadreo" that shares certain similarities with 'Abchazuri' and 'Anaseuli'.
Planellina ® Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Planělina' is a very early variety from the Goko Wase group that originates in Spain. It was bred in research centre IVIA in Moncada, close to Valencia by R. Bono, L. Fernandez de Cordova and J. Soler as a mutation of another cultivar called 'Owari'. Compared to the ‘Clausellina' it has slightly bigger fruit, thinner rind and more juices in the pulp. The quality is almost the same as with 'Owari' and ripens only a few days after the 'Hashimoto'.
Wakayama Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Okita, Wakiyama
'Wakayama' has Japanese origin and belongs to a group of very early varieties. It is widely propagated and cultivated in Croatian Opuzen.
'Wakayama' is a dwarf tree or bigger shrub with dark green leaves. It has average, slightly flattened fruit. The more juices there are in the fruit, the more elongated the fruit neck becomes. The dark orange, quite thin rind can easily be peeled and is well attached to the refreshing, juicy, aromatic and delicious pulp. The pulp is further divided into several easily separable segments. 'Wakayama' is usually harvested when the rind turns green-orange and it usually ripens by the end of September and early October. It is also ideal for growing indoors.
Wase - a group of varieties, they ripen generally from an early October until the late November.
Ayky Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Ayky' originates in Japan.
Ichimaru Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Ichemaru
'Ichimaru' is an extremely early variety that replaces 'Wakayama' in Croatia. It has somewhat bigger and tastier fruit than most of other Unshiu tangerines.
'Ichimaru' is slightly smaller than other Unshiu trees and can be as high as 2 metres, having a very distinctive, wide crown full of overhanging branches. It is the most dwarfed Unshiu tangerine tree cultivated in Croatia. Its leaves resemble the leaves of 'Zorana', which are slightly wider, less spear-shaped and around 9cm long. The red-orange 'Ichimaru' fruit is small, flattened and weighs approximately 80g. Its pulp is both sweet and sour at the same time, but contains more acids than sugars. When the fruit is stored more than 5 days, the amount of sugars usually rises significantly. Even though it usually ripens from later October, many Croatian farmers sell the 'Ichimaru' fruit already in late September and early October. It is sold as "bračská mandarina" (The Brach tangerine), because the largest plantains, where Croatians cultivate this tangerine is the island Brać (Brach). It is suitable for growing in the greenhouses and because of its dwarf height and other habitus parameters it can freely be cultivated in the soil. If the greenhouse is not heated during the autumn, this variety ripens at the same time as 'Chahara', in late October.
Kawano Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Kawano Wase, Kowano
'Kawano wase' is an old Japanese variety. It's a dwarf tree named after a grower Nagoji Kawano. It was discovered in 1895 as a bud sport of the basic cultivar 'Unshiu'. It has small, light green leaves and a dense, compact crown. One of the biggest advantages of this variety is its very high yield. Both, the flowers and the fruit grow in big clusters. 'Kawano wase' fruit is very asymmetric, small or average (4-7cm), weighs 70-150g and is slightly flattened. Its smooth, quite thin, orange or red-orange pulp can easily be peeled. The pulp is distinctively dark orange, quite juicy, sweet and sour, refreshing and has excellent aroma. It's usually divided into 12 segments containing almost no seeds. The fruit ripens from 10th to 15th October, roughly 25 days before most of other Unshiu tangerines. It also starts producing fruit much earlier than any other cultivar. The ripe fruit hanging on the tree continuously loses its quality.
'Kawano wase' was brought to Croatian city Opuzen in 1965 and soon proved to have excellent horticultural characteristics. It didn't take long until the variety was cultivated in large scale and it got a new market name: "Russian tangerine". Other cultivars, such as more yielding 'Selection Kawano' were bred from this variety.
Mičurinec Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Mičurinec' originates in Sochi, former USSR and has distinctive dwarf habitus.
Miyagawa Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Miyaga Wase, Miyagawa Wase, Miyagoma
'Miyagawa' is the most popular and most cultivated early Japanes variety from the Unshiu tangerine group Wase. It was discovered in 1923 by Professor T. Tanaka as a bud mutation of local Unshiu tangerine 'Zairai' clone in Fukuoka prefecture.
'Miyagawa' is either a very vigorous, excellent yielding shrub or a very small tree, it grows to 1,5 m. Its fruit is spherical, slightly flattened, small or average (4,5-7,5cm), weighs 80-210g and has thin, intensively orange rind. 'Miyagawa' fruit's pulp is usually rather dry and not juicy at all, it is quite sweet and thanks to lots of acids also very distinctive. The pulp is furthermore divided into several easily separable segments with only a few seeds. Ripe fruit can hang on the tree as long as 3-4 months without losing any quality. 'Miyagawa' usually ripens in the middle of October, maybe a week after 'Okitsu', right before 'Miho' and 3-4 weeks before 'Owari'. It is one of the most popular tangerines there are and is more than suitable for growing indoors.
Miyagawa 00 Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Miyagawa 01
'Miyagawa nucelare' is an earlier Unshiu tangerine 'Miyagawa' mutation that was found in Japan.
It is a smaller shrub or tree with spherical, slightly flattened bigger fruit that weighs 130g, it has thin, intensively orange rind and excellent, less acidic, sweet and very juicy pulp. The pulp is typically divided into 8-10 segments and is completely seedless. Ripe fruit can be harvested 2 weeks earlier than classical 'Miyagawa'. The fruit of 'Miyagawa nucelare' ripens in our climate in the early September. It can even hang on the tree very long after fully ripening. There's also another clone called 'Miyagawa 01', which ripens a week later.
Miyagawa 00 Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Miyagawa 01
It is a smaller shrub or tree with spherical, slightly flattened bigger fruit that weighs 130g, it has thin, intensively orange rind and excellent, less acidic, sweet and very juicy pulp. The pulp is typically divided into 8-10 segments and is completely seedless. Ripe fruit can be harvested 2 weeks earlier than classical 'Miyagawa'. The fruit of 'Miyagawa nucelare' ripens in our climate in the early September. It can even hang on the tree very long after fully ripening. There's also another clone called 'Miyagawa 01', which ripens a week later.
Miyagawa 00 Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Miyagawa 01
It is a smaller shrub or tree with spherical, slightly flattened bigger fruit that weighs 130g, it has thin, intensively orange rind and excellent, less acidic, sweet and very juicy pulp. The pulp is typically divided into 8-10 segments and is completely seedless. Ripe fruit can be harvested 2 weeks earlier than classical 'Miyagawa'. The fruit of 'Miyagawa nucelare' ripens in our climate in the early September. It can even hang on the tree very long after fully ripening. There's also another clone called 'Miyagawa 01', which ripens a week later.
Nagahashi Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Nagahashi' originates in Japan, it's an average tree very similar to tangerine 'Yonezawa', however 'Miyamoto' fruit is not that well colored and have inferior quality. It was introduced into public in 1935.
Okitsu ® Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Okitsu Wase, Okitsu-wase Satsuma
'Okitsu' is an early variety from the Unshiu tangerine group Wase, second most popular and cultivated variety in Japan. It was discovered in 1940 as a Miyagawa' seedling in the Okitsu research station, Honshu. According to other sources it was bred by M. Kajiury and T. Iwasakiho by crossing 'Miyagawa' with Poncirus, so it shouldn't really be classified as Unshiu tangerine. It was first massively propagated in 1953 and patented in 1963. Soon after that it became very perspective and widely cultivated variety. It is most commonly growing in the colder subtropical areas with harsh winters.
'Okitsu' is a big shrub or a small tree, it can grow up to 2,7m and has very wide, spherical crown made of curly branches with small spikes. The foliage is usually very scarce, but the large, pointed leaves resemble those of Unshiu tangerine 'Clausellina'. 'Okitsu' starts producing at very early age and is fairly resistant to cold. This last characteristic is somewhat suppressed by the fact, that 'Okitsu' hates hot and dry climates and can easily get damaged by sunrays during hot weather. It is also necessary to reduce the fruit shortly after it starts forming, because this variety usually produces much more than it can bring to full ripeness. Pollination is not required to produce high yields. 'Okitsu' fruit is distinctively spherical or slightly flattened, average (5,5-8cm) weighs 120-190g and has a small navel with big neck. Its dark orange rind is soft, smooth, thin (2-4mm) and well attached to the refreshing, juicy (54%) orange pulp, which contains 19% sugars. It is usually divided into 11-12 segments and usually doesn't contain any seeds. The fruit is usually harvested in September and contains lots of acids in the pre-ripening phase; it usually ripens 15-20 days earlier than 'Owari', slightly later than 'Miho' and a week later than maternal variety. Almost unripe fruit has to be carefully harvested and put into the storage to let it ripen. It is vital to be careful and not to damage the thin rind or otherwise the fruit dries out.
It is cultivated in New Zealand (grafted on 'C-35') and wet, subtropical areas in China. T is also the most popular variety in Spain and replaces 'Owari' in almost all European Unshiu cultivating areas. It also gains lots of popularity in Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa.
Silverhill Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Frost Owari, Frost Satsuma, Silver Hill
'Silverhil' was discovered in USA as a nucelar seedling of 'Owari' and was consequently named in 1931.
It is a wide, average high tree that grows more vigorously and erect than any other tangerine. It is significantly cold resistant and produces lots of average (5,5-7,5cm), slightly flattened fruit that weighs up to 110-180g. Its orange, grainy, quite thick rind is full of essential oils and not only that it cracks easily, but it can also be very easily peeled. Dark orange pulp is very soft, juicy (40%) and has excellent flavor and aroma. The fruit is also usually completely seedless and there are more sugars than acids, which makes it an excellent and delicious variety. The more fruit one tree produces, the worse fruit quality and flavor it has. 'Silverhil' ripens in November and its clone 'Frost Owari' is sometimes considered individual variety.
Sláva Vavilova Citrus sp. Hybridní mandarina
'Slava Vavilova' is an early dwarf variety and probably a nucelar seedling that was a result of one very special cross: Unshiu tangerine 'Miyagawa' and Clementine tangerine 'Commune'. This cross was bred in Gulripsh and named after Soviet botanist Vavilovov. 'Slava Vavilova' has extremely high yields and the fruit with unique flavor is quite average in size.
Sugiyama Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Raratonga, Rarotonga, Shiznoka, Shizuoka, Sugiyama Unshu, Suiyama, Tomono
'Tomono' is an early variety, probably a bud sport of 'Owari' that was discovered in the park of J. Sugiyamy, Shizuoka prefecture in 1934. It is an average, erect tree known for its good productivity. Although 'Tomono' is an Unshiu tangerine, it has much bigger fruit than any other tree from this family of citruses (except 'Owari'). Its fruit is slightly flattened, quite thin, smooth and very attractive; it has delicious, sweet flavor and contains lots of acids. The fruit is usually completely seedless and can easily be stored.
Zorana Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Zorica rana
'Zorana' is original, early Croatian variety selected and cultivated in one nursery from the city Opuzen in the 70s. It was discovered by Dr. Živko Gatinem and most probably is a bud mutatuin of 'Kawano' tangerine. It was named after its discoverer (Zorica) and Croatian equivalent of the word "early" (rana). It usually ripens 3 weeks before its maternal variety (mid September in Croatia, around 20th October in our climate).
'Zorana' grows to more than 2m and has very wide crown full of overhanging branches. Its narrow, long (7-10cm) leaves resemble those of 'Kawano'. 'Zorana' is also very prolific and has average (80g), oval, flattened fruit with yellow-orange and smooth rind. Even ripe fruit has some green in the pericarp, when it is ready to be eaten. Its pulp is light orange, refreshing (just like other Unshiu tangerines), very juicy and has more acids than sugars. This variety is more than suitable for growing indoors and in the greenhouses. Thanks to the early ripening nature of this cultivar, it is very suitable even to our climate (enough warmth and light during the ripening phase).
Owari is a group of varieties, which ripen from late November to late January.
Aoshima Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Aoshima Unshu, Aoshima Wase
'Aoshima' is a late variety with Japanese origin that was discovered in 1950 by H. Aoshima in the Fukudaga valley, Shizuoka prefecture. It is also an area, where this variety is mostly grown nowadays. It slowly replaced 'Ishikawa' as the major late cultivar.
'Aoshima' is a shrub or dwarf tree with compact crown full of small leaves. This variety starts producing flat, average (5-7,5cm) fruit very early. It weighs 170-210g and belongs to the largest fruit of all the Unshiu tangerines, usually with a small navel. The rind can easily be peeled and is well attached to the refreshing, juicy pulp with well balanced ratio of sugars and acids. There is usually one or no seeds in the fruit, which usually ripens from the late November. The fruit can be harvested even before it ripens (when it has yellow-green rind) and easily stored. 'Aoshima' is also very suitable for growing indoors.
Matsuyama Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Matsuyama' is a bud sport of 'Owari' that was found in Matsuyama, Japan, in 1935 and was registered in 1953. It is a small tree or bigger shrub with dense crown and thornless branches. Its dark green, shiny leaves are excellent contrast to the white fragrant flowers. The fruit is rather average (6cm) and it has average thick, intensively orange rind. Its sweet, juicy and aromatic pulp loses quality, if the ripe fruit hangs on the tree for too long. 'Matsuyama' belongs to the best tangerines there are and is well-deserved favorite and popular all over the world. This variety is also self-pollinating and thus ideal for growing indoors. It is reported by many growers, that 'Matsuyama' shrub has lots of fruit even if it is grown in the pots.
Oiwa Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Oijva Nº12
Late variety from the Owari group.
Otsu Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Ohtsu, Ohtsu Nº4, Ootsu, Otsu Nº4
'Otsu' was discovered in 1966 by Y. Otsu in Yoshihama, Kanagawa prefecture, Japan as a nucelar mutation of 'Juman'. It is a vigorous, high tree with wide crown and excellent productivity. Its fruit is average, flattened and has smooth rind, which starts changing colors before 'Sugiyama'. Even despite this fact, 'Otsu' ripens much later than 'Sugiyama', usually from late December to early January. The fruit can easily be stored and keeps its well-balanced sugar - acidic ratio for a long time.
Owari Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
Ovari, Owari SRA 14, Owari SRA 145, Owari SRA 253, Owari SRA 9, Owari Unshu
'Owari Unshiu' is an ancient Japanese variety, most probably a mutation of 'Ikiriki', Aichi prefecture. It was called Owari, which could be translated as "the bait".
'Owari Unshiu' is an average or high tree with thornless branches. It starts producing average, and is usually divided into 10-12 easily separable segments. This variety usually has no seeds and ripens from November to December. Ripe fruit hanging on the tree quickly loses its quality and it's advised to harvest the fruit as soon as it ripens.
This cultivar was brought to USA, where it mutated into 'Silverhill'. 'Owari Unshiu' is now widely cultivated in Australia and it had been an important plantain cultivar until a few decades ago. Nowadays it is replaced by many other cultivars, to many of which this variety gave rise ('Kara' - a cross of 'Owari' and tangerine 'King'; tangor 'Umatilla' - cross of 'Owari' and orange 'Ruby')...
Saigon SRA 29 Citrus unshiu Marc. Mandarina unšiu
'Saigon SRA 29' was bred in SRA research center, San Giulian, Corsica. It is an extremely prolific tree with the most quality Unshiu tangerine fruit. Its fruit is average and has extremely delicious, juicy and well-balanced (sugars and acids) pulp. It ripens in December and is more than sutable for growing indoors and in pots.
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