Tangerines grow on small, evergreen citrus trees that thrive in warm climates. These popular fruits are known for their bright color and sweet, segmented flesh. The tree is a member of the Rutaceae family, which includes all other familiar citrus varieties like oranges and lemons. The entire process, from fragrant bloom to harvestable fruit, occurs on the branches of this woody plant.
What Defines a Tangerine
Tangerines are a specific cultivar group within the broader category of mandarin oranges, botanically classified as Citrus reticulata. They are distinguished from common oranges by their smaller size and slightly flattened shape. The peel is notably thin and loosely attached to the segments, which is why tangerines are often called “easy-peelers” or “zipper-skin” fruit.
This thin rind and lack of bitter white mesocarp make them desirable for eating out of hand. The flavor profile is typically sweeter and less acidic than a standard orange, offering a pleasant sweet-tart taste. While the term “tangerine” is often used interchangeably with “mandarin” in a popular sense, it technically refers to the reddish-orange varieties historically shipped out of a specific port.
Characteristics of the Tangerine Tree
The tangerine tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen, typically reaching heights between 10 and 20 feet when grown outdoors. Its canopy is usually dense, composed of slender twigs and glossy, dark-green, lance-shaped leaves. These leaves remain on the tree year-round.
In the spring, the tree produces small, highly fragrant white flowers. These blossoms are followed by the fruit, which ripens from late fall through the winter months. Tangerine trees are also suitable for container growing, where they can be maintained at a smaller, more manageable size, often under eight feet.
Growing Conditions and Cultivation
Tangerine cultivation requires a subtropical or warm temperate climate, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11. The trees are sensitive to cold, needing protection from hard frost or freezing temperatures to prevent damage to the fruit and the wood. They require a sunny location, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
The ideal soil is well-drained, sandy to loamy, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. Poorly draining, clay-heavy soils can lead to root rot and should be avoided. Watering should be regular and deep, especially during blooming and fruiting, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging the roots.
Many commercially grown trees are propagated by grafting a desired fruit-producing variety onto a hardy rootstock for better disease resistance and adaptability. While many tangerine trees are self-fertile, a tree can take several years, often three to four, to begin bearing a substantial harvest. The fruit is usually hand-picked when mature to avoid bruising the delicate peel.
Historical Roots of the Tangerine
The tangerine’s origins trace back thousands of years to Southeast Asia, where it developed from wild mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata), particularly in regions of southern China. This area is considered one of the oldest centers of citrus domestication. The fruit spread westward along ancient trade routes, eventually reaching the Mediterranean region.
The name “tangerine” is tied to the city of Tangier, a major seaport in Morocco. During the 19th century, this port was a significant point of export from which the mandarin variety was shipped to Europe and the United States. The fruit became associated with its shipping location, and the name “tangerine” was adopted.