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CHANGSHA TANGERINE

'Changsha' tangerine is very much like the satsuma which it resembles greatly. The fruit itself is about the size of a satsuma, with bright orange peel. The quality is not as good as satsuma and the fruit is very seedy. The tree is a bit more upright-growing than satsuma and is probably more cold-hardy than satsuma and kumquat, having been observed growing and fruiting as far north as Ft. Worth, Texas.

'Changsha' is a seedling tangerine that was once popular in Texas landscapes because of its relative cold hardiness. Two mature trees have been observed in production at the O.S. Gray nursery in Arlington, TX, in 1973. Trees grown from seed are more cold tolerant than budded trees.

'Changsha' comes true from seed and the seedlings will produce within a few years. 'Changsha', perhaps the most cold hardy of all the sweet citrus fruits. Mature satsumas and 'Changsha' tangerines can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees F. or lower if they have become cold-acclimated. A sudden freeze to 25 degrees F. without any previous cold weather can be more damaging than a freeze to 20 degrees F. that comes after a period of low temperatures. Freeze damaged mandarins may lose some leaves, but they usually recover. Small trees, less than 2 or 3 years old are not as cold hardy as bearing trees. 'Changsha' has survived 4 degrees F. temperatures near Dallas, Texas.

Calamondins can tolerate 15 degrees F. but 'Changsha' tangerines can tolerate 8 degrees F. or below. Changsha seedlings can also be used for rootstock on which to bud or graft satsumas as described at:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/PATIOCITRUS/propagation.html