Pomelo is the citrus fruit, which is usually considered to be the ancestor of grapefruit. Pomelo is much larger than the grapefruit in size, and is known to be the largest member of the citrus fruits. Usually, a pomelo can be up to 15 to 25 cm in diameter, and can weigh about 2 to 4 pounds. The fruit is characterized by rough skin that turns pale green or yellow, when the fruit ripens. A pomelo tastes like grapefruit, but without the grapefruit's bitterness. The membrane that is found around the segments of the fruit is bitter, and so is not considered edible. Pomelo is also known by common names like Chinese grapefruit, pummelo, shaddock, jabong and pommelo.
Pomelo Tree Information
It is a large tree that can reach a height of about 5 to 15 m. The tree looks bushy with an irregular crown and several branches. The bark of the tree is yellow in color. The leaves are dark green in color with numerous oil glands that look like small dots. These glands give the leaves a shiny appearance. The leaves of pomelo tree are simple. Like the leaves, the skin of the pomelo fruit is also dotted with oil glands. The tree produces white or yellowish white, fragrant flowers. The pomelo fruit is usually round or oblong in shape, and consists of several segments that remain surrounded by a papery skin or membrane. The flesh of the fruit is very juicy and can be white to light yellow or pink in color. Being a subtropical plant, it prefers warm climate and high level of humidity.
Pomelo Tree Maintenance
It begins with understanding the optimal growth conditions that this tree requires. First of all, pomelo is a subtropical evergreen tree and so, it thrives on warm climates. A warm sunny location is preferable for growing pomelo tree. However, compared to other citrus fruit trees, pomelo can withstand shade to an extent. But, for getting high quality fruits, it is preferable to a go for a sunny location. Otherwise, the fruits will be sour. Availability of adequate sunlight also ensures that the tree remains healthy and not affected by plant diseases. However, excessive exposure to strong direct sunlight is also not advisable. So, choose a place that can provide adequate sunlight, and at the same time provide a little bit of shade to protect the tree from the over exposure to very strong sunlight.
This tree can adapt itself to various types of soil. However, the soil should be well-drained. During the growing season and until the plant establishes itself, it would require regular watering. Pomelo and other citrus fruit trees usually do not require heavy pruning at regular intervals. If the tree looks too dense, you can thin the foliage a bit, in order to promote air circulation. Also be sure to remove the suckers growing from the root stock.
It should be kept in mind that occasionally, the tree can become susceptible to some common plant diseases that affect the trees of the citrus family. The most common pests that can attack this tree are canker, miller insect, anthracnose and louses. If pest invasion becomes a serious problem, then consider taking the help of a professional in this area.
