The tangerine tree is a tree that produces a mandarin fruit: the tangerine. This citrus fruit is popularly used as an individual snack or part of a meal. This mandarin fruit originated in Southeast Asia and has since been propagated in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. This fruit is now commonly grown in Texas.
The tangerine tree is open and has a crown that is usually almost symmetrical. Texas A&M University described the tangerine tree as being more erect than other mandarin trees. These trees can get as high as 15 to 20 feet. The leaves on the tangerine have a lance shape. They are evergreen leaves. The flowers produced by the tangerine tree are small and white. The smell of the tangerine flower is fragrant. Tangerines are fruits that are flattened and range from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. They are usually orange or orange-yellow in color. On the outside of the tangerine is a rind that is leathery. This rind can be easily peeled.
The tangerine tree survives the best in subtropical and tropical regions. Severe frost can be destructive to tangerine trees and areas that are more prone to frost better support smaller tangerine trees, because smaller trees are easier to protect from frost.
Tangerine trees have the ability to self-pollinate and have both male and female flowers. These trees will produce heavy yields of tangerines some years, while producing smaller yields on other years. According to Texas A&M University, the tangerine tree is able to resist frost more readily than other citrus trees. The trees prefer well-drained sandy loam soil.
Tangerines are fruits that not only provide a citrus flavor, but are also low on fat and high on Vitamin C. Most people only consume the fruit, but Iowa State University recommends that the peels of the tangerine be grated and added to food to give the food an exotic flavor.
Tangerine trees are brittle and are easy to break. Therefore, care must be taken when pruning and landscaping around the tangerine tree. The tangerine tree can also break when too many tangerines develop, often requiring that the tree be staked to provide extra support. Though the trees are self-pollinating, some trees will not produce as many fruit if they self-pollinate. Tangerine trees can become infected by pests and diseases.