Grapefruit - Citrus × paradisi

New Zealand does not generally grow varieties of the true grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) as the climate is not hot enough here. Star Ruby is a  true grapefruit but should only really be planted in New Zealand's warmest climates. Instead, we grow grapefruit-like citrus, which is thought to be Pomelo - Mandarin hybrids such as Morrison Seedless and Wheeny which can thrive in a less warm climate than true grapefruit. This style of New Zealand grapefruit was introduced from Australia by Sir George Grey in 1855 and was originally known as 'Poorman orange' because of its slightly bitter flavour but heavy fruiting qualities. By the 1920’s the thin-skinned, high-quality strains were referred to as New Zealand grapefruit. There was an attempt at a rebrand in 1981 as ‘Goldfruit’ but locally at least this hasn't stuck. These varieties are vigorous and large, producing good yields of medium-large fruit with a yellow skin and orange-yellow flesh. The best quality fruit tends to be grown on trifoliata rootstock. The fruit can be seedy if cross pollinated, particularly with Wheeny grapefruit, Meyer lemons, Seminole tangelos, or Clementine mandarin, but when grown in blocks on its own, can be almost seedless. They do have a tendency to be  biennial bearing. The New Zealand grapefruit is a versatile fruit with a long season that can stretch from May through to January, with the very early fruit often used for marmalade.