List of Root Fruits

If you are considering planting fruit trees on your property or are interested in the prospects of an orchard, then you must acquaint yourself with root fruits. These species run the gamut from the ordinary to the exotic and demand different methods of attention and cultivation. Before doing so, investigate the soil conditions and climatic advantages of your local area to optimize both yield as well as the quality of the fruit.

Identification

• Root fruits loosely refer to those fruits that grow on trees as those trees need root systems for nourishment and growth. The direct application of the term root lies in connection to the rootstock you must purchase in order to plant your own specimens of related fruits. The rootstock is described by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the "bottom portion of a grafted tree." These rootstocks can be purchased through online vendors or perhaps local gardening, landscaping and agricultural retailers located in your general area.

Principal Types

• Fruit crops that require the planting of rootstock include some of the most famous and often seen fruits on the market. Apples, pears and cherries can all be grown through the planting of rootstock. You also can find rootstock for what are known as the stone fruits; namely prune, apricot, plum and peaches. Sometimes varieties of cherries, such as tart cherries and sweet cherries, also are considered to be stone fruits.

Varieties of Citrus

• Citrus fruits also need rootstock if they are to be planted. Oranges, nectarines, lemons, limes and grapefruits are among the citrus fruits grown on trees. However, some of these rootstocks are harder to come by commercially than others. Oranges have many varieties of root stock, including sour, swingle, cleopatra mandarin and carrizo. Limes also have multiple varieties. A short list of these contains the Palestine, rangpur and volkameriana.

Considerations

• As you may expect, some varieties of rootstock perform and grow much better in certain climatic conditions. Citrus, for example, may thrive more easily in warmer regions. Additionally, when attempting to plant rootstock, you must make allowance for the soil character and conditions that best suit that particular species or variety. Be aware that some rootstocks are more vulnerable to diseases or virus, so it is best to see if the rootstock is certified as virus free. For more information on tree planting and soil conditions in your state or local area, contact your state department of environmental protection or agriculture with your inquiries.