Ancient Citrus Rootstocks
Villa Medicea di Castello, Florence
Many of the citrus specimens are over 300 years old. Most are grafted on to Sour Orange rootstocks. The greatest damage to the collection occurred during the First World War, when the pots were left outside over winter. The survivors have re-sprouted from the remaining scions and rootstocks. In many cases the rootstock has been allowed to grow, so two varieties are visible in a single pot. The plants are fertilized with composted animal manure, and the damaged stumps treated with fungicides.