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. |