Identity
History & Description
Origin
Ugly, or 'Ugli fruit', is the commercial name of the Jamaican tangelo. Discovered growing wild around 1917, it is a probable natural hybrid between a mandarin, an orange, and a grapefruit.Tree description
The tree is large, vigorous, and productive. It prefers warm climates, but some selections grafted onto Poncirus show decent resistance in a protected zone.Fruit quality
True to its name ("ugly"), the fruit is large, misshapen, and bumpy, with a thick green-yellow-orange skin that seems to float loosely around the flesh. It is very easy to peel.Flavor and ornamental interest
Don't judge it by its looks: it is a delight. The orange flesh is succulent and very sweet, without bitterness, with a unique aroma of tropical orange and pineapple.Updated:
What matters when choosing
Key points about Ugli Tangelo (Ugly)
Ugli is a Jamaican tangelo with large, bumpy fruit that is visually unappealing but very juicy and fragrant. It develops its best quality in a hot climate; in cooler subtropical conditions, the fruit may remain acidic and lack sweetness.
Why choose it
- Large, very juicy fruit.
- Rich flavor when warmth is sufficient.
- Thick, loose peel that is fairly easy to remove.
Its limits
- Very low freeze tolerance.
- More acidic, less sweet fruit in a cool climate.
- Bumpy appearance and late maturity.
Practical notes
- Origin
- Jamaica, spontaneous seedling
- Type
- Tangelo
- Harvest
- Winter to early spring
Cold-hardiness reference: about 19°F (−7°C)
Its tropical origin and late maturity require early protection; it is not a cold-hardy citrus merely because it is classified among tangelos.
Sources and method
The temperatures given are reference points for a mature tree with hardened wood. The table and callout repeat the same value as the profile. They guarantee neither freedom from damage nor a harvest after a freezing event.
Data reviewed on September 21, 2026.
- Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection — UCR — Origin, fruit, season, and climate effects on flavor
- Citrus ID — Ugli — History, morphology, juice, flavor, and maturity
- UCR — accession catalog — Traceability of Jamaican Ugli accessions