The LB8 9 variety, known under the Sugar Belle® brand, is a conventionally bred mandarin hybrid that combines the shape and appearance of a tangelo with the size and deep orange color of a clementine. Dr. Fred Gmitter and his team of scientists at the University of Florida (UF) selected the LB8 9 variety for its excellent taste and disease tolerance. The Sugar Belle® brand mandarin hybrid earned its name because of its distinct flavor and aroma that scored high in several consumer taste panels around the US. Its intense sweetness (14.2 Brix) balances very well with the acidity and tartness. The LB8 9 variety produces high levels of vitamin C – approximately 40% higher than most commercially available fresh citrus varieties. The LB8 9 mandarin hybrid variety appears in a beautiful deep, bright orange external and internal color. The fruit is juicy and best handled by slicing. With the right management technique, very low to no seed numbers can be achieved. The fruit size varies between 70 mm and 130 mm depending on tree crop load. Depending on the rootstock, the Sugar Belle® brand matures in late November to early January, making it an excellent choice for the fresh fruit, winter holiday market. Protected by U.S. Plant Patent US PP21,356 (expires December 5, 2028), restricting asexual propagation and unauthorized distribution of trees or budwood. Use as a breeding parent is permitted. The name “Sugar Belle®” remains trademarked.