Williams Tangelo

The 1931 account describes CPB 1397 as a Williams seedling from Rockledge that proved to be a hybrid and as a sister hybrid of Sampson (CPB 1316), though with different fruit. The seedlings had been distributed to cooperators for testing; this is the source’s historical account, not a modern genetic verification.^⁠[2]

The 1931 account says E. S. Williams later moved budwood from Rockledge to Fort Pierce, propagated the tree, and planted several acres. It reports fruit sales to east-coast tourist hotels and private customers, and adopts “Williams tangelo,” the name used in the growing region.^⁠[2]

The 1931 description characterizes the fruit as flattened, 3¾–4 inches across and 2⅞–3 inches high, with a medium-thick, smooth rind, 13–15 segments, and 10–15 seeds. It describes the pulp as amber, tender, and juicy, and the evergreen tree as thrifty and productive, with unifoliate leaves.^⁠[2]

The 1931 account places the Florida season from late January through March, slightly before Sampson. It reports that fruit held on the tree past full maturity tended to dry out, and recommends the tangelo for local markets or home collections.^⁠[2]