Looking for "Golden Special" Grapefruit 4 sale in Oz (forum)

J starts with ...
I'm looking for the successor of the Poor Mans orange/New zealand grapefruit: The variety known as "Golden Special" grapefruit.

Here is a description:
Golden Special is an improved selection of Morrisons Seedless.
NZ Grapefruit were originally called "Poormans Orange". The fruit were introduced to NZ in 1855 via Asia and Australia and were of a hybrid origin. The plant was propagated in NZ by J. Morrison and a superior variant was named "Morrisons Seedless", later to be superseded by further superior variant and named "Golden Special".

More reading about this "Golden special"
http://www.maryrobertson.co.nz/citrus.html

Essentially, I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can buy this "golden special" variety in Australia. The kiwi's I've talked to seem unwilling to send one over to oz. The original poormans orange can be found at Perry's but Golden special is an improved strain. If anyone can point me in the right direction as to where I can find one of these "golden special" grapefruit trees it would be appreciated!


Time: 4th September 2010 9:49pm

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About the Author J
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Jimmy says...
Hmmm, I think you would be pushing the proverbial uphill, none of these trees have been popular in home garden or commerce for donkeys years.

The quarantine costs would kill you to get it from NZ.

Glowinski's fruit book mentions that most of these varieties are local selections and there is not much between them.

Time: 8th September 2010 1:22pm

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About the Author Jimmy
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j says...
Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll be happy with what I have.

Time: 9th September 2010 7:52am

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Lala Magpie says...
Big respect to Louis G, but I beg to differ on this. I haven't found the equivalent of Golden Special in any of the available Oz varieties. Whereas Golden Special is readily available in NZ and deservedly popular. A low seed very sweet grapefruit.

The 'Poorman's Orange' we purchased in Victoria was pippy, smaller, and more of an orange than a grapefruit. Suitable for marmalade etc but not a breakfast grapefruit.

To J, if you do find Golden Special anywhere in Oz, let me know, as I too am interested.

This University of California article gives some background, but fails to mention Golden Special, which, as you suggested, is an improved version of Morrisons.

http://www.citrusvariety.ucr.edu/citrus/new_zealand_grapefruit.html

Happy hunting...

Time: 22nd February 2013 9:55am

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Original Post was last edited: 22nd February 2013 9:56am
About the Author Lala Magpie
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Brain says...
hi Lala

if you are in NZ, maybe you can consider sending us poor Australian cousins some seeds? According to the ICON database, NZ grapefruit seeds and fresh fruits are allowed, provided they meet the red tape requirements. For the home growers, chances are it will be confiscated but maybe worth a shot.

Time: 22nd February 2013 12:13pm

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About the Author Brain
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