I was the proud owner of several rough lemon trees. I began pruning them back last year. One was co-equal with a lemon tree, one had nearly taken over a marsh grapefruit, one concealed a 3-foot valencia, and a few others were "pure" rough lemon.

Here you can see where I cut away the rough lemon away from this poor orange tree:



It is surprising to me that someone would have intentionally chosen this rootstock for this area. This area is considered somewhat marginal for citrus, and the citrus trees in general are not so common. But the rough lemons have persisted here for many years and are obviously hardy enough. We have a rocky and somewhat acid clay loam soil which seems to suit them just fine.



The reading I have done thus far seems to indicate that rough lemon has fallen out of favor as a rootstock in most situations. I think I would much rather graft on to citrange or some other more hardy and better behaved rootstock. There is much to hate about these trees - so horribly thorny, and abundant crops of big yellow cannonballs with no juice. But they are also kind of unique/interesting. The last remaining tree is shading my grapefruit and I will either prune it back or remove it.

Here's my question: Can any of you think of a good reason to keep the last tree around as a rootstock or for some other use? Might there be some interest in the seeds for growers in other areas?

Thanks,
Brad

You could try using the fruit at earlier stages, as lime substitutes.
They are not as fragrant as lime, more lemon, but passable.

It should be possible to multi graft the remaining tree, to several varieties ie lemons,limes etc.

Rootstock research may discount rough lemon, but if your trees are doing well, it may be the best choice for your soil type.
The main complaint about RL, is that as a rootstock for oranges, mandarins( sweet cultivars ), the fruit is slightly sourish, compared to other rootstocks.

Perhaps you could comment if you have found this so, or if it is really noticeable ?

Thanks pagnr! Since we recently moved to this house the fruit trees will get their first full season with decent care in 2013. At this early stage though I would have to say that the quality of the grapefruit this winter and the one Valencia orange I ate last year were on the substandard side. The grapefruit isn't very good, and we get plenty of heat here. The Lisbon lemon on rough lemon is divine, though. I will have to try the rough lemon on its own at an early stage as you suggest so I think I will keep this tree for at least another year. If nothing else this rough lemon tree is different.