If you look below you will see a huge limb to the right with thorns that could kill you. The main trunk and the top are normal and contain three oranges. The one limb to the right looks like another species.

Is this a graft issue, looks like the green line of the branch goes right down to the graft.???

i really do not know, interesting though. but if you do not like the limb then cut it off or graft something else onto it.

I get lower growth like that on my orange trees as well. It has to be a normal. What exactly is going on I don't know, but my Cara Cara and my Moro have the same thing. It's almost like immature growth on an other wise mature tree. Someone will know. I have not removed mine, if it's not rootstock, I try to keep it. It looks like the graft is much lower and I would guess that the tree is on Citrange or Flying Dragon. Those aren't trifoliate leaves.

Thanks. It just seems so weird. It is so different from the rest of the tree

Is it possible to air layer that branch? Great way of getting rid of it and gaining a whole new tree too.

It looks like a water sprout to me; I usually trim mine off and use as budwood. You could leave it on if it does not cross or rub any other branches and doesn't lower the aesthetics of the tree.

Don't lower branches also promote a stronger trunk?

Suckers should only be kept if they occupy free spaces. After a few years they bear fruit, but all interior suckers must be cut. - Millet (870-)

Actually, I was not talking about suckers at the base of the tree, because most all citrus trees are grafted, therefore, these would be from the root stock and should be removed. However, when lower limbs are prevented from forming, or if they are pruned off prematurely, the trunk will development typically is like a piece of pipe, that is the two sides are parallel, instead of the developing a good trunk taper like a deep sea fishing rod. This happens because the trunk cannot grow without energy, and the energy source is the foliage on the developing tree's top. Any energy in excess of the needs that is first required by the top, moves down in the outer phloem tissues, but because this downward flow of energy is first received by, and used by, the upper trunk for the growth of the upper part of the trunk, normal trunk taper development is restricted. The more you prune off the lower limbs and reduce leaf surface, the more the top grows vertically to try to produce more needed leaf surface area. The lower limbs on a tree supply much of their energy to the lower trunk and root system. Once the tree has developed a good trunk taper, like a deep sea fishing rod, the lower limbs can be removed, if desired, and the trunk taper and unparalleled sides will remain for the future. Part of this is related to the fact that downward movement of energy supplies fewer cells in the upper portion of a tapered trunk proportionate to the cells below. Trees with good taper typically have superior root systems which supply more water and nutrients to the leaves which in turn increases leaf efficiency and the amount of energy available for all aspects of growth. Much of this information is taken from the book "Plant Production In Containers II" by Carl E. Whitcomb, Ph.D. An excellent publication. - Millet (869-)

Thanks Millet.

Phillip