You would need to provide us photos of the leaves, branches, and the trunk where those branches are emanating from, so we can tell you if it's rootstock growth or not. If these leaves are in "leaves of three", then it is definitely trifoliate rootstock, and the branches should be pruned off right at the trunk. If you upload photos, we can tell you for sure before you wield those pruners!

Patty S.

new to citrus what is rootstock? I have a kumquat plant i thought the cold have killed it but when in the middle of spring there was new growth coming from the root so i left it alone, the plant is now about 10 ft tall, very large leave and have 3-4 inch thorns. i am thinking of cutting it down and let it start again and see what happens, its been over 2 years and it have not fruit at all just got taller. Any suggestion to what cause the change or if its a good idea to cut it and let it grow again.

elaine

I'm certain it is rootstock if it has those thorns. Rootstock is a different type of citrus used as the base to graft other varieties onto it - for many different reasons.

I agree with Laura, if it's from the bottom of the trunk, most likely rootstock. If it's from the branches and looks young, then it may loose the thorns as it gets older and harden.

Patty S., long time no see, welcome back!

John That post by Patti S was about the last posting to the citus forum. It would be nice if she came back as she is active on other GW forums

Oh, thanks Steve, I didn't notice the date...2014

Elaine, to answer your question, rootstock is a related variety of citrus that generally has some desirable characteristics, such as disease & drought resistance, and/or vigorous or dwarfing characteristics, etc., but they usually do not produce desirable fruit on their own. The nursery chooses a rootstock that is hopefully appropriate for the local area. The rootstock is allowed to grow to a certain size, then the top is cut off and a more desirable variety is grafted on to it. The grafted variety will come from a mature fruit producing plant. This accelerates fruit development as one does not have to wait 4-5+ years for the plant to mature and produce fruit. In addition, some varieties of citrus do not grow strong roots, grafting them onto the rootstock provides an instant root base.

Oh yeah, rootstocks and grafting is used to produce apples, stone fruit (plums & pears), etc so its a widely used technique. You cannot graft citrus onto an apple rootstock,etc.

Do you guys recommend i cut this from the base?

yes. it is rootstock

Should i cut this?