New Growth On Mu Kumquat Tree Has Thorns While The Original Plant Has None. Is This Normal?

Question

Tree planted in spring this year. New growth appearing growing out from the base of the trunk has thorns on the trunks/limbs. Old growth has no thorns. I am wondering why the thorns and should this new growth be pruned?

Answer 1

Yes, you should prune this, new, growth. These thorns indicate that the rootball used for the graft of your tree is coming back. The Kumquat will be grafted to a stronger citrus in order to make a stronger Kumquat tree, but sometimes the root mass will try and make a comeback. If you keep these pruned, it will remain as it is.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/can-grafted-trees-revert-to-their-root-stock.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/kumquat/growing-kumquat-trees.htm