Question
Dear sir, We live in Tucson, AZ and have a dwarf orange tree which has produced one orange in the past two years.  It has, however, a strange growth which comes from the small trunk of the tree.  I can only describe it as a large branch-like growth with large (1 1/2 in.)thorn-like spines growing from the branch.  The leaves of this branch do not resemble the leaves on the tree so am wondering if the tree had been grafted with something other than a regular orange tree.  I am really baffled and have cut the branch off, just in case it was zapping the tree of energy.  We will not have any oranges this year.
Thanks for taking my question under consideration.

Answer
Jan, it does sound like an experimental hybrid, where two different plants were grafted. That being the case, I doubt you will ever experience a good harvest. You didn't mention if you planted the tree or if it was already established. If you did purchase it, I would definitely ask someone from the garden center to analyze the tree and confirm that it is a 100% hybrid from two orange trees, otherwise you should get your money back.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike