Ornamental hybrid

Arcobal

Citrus × meyeri × Citrus sinensis ‘Doppio Sanguigno’

A little rainbow

Rind: Striped
Flesh: Pigmented
Parents: Meyer × blood orange

A living collection

Meet the tree

Arcobal combines Meyer lemon and Doppio Sanguigno orange in an ornamental hybrid developed by Italian citrus researchers. The most striking feature is its orange rind crossed by deep red-purple stripes.

The plant is vigorous and can flower repeatedly. Its glossy foliage, scented flowers and contrasting fruit colours give it a strong presence in a collection garden.

The fruit is medium-sized, with a rounded outline and an aromatic rind. Its flesh can be strongly pigmented. Flavour and colour depend on growing conditions and the stage of ripeness.

The villa document describes uses ranging from fresh fruit and juice to preserves and pastry. Its especially distinctive contribution to the garden, however, is visual: it invites a close comparison with the blood orange from which it descends.

A citrus journey

Acireale, Sicily

A variety developed by the CREA research centre in Acireale: a documented breeding origin.

The rhythm of the year

Repeat flowering

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Harvest months not yet established

Repeat flowering does not mean ripe fruit every month. The villa tree’s harvest period remains to be observed.

Weather, flowering and cultivation can shift these periods.

Here, in the garden

Look closely

Look at the purple-red stripes across the orange rind: they make Arcobal distinctive even before it is cut open.

Sources & botanical notes

Adapted from the Villa Bizzarria citrus collection document, with botanical checks and the references below. Seasonal windows are reference observations, not a guarantee of ripe fruit at the villa.

Map: Natural Earth · simplified, indicative markers. Updated: 22.09.2026.