Maru (RE)

Maru was released by Ruakura Research Centre in 1990. It is still protected under the plant propagation license, so can only be propagated by Licensed Propagators. It is a cross between Tifblue x Homebell. A wonderful late cropper with large very typical rabbiteye fruit. It is known to crop very well, een through April in the Waikato. The large dark berries tend to have a gritty texture and an obvious calyx scar similar to Tifblue. Bushes have an upright growth habit with berries well exposed. It is recommended planting for Waikato northwards as it may have problems maturing fruit in cooler districts.