Orig. in Indio, Calif., by J.R. Furr, U.S. Date and Citrus Sta., U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Introd. in 1964. Clementine tangerine × Orlando tangelo; cross made in 1948; selected in 1959; tested as Indio C48-14-39. <b>Fruit:</b> tangerine type; size medium; oblate, typical of the species; peel smooth, peels freely, dark orange; flesh orange-colored, firm, yet tender, juicy, flavor rich, sweet; retains good quality through December; 20-30 small to medium polyembryonic seeds; best suited as fresh fruit; usually ripens in early November, with Clementine, but in some seasons may be harvested before Clementine because its color changes from green to orange earlier. <b>Tree:</b> hardy; heat tolerant; vigorous; productive; nearly thornless; adapted especially to Coachella and Imperial valleys of California, may not require pollinators, but such should be provided until proved otherwise. Named in memory of David Fairchild (1869-1954), plant explorer and writer.