Columbus, under orders, carried with him the seeds of the first citrus trees to reach the New World, and he spread them through the Antilles, where they grew and multiplied so vigorously that within thirty years some Caribbean islands were covered with them. In all likelihood, Ponce de Leon introduced oranges to the North American mainland when he discovered Florida in 1513.

McPhee, John (2011-04-01). Oranges (p. 89). Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Kindle Edition.