Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Malus domestica ‘Supreme Crab’

Fruit; small, roundish. Skin; greenish yellow ripening to golden orange, with numerous small black dots and some russety warts. Flesh; firm, crisp, sweet, juicy, pleasant flavour. [HP pl.LXXV/1878].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

It was grown by Mr. Thomas Andrew Knight at his Wormsley Grange, Herefordshire nursery in 1792. ‘It is the offspring of the Orange Pippin, and the produce of a blossom, which was deprived of its stamens, and subsequently fertilized by the pollen from the Golden Pippin.’ Produces a very hardy medium sized tree which is a consistent and profuse bearer. ‘An excellent dessert apple of great beauty.’ It was also used as a cider apple but lacks tannin. Available October and November. [HP pl.LXXV/1878].

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [Apple no.11/1843]. There are two references to ‘Knight’s Golden Pippin’ in William Macarthur’s records.

Knight’s golden pippin.  February-March.  Great.  Very small tree, highly flavoured but acid fruit, often mealy.  Of 2nd value only but very early. [Notebook no.9, MP A2948].  This may refer to ‘Downton Pippin’ which see. ‘Elton Golden Pippin’, ‘Knights Pippin’ and ‘Knight’s Golden Pippin’ are given as synonyms for ‘Downton Pippin’ ‘in different collections, according to the Pom. Mag’. [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.28/1831].

Knight’s Golden Pippin.  February-March.  A succulent fruit highly flavoured but very sharp, apt to be mealy when first ripe.  Good only for dessert. [Diary B, 1862, MP A2951]. This may refer to ‘Downton Pippin’ which see. 

 

 

Notes

The identification of this apple is doubtful.  The illustration is of ‘Supreme Crab’, which appears to be a true crab apple, is somewhat at odds with descriptions of ‘Knight’s New Golden Pippin’.

 

 

Published Apr 15, 2010 - 02:55 PM | Last updated Jul 25, 2011 - 04:59 PM

8 apples are illustrated, most of then small crab apples in shades of yellow and red. Herefordshire Pomona pl.75, 1878.

Apple ‘Supreme Crab’ | HP pl.75/1878 - Supreme Crab is on the second row, left | RBGS

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, England

Synonyms
  • The Grange Apple
  • Knight’s New Golden Pippin 

 

Common Name

Apple, Dessert apple, Cider apple

Name in the Camden Park Record

Supreme Crab (or Knight’s New Golden Pippin)

 

 

Confidence level low