Pyrus communis ‘Bergamotte Espéren’
Fruit; medium sized to large, round bergamot shape. Skin; coarse and rough, dark green, covered with large brown russet dots, ripening to greenish yellow with grey dots, sometimes faint orange next the sun. Flesh; yellowish, fine grained, melting, very juicy, sugary with a pleasant, brisk aroma. A very hardy tree which bears well. A delicious late pear. Ripening successively from February to April. [HP pl.LXX/1878].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Raised from seed about 1830 by Major Esperen, Mechlin, Bel. Of his many pears this was the most valuable. It is a most delicious late pear and a good successor to Winter Nelis.’ [Pears of New York p.271]. Also figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol.4/1861].
‘This is one of our best late pears, ripening from the end of January up till March and April. The tree forms a handsome pyramid, and is an excellent bearer; but in late situations requires a wall.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.157/1860].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Bergamot d’Esperauce’ [Pear no.50/1857]. This is amended in Macarthur’s hand to ‘Bergamot d’Esperen’ in a copy of the catalogue used by him for this purpose [Pear no.50/1850]. ‘50. Melting, medium size, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.
Notes
Published May 20, 2010 - 02:50 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 01:36 PM
Pear - Bergamotte Esperen | HP pl.LXX/1878 | RBGS. Bergamotte Esperen is the round pear at centre left.
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, Belgium |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, winter |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Bergamot d’Esperauce
|
| Confidence level | high |