Pyrus communis ‘Élisa d’Heyst’
‘Fruit above medium size, large irregular-oval, widest in the middle and tapering towards the eye and the stalk. Skin smooth and shining, yellowish-green, clouded with russet about the stalk, and covered with russet dots. Eye closed, set in a deep, irregular basin. Stalk half an inch long, stout, and inserted without depression. Flesh melting, juicy, sugary, and richly flavoured. Ripe in February and March.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.185/1860].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Obtained by Major Espéren of Mechlin, Belgium, in the 1840s [Pears of New York p.375]. First described by Bivort in 1847 [Leroy – Dictionaire de Pomologie vol.2, p.126/1869]. M. Emile of Heyst-op-den-Berg continued the Major’s fruit collection and this pear was probably named in honour of a member of his family, perhaps his wife.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Elize d’Heyst’. This is amended in Macarthur’s hand to ‘Eliza d’Heyst’ in a copy of the catalogue used by him for this purpose [Pear no.57/1857]. ‘57. Large [2 words undeciphered] melting, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.
Notes
Published May 20, 2010 - 03:30 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 01:19 PM
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, Belgium |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, winter |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Elize d’Heyst
|
| Confidence level | high |