Pyrus communis ‘Fondante de Malines’
Fruit; large, even, handsomely shaped, obtusely obovate. Skin; smooth, uniform, deep golden yellow, mottled with cinnamon russet, deeper yellow and mottles crimson next the sun. Flesh; white, buttery, melting, juicy, sweet with a good perfume. Produces a hardy, vigorous tree and is an abundant bearer. A good dessert pear. Ripe November to December. [Herefordshire Pomona]. Rivers’ gives a later ripening, January to February [Rivers’ Catalogue of Fruit for 1853 and 1854].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Raised by Major Esperen at Mechlin (Malines), Bel., in 1842.’ [Pears of New York p.384]. Hogg considered this pear to be identical to ‘Winter Nelis’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.188/1860].
This pear is figured in the Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum as ‘Fondante de Malines’ [JFM vol.7/1866]. It is also figured in Album de Pomologie [ADP vol.2, pl.45/1849], the illustration used here
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Fondante de Malines’ [Pear no.58/1857]. ‘58. Melting, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.
Notes
Published May 20, 2010 - 03:35 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 12:18 PM
Pear ‘Fondante de Malines’ | ADP vol.2, pl.45/1849 | Pomologische Bibliothek. Fondante de Malines is the oval pear on the left.
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, Belgium |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, winter |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Fondante de Malines |
| Confidence level | high |