Pyrus communis ‘Suzette de Bavay’
‘Fruit medium sized, turbinate. Skin yellow, covered with numerous large russet dots and traces of russet. Eye open, placed in a shallow, undulating basin. Stalk an inch long, inserted in a small cavity. Flesh melting, juicy, sugary, and vinous, with a pleasant perfume. Ripe in January and February.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.215/1860].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Major Esperen of Mechlin, Bel., obtained this long-season pear. It fruited first in 1843.’ [Pears of New York p.558].
Raised by Major Esperin of Malines in Belgium, between 1830 and 1840, and named for Madame de Bavay, the wife of a nurseryman at Vilvorde, near Brussels. [HP pl.XXVIII/1878]. Also figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol.4/1861].
Rivers’ describes it as ‘an excellent late pear; in a warm season and situation, melting; otherwise half melting, but always good.’ [Rivers’ Catalogue of Fruit for 1853 and 1854].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Suzette de Baray’. This is amended in Macarthur’s hand to ‘Suzette de Bavay’ in a copy of the catalogue used by him for this purpose [Pear no.67/1857]. ‘67. Large, melting, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.
Notes
Published May 20, 2010 - 05:06 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 10:59 AM
Pear Susette de Bavay | HP pl.XXVIII/1878 | RBGS. Susette de Bavay is the golden pear in the centre.
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Garden origin, Belgium |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Name | Dessert Pear, winter |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Suzette de Baray
|
| Confidence level | high |