Prunus armeniaca ‘Moorpark’

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This variety of the Apricot, which is held in esteem over any other at present cultivated, appears to have received the name of Anson’s, or the Moor Park, in complement to Lord Anson, by whom it was introduced into this country, and cultivated in his garden at Moor Park, near Rickhamsworth, in Hertfordshire.  It has also been called Temple’s Apricot, and Dunmore’s Breda; but on what authority these names were given, is uncertain.  Many of our gardeners have supposed this variety to be the Peach Apricot (Abricot Peche) of the French authors; and Forsythe tells us, the Peach Apricot was introduced by the Duke of Northumberland, in 1767, and was thought to be the same with the Moor Park; but he adds, “upon a minute investigation, the leaves will be found to differ.”  In the Horticultural Transactions, however, it is stated, among other valuable selections from French authors, by Sir Joseph Banks, that the Abricot Peche is a very distinct variety; being “a large tree, which may be raised from the stone without grafting: it ripens later than the rest, not till the end of August; the stone is so soft that a pin will pierce through it; the kernel is bitter.” Hort. Trans Vol.I Appendix, p.3.  From these observations it may be concluded, that the Peche Abricot of Forsyth, is the Moor Park; and that the true Abricot Peche of the French gardens, is unknown, or at least not cultivated, in this country.  The trees of the Moor Park Apricot grow vigorously, and are exuberantly productive of fruit; which, in a good exposure, and favourable season, ripen well in July, or the beginning of August.  The magnitude of the fruit, however, frequently prevents the whole substance of the fruit from being matured, and a portion of the side next the wall remains hard and greenish, when that next the sun is fully ripe, and of a bright gold, or rather orange colour, with dark spots.  The flesh is of a brilliant orange, like the skin; melting and excellent.  The stone is large, very hard, and of a cinnamon colour.’  [PL vol.1, pl.9/1818].  Proc. RHS 1862-1865. PB pl.XX/1812.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [Apricot no.1/1843].  There is one mention of the variety in William Macarthur’s gardening records, dated 29th December 1845.  ‘Crop from 3½ – 3? oz, one supposed to weigh 4 oz.’  [Notebook no.4, p.9 MP A2948].

Notes