Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Prunus domestica ‘St. Martin Quetsche’

A Prunus domestica L. cultivar. Fruit medium sized, ovate, or rather heart-shaped. Skin pale yellow, covered with white bloom. Flesh yellowish, sweet, and well-flavoured, separating from the stone. Shoots smooth. A very late plum. Ripe in the middle of October. [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.254/1860].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Of German origin; introduced into this country [USA] during the second quarter of the Nineteenth Century. Fruit of medium size, ovate, yellow, sometimes blushed; covered with a thin bloom; flesh yellowish, juicy, rich; good; late; fruit hangs to the tree long after maturity.’ [Plums of New York p.538]. Synonyms suggesting a violet or red skin are presumably referring to the skin blush that appears in favourable seasons.

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in Addenda to the 1857 catalogue as ‘Quetsche St. Martin’s’ [Plum no.24/1857]. But see also ‘Coe’s Late Red’, which also has been known as ‘Saint Martin’.

 

 

Notes

Published May 27, 2010 - 05:03 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 05:09 PM

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, Germany

Synonyms
  • Saint Martin
  • Violette October Pflaume
  • Coe’s Late Red

 

Common Name

Dessert Plum, autumn

Name in the Camden Park Record

Quetsche St. Martin’s

 

 

Confidence level high