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.

Pyrus communis ‘Bergamotte Espéren’

Fruit; medium sized to large, round bergamot shape. Skin; coarse and rough, dark green, covered with large brown russet dots, ripening to greenish yellow with grey dots, sometimes faint orange next the sun. Flesh; yellowish, fine grained, melting, very juicy, sugary with a pleasant, brisk aroma. A very hardy tree which bears well. A delicious late pear. Ripening successively from February to April. [HP pl.LXX/1878]. 

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Raised from seed about 1830 by Major Esperen, Mechlin, Bel. Of his many pears this was the most valuable. It is a most delicious late pear and a good successor to Winter Nelis.’ [Pears of New York p.271]. Also figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol.4/1861].

‘This is one of our best late pears, ripening from the end of January up till March and April. The tree forms a handsome pyramid, and is an excellent bearer; but in late situations requires a wall.’ [Hogg – Fruit Manual p.157/1860].

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Bergamot d’Esperauce’ [Pear no.50/1857]. This is amended in Macarthur’s hand to ‘Bergamot d’Esperen’ in a copy of the catalogue used by him for this purpose [Pear no.50/1850]. ‘50.  Melting, medium size, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.

 

 

Notes

Published May 20, 2010 - 02:50 PM | Last updated Jul 22, 2011 - 01:36 PM

9 varieties of pear are figured, some round some pyriform, with green or yellow skin and russeted.

Pear - Bergamotte Esperen  | HP pl.LXX/1878  | RBGS. Bergamotte Esperen is the round pear at centre left.

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, Belgium

Synonyms
  • Espéren

 

Common Name

Dessert Pear, winter

Name in the Camden Park Record

Bergamot d’Esperauce  

 

 

Confidence level high