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 Catillac’

‘Fruit very large, of a broad turbinate figure, somewhat in the shape of a Quince; usually about three inches and a half or four inches deep, and the same in diameter. Eye small, with a short neat calyx, placed in a deep and wide plaited hollow. Stalk an inch long, stout, curved, and a little obliquely inserted in a very small cavity. Skin yellow, and when well matured in a warm season, of a deep orange, with a red tinge on the sunny side. Flesh hard, with an austere juice. In use from December till April.’ [George Lindley – Orchard Guide p.412/1831].

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This old French baking pear with over sixty synonyms is supposed to have been found near Cadillac in the Gironde. Bonnefond in 1665 in the Jardinier Francois first described it under this name. The great size of the Catillac has often caused it to be confused with the Pound pear, and the latter's name has been applied as a synonym for the Catillac, but the two are distinct.’ [Pears of New York p.330]. This pear may actually be even older than the 17th century.

‘It is considered by confectioners as the best pear for stewing, preserving and wet sweetmeats.’  [HP pl.XV/1878]. It is beautifully illustrated in Pomona Austriaca [Pomona Austriaca t.162/1792], the illustration used here. It is also figured in Le Jardin Fruitier du Muséum [JFM vol. 4/1861], Pomona Britannica [PB pl.LXXXVI/1812] and in  Saint-Hilaire [pl.121/1829].

‘Colour brownish-yellow and red; form turbinate; size large; much esteemed for culinary purposes.  In use from April to July.’  [NHM vol.1 p79/1864].

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [Pear no.16/1850]. ‘16. May.  Good only for stewing but of equal value to No. 13 [Uvedale’s St. Germain].’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862].

Notes

Published May 18, 2010 - 03:17 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2011 - 05:18 PM

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Figured is a large red and yellow pear, irregularly turbinate in shape with a narrow neck. Pomona Austriaca t.162, 1792.

Pear ‘Catillac’ | Pomona Austriaca t.162/1792 | Pomologische Bibliothek

 

Family Rosaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, France
Synonyms
  • Cadillac
  • Quenillas
  • Chartreuse
  • Admirable de Chartreux
  • Bon Chretien d’Amiens
  • Monstreuse de Landes
  • Grand Monarque
  • Gratiole Rond
  • Tête du Chat
  • Gros Gilot
  • Belle Pear
  • Pound Pear
  • and many others

 
Common Name

Culinary Pear, winter to spring
Name in the Camden Park Record

Catillac
Confidence level high