Pyrus communis ‘Fondant de Noél’

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This pear was raised from seed by Major Esperen, Mechlin, Belgium. The tree fruited first in 1842 and was given the name Fondante de Noel to indicate the day on which it was tasted for the first time. In 1862 a pear called Souvenir d' Esperen, attributed to seed grown by Berckmans, a noted Belgian horticulturist living in the United States, was put forth, but after examination there did not appear to be any difference in either the fruit or the wood of this tree from that of the variety grown by Major Esperen. Because the name Souvenir d' Esperen appears in connection with Fondante de Noel, the variety has been confused with another pear which was raised by Major Esperen and named Souvenir d' Esperen. The two, however, are entirely distinct and the last-named sort has long been known and is still found growing in certain pear orchards of the eastern United States.’ [Pears of New York p.164].

‘An excellent Christmas pear. Late December to January.’ [Rivers - Catalogue of Fruit for 1853 and 1854]. Figured in Album de Pomologie [ADP vol.2, pl.33/1849], the illustration used here.

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue in an Addendum as ‘Belle de Noel’ [Pear no.49/1850]. ‘49.  Melting, large, first rate.’ [Diary B, MP A2951/1862]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, probably the original Exeter premises.

Notes