Bentley

Origin and History

Supposed to have originated in Virginia. Little known in New York at the time of documentation (1905).

Tree

Medium size, spreading habit, rather slow grower. Hardy, varies from moderately productive to very productive and comes into bearing rather young.

Fruit

Size and Form

Variable in size—sometimes above medium to large, but averages below medium. Form roundish to oblong, often inclined to conic, sometimes irregular and obscurely ribbed with unequal sides; fairly uniform in shape despite variability.

Stem

Short to medium.

Cavity

Deep, wide, often slightly furrowed or compressed. Sometimes exhibits greenish russet rays.

Calyx

Large, closed or partly open.

Basin

Abrupt, often oblique, moderately wide, moderately deep, often furrowed and somewhat wrinkled.

Skin

Smooth, rather clear pale yellow, mottled with red and striped with bright carmine. Dots numerous, conspicuous, dark brown. Prevailing color thin striped red.

Calyx Tube and Core Lines

Rather large; sometimes long and funnel-shaped with core lines clasping, but sometimes short with core lines meeting. Stamens medium to marginal.

Core

Medium to small, axile, closed or partly open. Carpels roundish to obovate, emarginate.

Seeds

Large, rather wide, plump, obtuse, black.

Flesh and Flavor

Whitish, slightly tinged with yellow, firm, rather fine, moderately juicy. Sweet, crisp, good flavor.

Season

December to May or June.

Uses and Quality Assessment

Not recommended for planting. The fruit is very sweet and keeps very late but is not attractive in color and ranks second rate in size and quality.

References

Emmons, Nat. Hist. N. Y., 3:100. 1851, fig.; Downing, 1857:121; Elliott, 1858:122; Warder, 1867:558; Thomas, 1885:227; Lyon, Mich. Hort. Soc. Rpt., 1890:288; Budd-Hansen, 1903:47.