Broca's Bergamot
Pear
Broca's Bergamot
Origin/History
Not described in source.
Tree
The tree is remarkably deficient in vigor of growth and loses its leaves very early in the season — sometimes as early as the fruit itself drops.
Fruit
Size and Form: Rather larger than the Autumn Bergamot. Shape rounder than typical Bergamots; flat at both ends, diminishing slightly towards the stem.
Stem: Not described in source.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Rough, dull light green.
Flesh/Flavor: Rich, juicy, melting, and sprightly.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
In perfection about the middle of September. Ripens concurrently with the Seckel, Beurré, and several other fine fruits of the season.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
[NOTE: Source text may be incorrect — Thomas (1903) redirects "Brocas Bergamot" to "Gansel's Bergamot" without explanation, suggesting either synonymy or a cataloging error. This conflicts with Coxe's treatment of Broca's Bergamot as a distinct variety. The relationship between these two varieties cannot be resolved from the available sources.]
Other
Despite being considered a very fine pear — superior to most of the Bergamot tribe — it is described as a very uncertain and small bearer. Coxe notes that if it ripened at a different season it would be highly prized, but its coincidence with the Seckel, Beurré, and other fine fruits causes it to be less esteemed.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— William Coxe, A View of the Cultivation of Fruit Trees (1817)
- BROCA'S BERGAMOT.
This is a very fine pear, superior to most of the Bergamot tribe, but a very uncertain and small bearer; the size is rather larger than the autumn Bergamot, the shape rounder; it is flat at both ends, diminishing a little towards the stem---the skin is rough, of a dull light green; the flesh rich, juicy, melting, and sprightly---the tree is remarkably deficient in vigour of growth, and loses its leaves very early in the season: they fall sometimes as early as the fruit---if this pear ripened at another season it would be highly prized, but ripening with the Seckle, Beurree', and several other fine fruits, it is less esteemed---it is in perfection about the middle of September.
— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)Brocas Bergamot. See Gansel's Bergamot.