Camille de Rohan

Camille de Rohan

Origin and History

Camille de Rohan is a foreign pear of European origin, known under the alternate designation Prince Camille de Rohan. It is cited by Hogg (Fruit Manual, p. 542, 1884), indicating it was recognized in British pomological literature by that date.

Tree

The tree is hardy, with thorny shoots that are yellow olive-brown in color. (Downing only; Hedrick does not describe the tree.)

Fruit

Size and Form: Fruit medium in size. The two sources give somewhat differing accounts of shape: Downing describes it as roundish obovate, while Hedrick describes it as pyriform. These may reflect variation between individual specimens or strains.

Stem: Stalk long and slender. (Downing only.)

Calyx and Basin: Calyx partially closed. Basin medium. (Downing only.)

Skin: The two sources partially agree and partially diverge on color and surface. Downing describes the skin as yellow, considerably netted and patched with russet, and sprinkled with large russet dots. Hedrick describes the ground color as green, changing to yellow-green on ripening, with numerous russety dots — but does not mention the heavier russet netting or patching noted by Downing. Together these suggest the fruit is russeted, likely starting green and clearing to a russeted yellow or yellow-green at maturity, with prominent russet dotting throughout.

Flesh and Flavor: Both sources agree the flesh is white, fine-grained, melting, and vinous, of good flavor. Hedrick adds that the flesh has a pinkish tinge, which Downing does not mention.

Season

Downing gives the season as November–January. Hedrick gives December–January. The fruit is thus a late-keeping variety, ripening in late autumn and holding through midwinter.

Uses

Quality rated as good. The vinous, melting flesh and late season suggest it was valued as a dessert pear for autumn and early winter use.