Colmar de Jonghe
PearColmar de Jonghe
Origin/History
Originated with J. de Jonghe (also given as M. J. De Jonghe) of Belgium. Downing (1900) notes that the variety had not yet fruited in his hands and that his description is copied directly from de Jonghe's own account. Hedrick (1921) cites Downing (1869) and Guide Pratique (1895) as references.
Tree
Hardy, robust, vigorous, and productive; habit rather upright. Young wood nut brown, with a few gray specks.
Fruit
Size and Form: Medium; pyriform.
Stem: Thick; set without depression (Downing). Hedrick does not describe the stem separately.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Open (Downing). Not described in Hedrick.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Downing describes the skin as greenish yellow, mostly covered with reddish brown blotches. Hedrick describes it as bright yellowish-green, washed with brown — a similar ground color but suggesting less overall coverage than Downing's "mostly covered."
Flesh/Flavor: Flesh color differs between sources: Downing gives white; Hedrick gives yellowish. Both agree it is very fine-grained and juicy. Downing characterizes the flavor as vinous, sweet, and aromatic. Hedrick describes the texture as semi-melting and the aroma as perfumed, and rates quality as first.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
Downing gives September. Hedrick extends the season to September and October.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Not described in source.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Colmar de Jonghe.
Originated with M. J. De Jonghe, Belgium, and not having fruited it, we copy from his description :—" Tree hardy, robust, vigorous, and productive, rather upright. Young wood nut brown, with a few gray specks.
" Fruit medium, pyriform. Skin greenish yellow, mostly covered with reddish brown blotches. Stalk thick, set without depression. Calyx open. Flesh white, fine, juicy, vinous, sweet, and aromatic. September."
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Colmar de Jonghe.
- Downing Fr. Trees Am. 724. 1869. 2. Guide Prat. 72. 1895.
J. de Jonghe of Belgium originated this variety and said of it, "Tree hardy, robust, vigorous and productive, rather upright; young wood nut brown, with a few gray specks." Fruit medium, pyriform, bright yellowish-green, washed with brown; flesh yellowish, very fine, semi-melting, juicy, perfumed; first; Sept. and Oct.