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DOYENNE BUSSOCH

Pear

Origin and History

This is an old Belgian variety. Originally known as the Double Philippe, the name was changed by Van Mons to Doyenne de Merode, in honour of Count Merode of Waterloo. The origin of the name "Bussoch" is doubtful. Also known as Albertine and by the German name Doppelte Philipps Birne.

Tree

Growth sturdy; makes a low spreading tree. Fertility very good. Leaves large, oval, down curved, held nearly flat, irregularly serrate.

Fruit

Size: Large, 3½ by 3 inches.

Form: Flattened round, even.

Skin: A little rough. Colour bright yellow with russet patches and often a brilliant red cheek.

Flesh and Flavor: White, a little coarse; poor flavour.

Stem and Cavity: Stem short and stout; cavity rather deep.

Calyx (Eye) and Basin: Eye small with fleshy upright segments, in a round even basin.

Core and Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

September to October.

Uses

Grown for market in some quantity, but rated as only third rate.

Book Sources

Described in 1 period pomological work

View original book sources (1)

DOYENNE BUSSOCH. Her. Pom., II., 42. G. Doppelte Philipps Birne. (Doyenne de Merode, Albertine, etc.) Dessert, September to October, large, 3½ by 3, flattened round, even. Skin, a little rough. Colour, bright yellow with russet patches and often a brilliant red cheek. Flesh, white, a little coarse, poor flavour. Eye, small, segments fleshy, upright in a round even basin. Stem, short and stout in a rather deep cavity. Growth, sturdy, makes a low spreading tree; fertility very good. Leaf, large, oval, down curved, held nearly flat, irregularly serrate. Origin, this is an old Belgian variety originally known as Double Philippe. This name was changed by Van Mons to B. Merode, in honour of Count Merode of Waterloo. The origin of Bussoch is doubtful. This pear is grown for market in some quantity, but is only third rate.

— E.A. Bunyard, A Handbook of Hardy Fruits (1920)
Albertine B. Merode Doppelte Philipps Birne Double Philippe Doyenne de Merode