Langley Pippin

Origin/History

Langley Pippin is a seedling raised by Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, the result of a cross between Cox's Orange and Mr. Gladstone. It was introduced by the same firm and first published in the Gardeners' Magazine on September 3rd, 1898. The variety was received in the United States from G. Bunyard, Maidstone, England, in 1928, and reported by the Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Pomology, Geneva, New York. It was also held as Plant Introduction No. 128362, received from England in 1939, and reported by the U.S. Plant Introduction Station, Glenn Dale, Maryland.

Tree

Leaf: Rather small, light green, very twisted, finely serrate.

All other tree characteristics not described in source.

Fruit

Size and Form

Medium. Measurements of 2¼ inches by 2¼ inches recorded (Bunyard). Oblong-conical, fairly regular (Bunyard); described as conical and slightly irregular by the USDA survey — both sources agree on the conical form, with Bunyard finding it fairly regular and the USDA finding it slightly irregular.

Stem

Long, set in a moderately deep cavity.

Cavity

Moderately deep.

Calyx

Eye open.

Basin

Rather ribbed.

Skin

Yellow ground color, with a crimson flush and broad broken stripes (Bunyard). The USDA survey describes the skin as yellow, covered with a crimson blush and red streaks — both sources agree on the yellow ground, crimson blush, and red/crimson striping.

Flesh and Flavor

Flesh yellowish and soft, with moderate flavor (Bunyard). The USDA survey describes the flesh as cream-colored, juicy, and soft, with a distinct flavor. The two sources agree on the soft texture; Bunyard characterizes the flavor as moderate, while the USDA survey characterizes it as distinct.

Core and Seeds

Not described in source.

Season

Dessert use in August to September (Bunyard); early September (USDA survey).

Uses

Dessert.

Storage

Not described in source.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Bunyard remarks: "There are many better fruits of the same season."