Mercer

Origin/History

The two sources give conflicting accounts of origin. Downing (1900) states the origin is unknown, with specimens received from Western New York. Budd & Hansen (1914) describe Mercer as a native crab that originated in Mercer County, Illinois, introduced by N. K. Fluke of Davenport, Iowa, and characterize it as apparently a hybrid between Pyrus Iowensis and P. Malus.

Tree

Not described in either source.

Fruit

Size

Downing describes the fruit as medium. Budd & Hansen give a measurement of two to two and one-half inches in diameter.

Form

Downing describes the form as roundish oblate. Budd & Hansen describe it as oblate, nearly regular, often unequal.

Stem

Downing describes the stalk as rather short. Budd & Hansen describe the stem as medium.

Cavity

Budd & Hansen only: wavy, wide at mouth, sloping gradually.

Calyx

Both sources agree the calyx is closed. Budd & Hansen add that the segments are erect and converging.

Basin

Budd & Hansen only: wide, abrupt, ribbed.

Skin

The sources conflict on surface color and dots. Downing describes the skin as pale yellow, sprinkled with a few gray dots. Budd & Hansen describe the surface as green turning to yellow, very oily, with dots that are distinct, many, minute, and whitish, with a few large dots also present.

Flesh and Flavor

The sources conflict substantially on flesh character. Downing describes the flesh as white, tender, juicy, crisp, and of pleasant subacid flavor, rating the variety Good. Budd & Hansen describe the flesh as yellowish with yellow veinings, very firm, astringent, and acid, with use restricted to culinary purposes.

Core and Seeds

Downing describes the core as small. Budd & Hansen give a detailed core description: core closed; tube nearly cylindrical, wide, and long; stamens extremely marginal, touching the segments.

Season

The sources conflict significantly on season. Downing places Mercer in October. Budd & Hansen give the season as late winter.

Uses

Downing's rating of Good implies dessert or dual use. Budd & Hansen specify culinary use only.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in either source.

Other

Budd & Hansen classify Mercer as a native crab and give its parentage as apparently Pyrus Iowensis × P. Malus. The combined conflicts between sources — origin (New York vs. Illinois), season (October vs. late winter), flesh character (white, tender, subacid, Good vs. yellowish, very firm, astringent, acid, culinary only), and dot count (few vs. many) — are consistent with the name "Mercer" having been applied to two distinct varieties in different regions. An identifier encountering a fruit matching one description should treat the other description with caution.