Monarch

Origin/History

Origin unknown, according to Downing. Elliott, writing in 1865, notes it was "a fruit considerably grown, West," and speculated it would "yet probably prove identical with some variety already described." Downing lists the variety also under the name Monarch Sweet.

Tree

Not described by Elliott. Downing describes the tree as vigorous, a good and early bearer.

Fruit

Size

Medium (both sources agree).

Form

Elliott describes the fruit as roundish conical; Downing describes it as roundish oblate and regular. These are conflicting characterizations.

Stem

Elliott: long and slender. Not described by Downing.

Cavity

Elliott: deep and open. Not described by Downing.

Calyx

Elliott: small. Not described by Downing.

Basin

Elliott: narrow and furrowed. Not described by Downing.

Skin

Elliott describes the skin as rich dark red over a lighter shade, with many specks. Downing describes it as light red, splashed and striped with dark red, with numerous light dots. The two accounts agree on a bicolored red appearance with surface markings, but differ in which shade predominates: Elliott emphasizes the dark red as dominant, while Downing describes a light red ground with dark red markings.

Flesh and Flavor

Elliott: flesh white, slightly tinged with red, tender, and perfumed; quality rated "good."

Downing: flesh juicy, not very tender, rich, and of pleasant subacid flavor; quality rated "Good."

The two sources conflict on tenderness (Elliott: tender; Downing: not very tender) and on flavor character (Elliott: perfumed; Downing: subacid).

Core and Seeds

Elliott: core medium; seeds ovate and pointed. Not described by Downing.

Season

Elliott: October. Downing: September and October.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Not described in source.