Parfum de Rose
PearParfum de Rose
Origin/History
A Belgian variety obtained by Bivort and first introduced in 1849. Downing characterizes it as of little value. The variety is referenced in Mas, Le Verger 3:Pt. 1, 185, fig. 91 (1866–73).
Tree
Not described in source.
Fruit
Size: Small.
Form: Downing describes the shape as oblong ovate acute-pyriform; Hedrick describes it as long-pyriform, rather irregular in contour.
Stem: Not described in source.
Cavity: Not described in source.
Calyx: Not described in source.
Basin: Not described in source.
Skin: Hedrick: fine, a little thick; water-green and whitish at first, sprinkled with small dots of grayish-green, combined with many stains of the same color, passing at maturity to dull yellow. Downing describes the mature skin as yellow, nearly covered with light russet, and with numerous brown and gray dots — the russet and dot coloring not mentioned by Hedrick.
Flesh/Flavor: Both sources agree the flesh is melting. Hedrick describes it as nearly white, very fine, buttery, and melting, with juice sufficient and a distinct perfume of rose — noted as the variety's chief distinguishing feature. Downing describes the flesh as yellowish (conflicting with Hedrick's nearly white), moderately juicy, half melting, sweet, and pleasant, with no mention of the rose fragrance.
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
Hedrick: end of September. Downing: October.
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
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)Parfum de Rose.
A Belgian variety, of little value.
Fruit small, oblong ovate acute-pyriform, yellow, nearly covered with light russet, and with numerous brown and gray dots. Flesh yellowish, moderately juicy, half melting, sweet, pleasant. October.
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Parfum de Rose.
- Mas Le Verger 3:Pt. 1, 185, fig. 91. 1866-73.
Obtained by Bivort and first introduced in 1849. Fruit small, long-pyriform, rather irregular in contour; skin fine, a little thick, water-green and whitish at first, sprinkled with small dots of grayish-green, combined with many stains of the same color, passing at maturity to dull yellow; flesh nearly white, very fine, buttery, melting; juice sufficient, having a distinct perfume of rose, which is its chief distinguishing feature; end of Sept.