Thuerlinckx

Pear

Origin/History

A Belgian pear originating in 1848. Downing states it was grown from seed and first exhibited in 1848 by M. Thuerlinckx of Malines (Mechlin), Belgium. Hedrick gives a differing account: that it was found in 1848 upon an estate purchased by M. Thuerlinckx, Mechlin, Belgium — not raised from seed. The variety has also been listed under the name Beurre Thuerlinckx.

Tree

Moderately vigorous, per Downing. Not further described in sources.

Fruit

Size and Form: Very large. Downing describes the shape as regular oblong obovate pyriform. Hedrick characterizes it as long-obovate, and notes it as coarse and showy.

Stem: Medium length, inserted without depression, by a ring (Downing).

Cavity: Not described in sources.

Calyx: Not described in sources.

Basin: Not described in sources.

Skin: Dull greenish, with a shade of brown at the ends, and marblings of dull dark green and brown (Downing).

Flesh/Flavor: Downing describes the flesh as white, buttery, and acidulous. Hedrick gives a conflicting characterization: somewhat tender and juicy but entirely without aroma, and very soon becoming mealy.

Core/Seeds: Not described in sources.

Season

Downing gives November–December. Hedrick gives October to December.

Uses

Thomas judges it of little value despite its large size.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in sources.

Other

Not described in sources.

Book Sources

Described in 3 period pomological works

View original book sources (3)

Thuerlinckx.

Tuerlinckx. Beurre Tuerlinckx.

This variety was grown from seed and first exhibited in 1848, by M. Thuerlinckx, of Malines, Belgium. Tree moderately vigorous.

Fruit very large, regular oblong obovate pyriform. Skin dull greenish, with a shade of brown at ends, and marblings of dull dark green and brown. Stalk medium, inserted without depression by a ring. Flesh white, buttery, acidulous. November, December. (Al. Pom.)

— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)

Thuerlinckx.

Downing Fr. Trees Am. 553. 1857. Beurre Thuerlinckx. 2. Hogg Fruit Man. 529. 1884.

This pear was found in 1848 upon an estate purchased by M. Thuerlinckx, Mechlin, Bel. It is said to be a very large, coarse, showy pear of long-obovate shape, with a somewhat tender and juicy flesh but without any aroma, and very soon becoming mealy; Oct. to Dec.

— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)

Thuerlinckx. Very large, but of little value. Belgian.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Beurre Thuerlinckx Beurre Tuerlinckx Thuerlinckx's Pfundbirne Thuerlinckx’s Pfundbirne Tuerlinckx