Zephirin Louis
PearOrigin/History
Originated by M. Xavier Gregoire (Downing gives the surname only; Hedrick supplies the full name) of Jodoigne, Belgium. First reported in 1849 (Hedrick). First described in the Annales de Pomologie Belge 4:95, fig. 1856 (Hedrick). Cited by Downing as "(Al. Pom.)," referencing Annales de Pomologie.
Tree
A moderately healthy grower. Downing describes the habit simply as "moderate healthy grower"; Hedrick adds that the tree is rather scraggly and moderately productive.
Fruit
Size and form: Medium (Downing); medium or below (Hedrick). Roundish obovate (Downing); roundish, slightly obovate (Hedrick).
Stem: Very short, inserted in a small round cavity (Hedrick); Downing independently confirms the stalk as very short.
Cavity: Downing describes it as narrow and round; Hedrick describes it as small and round. Both agree on a round, confined cavity.
Calyx: Small (both sources agree). Open, set in a deep basin (Hedrick). Downing does not describe the basin.
Skin: Greenish yellow (both sources agree on the ground color; Downing specifies "dull greenish yellow"). Clouded with brownish red and shades of russet (Downing). Rusty-red becoming bright vermilion in the sun, thickly sprinkled with large dark brown-russet patches and dots (Hedrick).
Flesh/Flavor: Yellowish white, tinged with green, half melting, juicy, sweet, slightly aromatic (both sources agree on these points). Hedrick adds that the flesh is coarse-grained and crisp, qualifying the texture as "rather half melting." Quality rated good (Hedrick).
Core/Seeds: Not described in source.
Season
January (Downing). December and January (Hedrick).
Uses
Not described in source.
Subtypes/Variants
Not described in source.
Other
Also known as Zepherin Louis Gregoire (Downing). The variety appears under the name Zepherin Louis in both primary references.
Book Sources
Described in 2 period pomological works
View original book sources (2)
— A.J. Downing, The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (1900)Zepherin Louis.
Zepherin Louis Gregoire.
Originated and first described by M. Gregoire, of Jodoigne, Belgium. Tree a moderate healthy grower.
Fruit medium, roundish obovate. Skin dull greenish yellow, clouded with brownish red, and shades of russet. Stalk very short. Cavity narrow, round. Calyx small. Flesh yellowish white, tinge of green, half melting, juicy, sweet, slightly aromatic. January. (Al. Pom.)
— U.P. Hedrick, The Pears of New York (1921)Zephirin Louis. 1. Ann. Pom. Beige 4:95, fig. 1856. 2. Downing Fr. Trees Am. 886. 1869. This pear was raised by M. Xavier Gregoire, Jodoigne, Bel. It was first reported in 1849. Tree a moderately healthy grower, rather scraggly, moderately productive. Fruit medium or below, roundish, slightly obovate, greenish-yellow, rusty-red becoming bright vermilion in the sun, thickly sprinkled with large dark brown-russet patches and dots; stem very short, inserted in a small round cavity; calyx small, open, set in a deep basin; flesh yellowish-white, tinged with green, coarse-grained, crisp, rather half melting, juicy, sweet, slightly aromatic; good; Dec. and Jan.