Pyrus communis Beurré Alexandre Lucas - Pear Tree

The Pear Tree 'Lukasówka', better known by its names 'Beurré Alexandre Lucas' or 'Alexandre Lucas', is an old French table variety. Appreciated for its sweet and juicy fruits, it stands out for its robustness and ability to produce high-quality pears that store well, suitable for fresh consumption or processing. They are harvested in October-November. This variety requires the presence of other pear trees nearby to bear fruit.

Pyrus communis (Common Pear Tree) is a fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Present in Europe since antiquity, it originates from the forests of West Asia. Over the centuries, a large number of cultivars have emerged. Its cultivation is widespread in Europe.

The Pear Tree 'Alexandre Lucas' was discovered in 1870 by Alexandre Lucas in a wood near Blois, France. It was introduced to the market in 1874 by the Transon brothers of Orléans under the name 'Beurré Alexandre Lucas'. It is also known by the names 'Alexander Lucas Butterbirne', 'Alexander Lucas', 'Alexander Lukas', 'Dechantsbirne von Alexander Lucas', 'Doyenné d'Alexander Lucas'.

This pear tree is not self-fertile and cannot pollinate other varieties. To bear fruit, it requires pollinators like 'Beurré Hardy', 'Clapp's Favorite', 'Comtesse de Paris' or 'William's Bon Chrétien'.

The 'Beurré Alexandre Lucas' Pear tree is robust and capable of withstanding difficult conditions, even in high-altitude regions. It is widely grown in gardens in Austria and Germany. Its flowering starts towards the end of April and is white. This tree produces large, irregular pears in the shape of a truncated cone with smooth skin that changes from green to amber-yellow when ripe, sometimes partially covered in orange-red. The fruits are harvested mid-season, usually in October-November. They are characterised by white, melting, juicy flesh. Their taste is delicately aromatic, sweet, and slightly acidic. These pears have good storage qualities, which is rare for Beurré-type pears. They can be stored for one to two months depending on storage conditions, up to six months under optimal conditions. The more sunlight and warmth the fruits receive, the more pronounced their sweet and aromatic flavour.

This 'Beurré Alexandre Lucas' pear tree offers high and regular yields, and its fruits are particularly appreciated for their long storage capacity. The pear can be consumed raw as well as cooked, in compotes, pastries, desserts, fruit salads, or combined with cheeses or as an accompaniment to savoury dishes, alongside ducks, white meats (poultry and lamb), or game. It is also perfect for making juices or fruit syrups. Refreshing and thirst-quenching due to its high water content, the pear provides a great feeling of satiety. Moderately calorific, it is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, with a significant amount of iron. Its content of vitamins C and E, antioxidants, and fibres make the pear a healthy choice. It is invigorating, energizing, and rehydrating. Since the fruits have a short shelf life, it is best to enjoy them as they ripen.

Pyrus domestica 'Beurré Alexandre Lucas' prefers deep, moist soils, and dislikes poor, overly filtering, or calcareous soils. To obtain high-quality fruits, thin by reducing the number of fruits on the tree. Removing some branches from the centre of the tree, will provide light and give the fruits a beautiful colour. This will also limit diseases.

Very popular for its fruits, the pear tree finds its rightful place in the garden. With our extensive range of Pear Trees, it is easy to find the variety that best suits.