Pyrus communis Duchesse d'Angouleme - Pear Tree

The Duchess of Angoulême Pear Tree is a pear tree that can be cultivated up to an altitude of 1000m (3281ft). This hardy variety is vigorous and productive. It produces large, almost round fruits that are yellow with red markings when exposed to the sun. The flesh is semi-fine, sweet, and melting. Harvest takes place in November. The fruits can be stored well in a cool place (cellar or refrigerator). The Duchess of Angoulême Pear Tree is not self-fertile.

The pear tree is a tree native to central Asia, cultivated in China for 6,000 years. It was introduced to Europe around the 6th century. Although its development during the Middle Ages remained limited, there were already 200 varieties during the Renaissance. Since then, the number of varieties has continued to increase. The Duchess of Angoulême Pear Tree is a pear tree variety obtained from a chance seedling in 1812, in Maine-et-Loire. It was promoted and distributed by Anne-Pierre Audusson, a nurseryman.

If not susceptible to frost, the Duchess of Angoulême Pear Tree will still appreciate protected and sunny locations, so avoid frost-prone and windy situations. Easy to grow, it likes moist and deep soils, but dislikes excessively draining and calcareous soils. In winter, give it a handful of wood ash, rich in potash, which will improve flowering and fruit quality.
Its upright habit gives it a tall silhouette with a spreading crown. This habit facilitates harvesting and naturally improves the tree's ventilation, making it less susceptible to diseases. Its oval-shaped leaves, finely toothed along the edges, have petioles as long as the lamina and measure about 8 to 9cm (3 to 4in).
Its white flowering occurs in March. Its flowers have 5 white petals. They are not self-fertile. It is therefore necessary to plant another pear tree nearby. Its main pollinators are the William's and Louise Bonne varieties.
This variety produces large, almost round fruits that are yellow with red markings when exposed to the sun. The flesh is semi-fine, sweet, and melting.

Pears can be consumed fresh, in syrup, in pastries, in jams and compotes, and can be used to make alcoholic beverages...