the fruitAs compared to the Merrill Fiesta peach (United States Plant Patent No. 1,099) which the present variety most closely resembles, the fruit has more external red color, and a ripening period approximately two Weeks later.
the fruitripens approximately one week later, has more external red color, and the variety is self-fertile, whereas the Merrill Rodeo is selfsterile.
the flesh and skin of the fruitdo not possess the undesirable green so commonly found in such varities, nor does the fruit have the mealiness thereof. Although the fruit is meaty, it is not mealy, and approaches mid-season quality.
the fruitis quite highly colored for a late ripening freestone peach; more nearly resembling a midseason peach in its over-all color, as well as in its eating and other qualities.
the flesh of the fruitdarkens very little or not at all on exposure to air, so that the fruit is very desirable for table, culinary, canning, freezing, or shipping use.
peach treewas originated by me in my experimental orchard near Red Bluff, California, as follows:
Seeds from fruitpurchased on the open market, of the Kirkman Gem peach (United States Plant Patent 506) were planted, and the resulting seedlings Were permitted to grow to maturity. These seedlings were very carefully observed by me with respect to their fruit and tree characteristics; the present variety having been selected by me from said seedlings as being of especial promise for commercial planting, by reason of the advantageous late ripening period and the excellent fruit quality.
Fig. 1is an elevation of the fruit together with leaves and twigs.
Fig. 2is a cross section of one of the fruit, with the stone exposed but remaining in place.
TreeMedium size; medium vigorous; medium spreading. Density or openness-controlled by pruning. Form-controlled by pruning. Productive; regular bearer.
TrunkMedium stocky; medium shaggy.
width-4%Medium thickness.
Size-Uniformlarge. Average axial diameter- 3"; average transverse in suture plane-3 7 Form-Uniform; slightly unsymmetrical; globose.
Cavity-RoundedElongated in suture plane, with suture showing on both sides. Average depthaverage breadthl%”. No markings.
SkinThick; tough; tenacious to flesh.
Ventral edge-Mediumwith wing throughout.
Eating qualityBest in comparision to other late ripening freestone peaches.
the tree and its fruit herein describedmay vary in slight detail due to climatic and soil conditions under which the variety may be grown.
a new and distinct variety of peach treeas illustrated and described, which bears large, uniform, globose freemedium short; plump; free;
