Until recently "Erwin Baur" was the only high quality dessert apple of interest to fruit gardeners introduced in Germany since the war (1955). It is named after a distinguished German plant breeder who also gave his name to the "Erwin Baur Institute", which has recently released the three varieties "Astillisch", “Kalco” and "Tumanga." If parentage is a factor they deserve to be tested in our gardens:

"Astillisch" (Red Astrachan x Signe Tillisch)

A hardy vigorous grower. Typical characteristics are: Dark colour of the bark, dark green shiny foliage and the pronounced pink of the blossom. Its colour is similar to the Red Astrachan parent, its shape somewhat flatter. Basically subacid, the taste is a harmonious flavour combination superior to all common early varieties. It ripens on the tree 8-10 days after Yellow Transparent and keeps for about 2 weeks.

"Kalco" (Cox Orange open pollinated)

A spur type tree of medium size combining a minimum of pruning with above average yield. It is shaped like a Calville (Kalco) with less pronounced ribbing. The appearance of the fruit is very colourful. The smooth yellow skin is striped with bright red. The flesh is fine grained, very juicy and well flavoured. Kalco is a fall apple, ready to eat shortly after picking and will keep until November.

"Tumanga" (Intercrossed progeny of Cox Orange X Schoener von Nordhausen)

Joins the high quality of Cox Orange with the hardiness of the pollen parent.

A vigorous and irregular grower it is ideal for a hedge. When well grown it is self fertile to a considerable degree producing fruits similar in shape to Cox Orange, but larger. They are smooth skinned, yellow, and often have a trace of red on the exposed side. The flesh is firm, crisp, very juicy with a vinous and spicy flavour often more intense than that of Cox Orange. Tumanga is at its best in December and January.

All three varieties are patented in Europe where a number of nurseries are already propagating them under license from the “Erwin-Baur Institute”, Cologne-Vogelsang, West Germany. It is expected that these varieties will be available on this continent in 1968.