DOMENISKA.
omeniska (Beschrijving der vruchtsoorten [Description of fruit varieties], first series, N°. 33).
After publication of the first series of our "Beschrijving" we received the 10th issue of "Illustrirtes Handbuch der Obstkunde", and found on page 83: "der Götterapfel Dominisca". The illustration and description showed that variety to be a flat/round, ribbed, late winter apple and therefore not our Domeniska.
The "Deutsches Obstcabinet", 5th issue, illustration 48, obviously reproduces the same Dominisca as the Handbuch, which is confirmed by the similarity in descriptions; the Catalogue of the Fruits mentions just the name (under no.12) without description, sothat identification in this case is not possible. The name suggests a Russian origin, and since we received from there nothing else but early ripened specimen, we assume that our Domeniska is the true version. Anyways, we have this variety in our possession for more than 12 years and many trees were shipped, which forces us to stick to this designation.
The apple is very well suited for our climate (the German Domenisca is said to be less suitable); we received the first trees from Messrs james booth & SONS from Hamburg
SHAPE: very sturdy and handsome.
SIZE: third grade from young trees, from older trees approaching fourth grade.
EYE: half closed, sometimes closed, regular, mostly greyish green, often woolly; attractive shallow basin surrounded by small ribs.
STALK: medium long, greenish brown, small, regular cavity without russeting; the biggest apples often show flat ribs at the base.
The COLOUR is whitish yellow, somewhat greenish, lemon-coloured at the sun side, some red is rare; lenticels almost invisible; on the tree the apple can be covered by a slight bloom.
The FLESH is white with some yellow, rather fine, soft, juicy, winy, with a very particular scent; the core is large and contains large, light brown pips.
TIME OF USE: August until October. Amongst the best apples for the season; first grade for dessert and excellent for cooking.
The TREE is easily recognized, different from other trees in almost every way; very fertile, moderately growing, forms a handsome crown and a regular pyramid; the one year old, violet-coloured twigs are medium long, straight, ending in a rather blunt top, slightly woolly, broad buds close to the twigs, large leaves, roundish, moderately serrated and shiny.
We can recommend this variety for all forms, although a standard tree or a pyramid is preferred.