Alkmene (apple)
| Malus pumila 'Alkmene' | |
|---|---|
 'Alkmene' whole and sectioned | |
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus pumila |
| Hybrid parentage | 'Cox's Orange Pippin' x 'Geheimrat Dr. Oldenburg' |
| Cultivar | 'Alkmene' |
| Origin |  Germany, Kaiser Wilhelm Institute, 1900 - 1949 |
| Cultivar group members | 'Red Windsor' |
'Alkmene' is a German cultivar of domesticated apple, also called 'Early Windsor'.[1]
Two natural mutations (sports) of this cultivar that have red-skinned fruit have been selected: one called 'Red Alkmene' was trademarked under the name of Red Windsor; the other is 'Ceeval'.[2]
It was developed between the years 1900 and 1949, by the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute[3] in Müncheberg, Germany,[1] by crossing the two cultivars 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and 'Geheimrat Dr. Oldenburg' (frequently confused with the similar-sounding 'Duchess of Oldenburg'). The result is an early harvest apple (early mid season), which is very attractive,[3] with a honeyed[1] flavor similar to Cox's but slightly sharper.[3] Its main use is for fresh eating.[1]
'Alkmene' flowers early mid season, with self-fertile blossoms, hence no cross pollination is needed. Fruit size is medium and variable, flesh color is yellowish or extremely yellow for an apple,[3] skin has greenish-yellow background with orange-reddish flush and strong red strips. The 'Red Windsor' cultivar has a larger portion of red.[1] It is resistant to apple scab and susceptible to blossom frost.[3]
'Alkmene' was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1998.[3]
References
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