Flamenco (apple) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 'Flamenco' apple
Hybrid parentage	(Cox's Orange Pippin x Court Pendu Plat) × Wijcik McIntosh
Cultivar	'Flamenco' or 'Ballerina Obelisk'
Origin	England, 1950 - 1999

The Flamenco apple, also known as Ballerina Obelisk, is a special type of apple grown for both its tasty fruit and its unique look. Unlike most apple trees that spread out, the Flamenco tree grows straight up like a tall, thin column. It has many small branches that grow close to the main trunk, which makes it look very neat and tidy.

'Flamenco' is part of a group of apple trees called Ballerina apples. These trees are known for their unusual upright growth.

How Was the Flamenco Apple Developed?

The Flamenco apple was created in Kent, England. Scientists at the East Malling Research Station worked on it between 1950 and 1999. They carefully crossed different apple varieties to get the Flamenco.

First, they combined two older types of apples: the English Cox's Orange Pippin and the French Court Pendu Plat. Then, they crossed this new hybrid with an apple called "Wijcik McIntosh". The "Wijcik McIntosh" is special because it's a natural change, or mutation, of the McIntosh apple from Canada, and it also grows in a tall, narrow shape. By using these parent trees, they created the Flamenco, which inherited the upright growth habit.

What's Special About the Flamenco Apple?

The Flamenco apple is great for eating fresh. It has a sharp, tangy flavor, much like the Cox's Orange Pippin. These apples are ready to pick late in the growing season. Once picked, they can stay fresh for about one to two months.

The Flamenco tree is also very attractive, making it a nice addition to a garden. However, it needs good care and gardening skills to grow well. It can also be affected by several common apple tree diseases, so gardeners need to watch out for those.

See also

In Spanish: Flamenco (manzana) para niños