Dzmernuk (winter variety) - bought from the fruit gardens of Merdzavan village, in Armavir Marz (Province). It is a domestic variety cultivated by the local people. The tree grows very well. It can reach 5 to 6 and even more meters. Crown is of medium thickness, with slightly expressed pyramid shape; sometimes rounded; bark is plain and of light brown color. Shoots are dark brown and upright going. In fertile soils, the upper parts of the shoots with lush growth are bent. Buds are large and oblong.Leaves are large, round with flat surface; of dark green color and slightly serrate ends. Flowers are of medium size, white and fragrant; petals are of medium size. Fruits are of medium size, weighing 80 to 120 grams, round, comprising stony cells. Fruit stalk is long; yellow greenish. Fennel is of average size; plate is not deep. Fruits are getting yellow when they are ripe enough. Seeds are flat, oblong with dark brown color. 100 dry seed weigh 6 to 7 grams. The tree bears late, 5 to 6 years after planting. Fruits ripen in late October. --collection notes sent by Samvel Gasparian on wild and cultivated fruits of Armenia, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Armenia, 2002.
Another sample collected from same village and sent to NPGS but not accessed was seed of western European cultivar 'Kjure' (= Cure or Vicar of Winkfield). It is not known if the 'Kjure' trees were growing near the 'Dzmernuk' trees, but this would be a possible pollen source for these open pollinated seeds. -- J. Postman