Vintage Virginia Apples

SUMMER BANANA came from an original tree that grew in Marion County, South Carolina. The fruit was sold from 1890 to 1925, by two North Carolina nurseries and was trademarked about 1900 by the J. Van Lindley Nursery of Greensboro: "We paid $75 for the original tree and control of the same." The fruit has a noticeable banana aroma. The tree is a poor grower in the nursery, but is productive when it begins bearing. Fruit is medium or above, roundish-oblate to oblate, slightly conical; skin is deep-yellow with light-red and pink stripes (also described as a red blush;). The flesh of this dessert apple has a banana aroma and flavor. Ripens in August.