Douthwaite Apple

A few of us gathered to plant a tree in memory of Richard Douthwaite, an colleague and friend who died late last year. He had been an inspiration to many of us.

A number of years ago Richard contacted Irish Seed Savers to tell them about an old apple tree that was on his property, which he felt could be added to the substantial collection of native irish apples in the ISS collection. Cuttings were taken from this tree, and have been used to propagate trees for distribution throughout Ireland, thereby saving this unique variety from extinction.

When sorting through the numerous trees in the ecovillage nursery for planting this season, one Douthwaite Apple tree was found.

The apple variety is described as self-rooting and would not need to be grafted onto a rootstock (although this tree was grafted onto a M111 rootstock which will produce a vigorous, large tree). The apple itself is described as a good all purpose variety, suitable for eating fresh, cooking and for making cider. A very suitable tree for a memorial to Richard.