Nectarine tree, "May Lion"

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Nectarine Tree which is somewhat similar to the Arm King Nectarine Tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,943) and the Summer Grand Nectarine Tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,879) with which it is most closely related but which is distinguished therefrom and characterized as to novelty by producing fruit which are mature for commercial harvesting approximately May 18 through May 25 in the central part of the San Joaquin Valley of central California, and which further produces fruit which display a dark red skin color and which have a firm flesh and a clingstone nature.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety or nectarine tree, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Nectarine Tree substantially as illustrated and described which is remotely similar to the Armking Nectarine Tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,943) and the Summer Grand Nectarine Tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,879) from which it was derived as a cross pollinated offspring but from which it is distinguished therefrom and characterized as to novelty by producing fruit which are mature for commercial harvesting approximately May 18 through May 25 in Fresno County, Calif. and which additionally produces a large early season fruit having a dark red skin color and a superior globose shape, and which further has a flesh color which is a uniform clear yellow from the skin to the pit, the fruit of the subject variety having no red coloration in the flesh at commercial maturity.