"Santa Maria" nectarine tree

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is somewhat remotely similar to the "Fantasia" nectarine tree (unpatented) in producing freestone fruit, but from which it is distinguished in that the fruit are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately two weeks after the fruit produced by the "Fantasia" nectarine tree and wherein the fruit has a brighter red blush coloration, firmer flesh and enhanced flavor and quality than the fruit of the "Fantasia" nectarine tree.

Having thus described and illustrated by new variety of nectarine tree, what I claim as new and desire to be secured by Plant Letters Patent is: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as illustrated and described and which is somewhat remotely similar to the "Fantasia" nectarine tree (unpatented), but from which it is distinguished by producing freestone fruit which are mature for commercial harvesting and shipment after the fruit of the "Fantasia" nectarine tree, or approximately July 21 to August 3 in the San Joaquin Valley of central California, and which are larger in size, more highly colored and with enhanced flavor and flesh characteristics when compared with the fruit of the "Fantasia" nectarine tree.