Sweet cherry Anthracite

This variety was obtained by selection from seedlings of open-pollinated 'Shirpotrebye' black. Originator — All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Selection. Authors: A.F. Kolesnikova, G.B. Zhdanova, T.A. Trofimova. Introduced into the State Register in 2006 for the Central Region.

The tree is low-growing, up to 2 m tall. The crown is spreading, raised, medium density. Bud 3 mm, conical shape, tightly pressed to the shoot. Leaf inversely egg-shaped, dark green. Apex sharply pointed, base rounded, serrated edge blunt-toothed. Leaf blade surface smooth, shiny, curved upwards. Stipules 2-3, located at the base of the leaf blade. Petiole 12 mm long, 1.8 mm thick, pigmented (anthocyanic coloration) along the entire length. Number of flowers in inflorescence 3. Corolla diameter 23.5 mm, open. Petals white, free. Stigma positioned relatively lower than anthers. Stigma length 6.5 mm, anther length 7.4 mm. Calyx shape narrow-bowl-shaped, weakly serrated. Fruits borne on last year's growth and flower clusters.

Fruits weighing 4.1–5.0 g, broad-heart-shaped, height 21 mm, width 16 mm, thickness 14 mm. Fruit cavity wide, apex rounded. Fruits nearly black. Flesh dark red, medium density, juicy, juice dark red. Pedicel length 11 mm, medium thickness. Stone round, weighing 0.23 g (5.6% of fruit weight), yellow color, apex rounded, separates easily from flesh.

Fruits have attractive appearance, rated 4.9 points; flesh tender, tart-sweet, good taste. Taste rating of fresh fruits 4 points. Fruits contain dry matter — 16.4%, sugars — 11.2%, acids — 1.63%.

Flowering at medium time (May 14–20). Ripening at medium time (July 16–23). Enters fruiting at 4 years. Partially self-fertile. High winter hardiness. Affected by coccomycosis and moniliosis at moderate level. Average yield 96.3 c/ha, maximum 106.6 c/ha.

Universal-purpose variety, highly productive in Central Russian regions. Suitable for industrial, amateur cultivation, and breeding (for restrained tree growth, attractive appearance).

Advantages: good yield, high commercial quality of fruits for universal use.

Disadvantages: incomplete resistance to coccomycosis and moniliosis.