Wild Pear (Pyrus piraster)



Characteristics: It can reach heights of between 5 - 20 metres and has average longevity. Its branches are prickly at the tips. The bark is a mottled brown.
It has alternate deciduous dark green leaves which are glossy on the upper surface. They are more or less oval with a narrow base, slightly serrated, dark green on the upper surface with matted, soft white woolly hairs on the lower surface.
The hermaphrodite flowers are gathered in clusters of 3-9 and are umbrelliferous at the top, with white-pink petals. Blossoming takes place after the leaves have opened between April and May.
The pomes are 1 -4 cm in diameter and are astringent tasting to begin with then sweet and edible. Maturation: August/October
The seeds are dark brown and of small dimension.
Uses: it is of agricultural interest, and widespread due to its fruit sought after by the local wildlife of the Park. Its wood is of some value in the construction of furniture.
It is heliophilous.

HABITAT: Mediterranean flatlands and mountain areas
It is widespread in broad-leaved woods on humid soils rich in organic substances. It is generally found alone or with other shrubs along the edge of the wood, from the Lauretum to the Fagetum.