Pyrus amygdaliformis

9 Jun

Pyrus amygdaliformis (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 10m

Eventual Spread: 8m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Rosaceae

Pyrus amygdaliformis Flowers (19/04/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Pyrus amygdaliformis is a deciduous tree with an oval shaped crown. Its dark green leaves are ovate with serrulate margins, up to 6cm long and 2cm broad. Its white hermaphrodite flowers are up to 25mm across and appear in clusters of up to 12. Its green fruit is a spherical pome which is up to 25mm across and matures to yellow brown in autumn.

Pyrus amygdaliformis Leaf (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Pyrus amygdaliformis, commonly known as Almond Leaved Pear or Almond Pear, is native to south Europe and west Asia.

The etymological root of the binomial name Pyrus is the classical name for the Pear tree. Amygdaliformis is derived from the Greek amugdalos meaning ‘an almond tree’ and forma meaning ‘shape’.

Pyrus amygdaliformis Fruit (28/09/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Pyrus amygdaliformis useful as a small attractive spring flowering tree. This tree is tolerant of atmospheric pollution. This plant is drought tollerant once established.

Ecologically, Pyrus amygdaliformis flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. The fruit of this tree is attractive to some birds and mammals.