Pyrus serrulata

Rehder

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 5 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A deciduous tree reaching 10 m tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in May with seeds ripening September to October. Hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage; suits mildly acid to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun, prefers moist conditions but handles drought and atmospheric pollution.

Description

A tree. It grows 8-10 m tall. The young branches have a brown coating. The leaves are narrowly oval and 5-11 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. There are 6-11 flowers in a group. The petals are white. The fruit is oval and dark brown. They are 2 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit, about 1.5cm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In southern China it grows between 100-1,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

Cultivation

Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. A very ornamental tree. This species is closely related to P. serotina, differing mainly in having smaller fruit.

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in autumn, when it will typically germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8–10 weeks of cold stratification at 1°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Temperatures above 15–20°C can induce a secondary dormancy. Prick out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse through their first year. Plant out in late spring or early summer the following year.

Other Uses

None known

Production

In China plants flower in April and fruit is June to August.

References (2)

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
www.efloras.org Flora of China Volume 9