Chinese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia, Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 40: 564 (1926))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: (Burm.f.) Nakai

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 40: 564 (1926)

Year: 1926

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pyrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. China to Indo-China

Description

Chinese pear, scientifically recognized as Pyrus pyrifolia, is a notable species within the Rosaceae family. Its presence is predominantly observed across the southern regions of China extending into Indo-China, illustrating its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and geographic locales.

First described comprehensively in the literature “Bot. Mag. (Tokyo)” in 1926 by the authority Burm.f., and later reclassified by Nakai, the Chinese pear has consistently piqued botanical interests. The plant is widely known for its flavorful and juicy fruits, which are a staple in many Asian cuisines.

Apart from its culinary value, the Chinese pear holds considerable importance in traditional medicine practices across its native regions. The fruits are often employed to alleviate throat ailments and boost overall respiratory health, embodying the intersection of natural nutrition and medical utility.

Horticulturally, Pyrus pyrifolia is distinguished by its capacity to withstand a variety of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a resilient and multipurpose tree for cultivation. Its flowers, which bloom beautifully in spring, also add significant aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes, making it a favored choice among horticulturists and home gardeners alike.

In essence, the Chinese pear is a testament to botanical versatility and cultural significance, thriving not only as a fruit-bearing tree but also as a compelling subject within plant sciences and ecological studies.

Common Names

Eng: chinese pear
Por: pêra, pêra-arenosa, pêra-asiática, pêra-japonesa, pêra-nashi
Swe: sandpäron
En: Chinese pear
Pt: Pêra, Pêra-arenosa, Pêra-asiática, Pêra-japonesa, Pêra-nashi
Sv: Sandpäron

Synonyms

• Pyrus communis var. sinensis (K.Koch)
• Pyrus lakuhokuensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus pyrifolia f. pallescens (Nakai)
• Pyrus pseudouipongensis (Uyeki)
• Pyrus umemurana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus autumnalis f. sieboldii (Koidz.)
• Pyrus lasiogyna var. lanuginosa (Nakai)
• Pyrus autumnalis f. hiemalis ((Siebold) Koidz.)
• Pyrus pseudocalleryana (Uyeki)
• Pyrus serotina var. stapfiana (Rehder)
• Pyrus arakiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus asakeensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus communis var. hiemalis (Siebold)
• Pyrus autumnalis ((Siebold) Koidz.)
• Pyrus serotina (Rehder)
• Pyrus tambana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus tungusiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus montana var. rehderi (Nakai)
• Pyrus uipongensis (Uyeki)
• Pyrus togashiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus kiushiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus pyrifolia var. talyschensis (Gladkova)
• Pyrus babauttiagi (Koidz.)
• Pyrus incubacea (Koidz.)
• Pyrus nehiyamadonis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus pyrifolia f. discolor (Nakai)
• Pyrus pyrifolia var. montana ((Nakai) Nakai)
• Pyrus lindleyi (Rehder)
• Pyrus pyrifolia f. stapfiana ((Rehder) Rehder)
• Pyrus autumnalis f. pallescens ((Nakai) Koidz.)
• Pyrus autumnalis f. discolor ((Nakai) Koidz.)
• Pyrus higoensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus uyematsuana (Makino)
• Morus cathayana var. japonica ((Makino) Koidz.)
• Pyrus communis var. autumnalis (Siebold)
• Pyrus saidaeana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus serotina var. culta ((Makino) Rehder)
• Pyrus tajimaensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus cuneata (Koidz.)
• Ficus pyrifolia (Burm.f.)
• Pyrus malus var. sinensis ((K.Koch) Wenz.)
• Pyrus tsuchiyana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus lasiogyna (Koidz.)
• Pyrus yohrohensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus tobisimensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus kiusiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus kleinhofiana (Koidz.)
• Pyrus autumnalis var. culta ((Makino) Koidz.)
• Pyrus sinensis var. culta (Makino)
• Morus rubra var. japonica (Makino)
• Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta ((Makino) Nakai)
• Pyrus pyrifolia f. hiemalis ((Siebold) Nakai)
• Pyrus sohayakiensis (Koidz.)
• Pyrus sinensis (Lindl.)

Distribution

• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Laos (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Espik Louis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Javi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by barbara b (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2020 by •Aroset• (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 17, 2021 by en pampis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2021 by dixie cousins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Laure Duquenoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Richard Sheng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by jag j (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Filocamo Leonel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2020 by santos maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 29, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Rastko Šehović (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by Avery John (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Dennis Mussfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by pawloun (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 11, 2020 by Anna Dósa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2020 by b hellforo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Tatiana Abdul (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2020 by lea (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Rene Tamm (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:731158-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362786)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth