Wild pear (Pyrus pyraster, Burgsd. (1787). In: Anleit. Erzieh. Holzart. 2: 193.)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: (L.) Burgsd.

Bibliography: Burgsd. (1787). In: Anleit. Erzieh. Holzart. 2: 193.

Year: Unknown

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pyrus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Unknown

Description

Wild pear, scientifically named Pyrus pyraster, is a remarkable species belonging to the Rosaceae family. This species has been documented since 1787, with historical references found in Burgsdorff’s comprehensive guide on the cultivation of woody plants, “Anleit. Erzieh. Holzart.,” specifically in the second volume on page 193.

Pyrus pyraster is typically noted for its presence in various ecological niches, often standing as a resilient marker of biodiversity within its environments. Despite its common name suggesting a resemblance to domestic pears, Wild pear trees are distinct in their characteristics and ecological roles.

Characterized by its sturdy nature, the Wild pear often grows in temperate regions, adapting well to different soil conditions and climates. The tree usually reaches significant heights and is recognized for its gnarly branches and rough bark, which provide habitats and nourishment for a variety of wildlife. The fruit produced by the Wild pear is smaller and more astringent compared to cultivated varieties, but it plays an essential role in the diet of many woodland creatures.

In terms of botanical significance, Pyrus pyraster contributes to the genetic diversity of pear species. Its robust nature and adaptability make it an invaluable plant for studying resilience and adaptation in plant species over time. The seed dispersal mechanisms and natural propagation of this species also offer intriguing insights into forest ecosystems and the role of wild fruit-bearing plants in maintaining ecological balance.

Though specific observations about Pyrus pyraster are currently limited, its significance in both natural environments and botanical research continues to underscore the importance of preserving native plant species. The Wild pear stands not only as a hardy, adaptable tree but also as a historical and scientific treasure, worthy of continued study and conservation.

References to its early documentation by Burgsdorff highlight the long-standing recognition of this species’ value, reinforcing the need to protect and understand these natural resources that have withstood the test of time and continue to thrive in our landscapes.

Common Names

Deu: holzbirne, wild-birnbaum, wild-birne
Mlt: lanğas salvağğ
Eng: wild pear
Cym: coed gellyg gwyllt, coeden ellyg gwyllt, gellaig, gelleigen, gellygbren, gellygen wyllt, per bren, perwydden, rhwnen, rhwnig, rhwninen, rhwningbren, rhwningwydd, rhwnynen
En: Wild Pear
Be: Груша лясная
Bg: Дива трънлива круша
Ca: Perera borda
Cs: Hrušeň planá
Nl: Wilde peer
Et: Mets-pirnipuu
Fi: Villipäärynä
Fr: Poirier sauvage
De: Wildbirne, Wild-Birne, Holzbirne, Wild-Birnbaum
Hu: Vadkörte
It: Perastro
Ku: Şikok
Lt: Miškinė kriaušė
Mt: Lanğas salvağğ
Fa: گلابی برگ‌بادامی
Ru: Груша лесная
Sr: Дивља крушка
Sk: Hruška planá
Es: Peral silvestre
Sv: Vildpäronträd
Wa: Petrea
Cy: Coeden Ellyg Gwyllt, Coed Gellyg Gwyllt, Gellaig, Gelleigen, Gellygbren, Gellygen Wyllt, Per Bren, Perwydden, Rhwnen, Rhwnig, Rhwninen, Rhwningbren, Rhwningwydd, Rhwnynen

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 25, 2021 by Sandu Milian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by bismilla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Attila Agg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Marc Vercaigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 1979 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2022 by ma va (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by bismilla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by Attila Agg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 3, 2022 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 1990 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362445)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.)

Specifications

Growth