Pyrus elaeagnifolia kotschyana
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Pyrus genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[1]. The flesh is rather tough and gritty, but has a reasonable flavour when it is fully ripe[K]. The fruit is up to 2cm long[2].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy, Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- W. Asia.
- Habitat
- Rocky limestone slopes and forests, 1000 - 1850 metres in Turkey[3].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- drought
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible[2]. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed[2]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun[2]. 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[2]. Established plants are drought tolerant[2]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[2]. This sub-species differs from P. eleagrifolia in having thornless branches[2]. Closely related to P. georgica[3].
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Davis. P. H. Flora of Turkey. Edinburgh University Press 1965-00-00