Pyrus serrulata
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[2]. The fruit is about 1.5cm in diameter[3].
- Plant part
- Fruit
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy, Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China.
- Habitat
- Thickets in W. Hupeh, 600 - 1600 metres[1]. Among shrubs, forest margins and thickets at elevations of 100 - 1600 metres[4].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- 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[3]. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed[3]. 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[3]. 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[3]. Established plants are drought tolerant[3]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[3]. A very ornamental tree. This species is closely related to P. serotina, differing mainly in having smaller fruit[1].
References
Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae.
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/