Bollwyller Pear
Sorbopyrus auricularis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Sorbopyrus auricularis is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf from May to November, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Not known in the wild.

A bi-generic hybrid of garden origin.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has a dry and sweet yellowish flesh. Rather like a small pear, it has a very nice flavour when fully ripe. The fruit is up to 5cm long.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a well-drained moisture-retentive soil in an open sunny position. Succeeds in light shade but fruits less well in such a position. This species is a bi-generic hybrid of garden origin between Sorbus aria and Pyrus communis.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in late winter. The plant produces very little fertile seed, and this does not breed true, though some interesting plants might be produced. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Grafting is the best method of propagating this plant. This is best carried out in early spring, though budding can be carried out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pyrus auricularis. P. bollwylleriana. P. pollueria.