Birch-leaved pear, Puckered pear, Russet pear
Pyrus betulifolia
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A small slender tree. It grows 9 m high and spreads 4.5 m wide. The leaves are oval or rounded. They have a slender tip and strong teeth along the edge. They are greyish-green when young but the upper surface becomes green and shiny. The fruit are small and dark brown. The small fruit become puckered and edible after frost.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows from sea level to 1,800 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Laos, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tibet
How it is used for food
The sun-dried flowers are powdered and baked into 'cakes.' Leaves are boiled and eaten with oil and salt. The fruit are eaten after frost. They are also buried in wheat containers until the fruit turn black then eaten.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Du li, Yeh li, Manshu-mame-nashi, Reli