Wild pear

Fairly widespread in central and northern Namibian woodland, and often found growing on rocky mountain slopes, is the Wild Pear. It is a small, but attractive, (3-10m) deciduous tree with showy flowers, a slender trunk and a sparse, spreading crown.

The bark of the Wild Pear is rough, deeply grooved and dark, grey-brown in colour. The leaves are large, thick and rough, dark green in colour and roundish, with 5-7 veins from the base. Around spring time (July-September) masses of white pale pink flowers appear, up to 20mm in diametre, covering the tree. The fruit is a hairy nutlet contained within the dry, brown petals of the flower.

The leaves are sometimes browsed by game and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. The inner bark is used for twine and along with the bark, the root is used for traditional medicine. The wood is heavy, brown, finely textured and is excellent for ornamental woodwork, producing a smooth finish.