White Pear Tree

Afrikaans name: Witpeer Boom

Photo © Steven Herbert

Apodytes dimidiata

The White Pear tree grows to around 4 or 5 metres in height and are popular in gardens. The white flowers are very attractive especially when the tree is covered in them.

The leaves are bright green and paler underneath. After flowering deep red berries are produced. A number of bird species eat the berries and insects are attacted to the flowers.

In South Africa the tree is found from around Knysna through to Dukuduku.

The wood of the White Pear is hard and used to be used to make wagons. Nowadays it is used to make furniture.

The Zulu's use the bark and leaves to treat various ailments.

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References and further reading

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 148

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Year Published: 2004? - Page: 286