White Pear Tree

Afrikaans name: Witpeer Boom

Leaves of the White Pear tree

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.

Bark of the White Pear tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

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

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References and further reading

Everyone's Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 65

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

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 284

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 2002 - Page: 637