Pyrus pyrifolia

The Asian pear is in the rose or Rosaceae family and is native to much of East Asia where it is known by many names such as the Japanese pear, Korean pear, Taiwanese pear, apple pear and nashi pear.

Many commercial cultivars have been developed throughout the world, including Atago, Chojuro, Hosui, Ishiiwase, Kikusui, Niitaka, Twentieth Century, Late Korean, Shinko, Shinseiki, Tsu Li, Ya Li and Yakumo.

• It is an erect or spreading tree with a low canopy, reaching up to 9 m tall and 8 m in breadth.
• Leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, oblong to ovate, glossy medium green, serrated, petiole 3-5 cm long. Fall colour is yellow to red.
• Flowers are perfect (male and females parts in each flower), showy, white, showing in mid-spring.
• Fruit is a brown, yellow or mostly green pome, semi-round and over 7.5 cm across (up to 10 cm in cultured stock), ripening in summer. It is highly sought after in many countries as an edible fruit.
• Bark is dark brown or light green, blocky or furrowed.