Indian Wild Pear

Pyrus pashia

Physical Characteristics

Pyrus pashia is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - Afghanistan to W. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 11, 51, 105, 158, 272]. Up to 2.5cm in diameter[194]. The fruit is usually bletted[183], but even then it is not sweet[146]. Tasty when fully ripe, even when dried[194]. Our experience is that the fully ripe fruit has a reasonable flavour and, when bletted, is sweet and very pleasant[K]. A mature tree yields about 45kg of fruit per year[194]. The fruit contains about 6.8% sugars, 3.7% protein, 1% ash, 0.4% pectin. Vitamin C is very low, about 1.2mg per 100g[194].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent The juice of the ripe fruit is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[272].

Known Hazards

None known