Wild Pear

Dombeya rotundifolia; Wild Pear; drolpeer; iNhliziyonkhulu; mohlabaphala; motubane

Although no relation of the pear tree, which is in the Rose family (Roseaceae), the wild pear gets its name from the masses of white, scented blooms which appear before the leaves in early spring and resembles the pear tree. This is a deciduous, very fast growing tree, 1 - 1.5 m per year. It may reach up to 10 m in height but is usually between 3 and 6 m. The bark is dark brown, very rough and corky on mature trees. It forms a protective, fire-resistant layer around the trunk. The leaves are almost round and are covered with the minute star-like hairs which are a characteristic of Dombeya.

Dombeya rotundifolia grows in woodland, wooded grassland and rocky mountain slopes from KwaZulu-Natal northwards to Ethiopia.

The name Dombeya was given in honour of Joseph Dombey (1742 - 1793), a French botanist who worked in Peru and Chile. Rotundifolia refers to the round leaves of this species.
This is a good wildlife garden tree as it attracts bees and butterflies. It is a larval food plant for the Ragged Skipper (Caprona pillaana) butterfly. The wild pear is also reportedly a good bonsai specimen. The dried flowers of the wild pear can be used in flower arranging.

Dombeya rotundifolia has many traditional uses. Strong rope fibre is made from the bark, and the plant is used medicinally for various purposes, including a love potion made from the flowers. It is a useful tree on farms and nature reserves, as game and stock browse from it. The wood is termite-resistant and often used as fence posts. Bee farmers also appreciate the tree for the large amounts of nectar and pollen which it produces.