In spite of their wide geographic distribution, the various species in the genus Pyrus are intercrossable without major incompatibility barriers. Also, the high morphological diversity and the lack of distinguishing characters among the species have been reported. Therefore, the classification of species in this genus is problematic and often confusing, giving different populations designated as different species by some authors. It is likely that, when the genus is reviewed, there will be several changes to the nomenclature[].

Common Name: Birch-Leaved Pear

General Information

Pyrus betulifolia is an often spiny, slender, deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. A fast growing, graceful tree, it is often grown as an ornamental, especially in China[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific information has been seen for this plant, the seed of many species in the family Rosaceae are likely to contain cyanogenic glycosides. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- sweet almonds, for example, contain only very low levels of it and are safe to eat in quantity, whilst bitter almonds (which are used as a flavouring in foods such as marzipan) contain much higher levels and should only be eaten in very small quantities. Great caution should be employed if the taste is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern China, northern Laos.

Habitat

Open slopes and plains; at elevations from sea level to 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pyrus betulifolia is very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to at least -20°c when dormant[].
Prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
This species is a common tree in N China, and is often planted in gardens and parks for ornamental purposes, preferring sunny, dry, sandy, loamy soils[].
The plant shows resistance to frost, salty soils and to all important diseases and pests[].
A fast growing, graceful tree[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The subglobose fruit is brown with pale dots, it can be 5 - 15mm in diameter[, ].

Leaves - cooked[, ].

Flowers[, ]. Dried, powdered and made into cakes[].

The dried leaves are used to make tea[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used in the treatment of cholera, colic and cramps[].

The cooked fruit is used to treat mucous diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

This species shows resistance to frost, salty soils and to all important diseases and pests[]. It has long been used as a rootstock for the cultivated pears by the Chinese[, , ], it is recently also being used as a rootstock in N. America and in Europe[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it will then usually germinate in mid to late winter. Stored seed requires 8 - 10 weeks cold stratification at 1°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible[]. Temperatures over 15 - 20°c induce a secondary dormancy in the seed[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse for their first year. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.