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:

General Information

Pyrus korshinskyi is a usually unarmed, deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild as a local source of food. It is much used in central Asia as a rootstock for cultivated pears and can also be grown as an ornamental.
This species has a tiny range, and its population is severely fragmented. Its numbers are declining and its habitat is being reduced as a result of threats including overgrazing, fruit harvesting and the collection of saplings for use as rootstocks. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

W. Asia - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan

Habitat

Dry slopes, shrub thickets, open forests, at elevations from 1,000 - 2,600 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pyrus faurei is a very cold-hardy plant, hardy to zone 5 and able to tolerate temperatures down to at least -20°c[].
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[].
The tree is little grown, but deserves a place in the ornamental gaden, especially for its superb autumn foliage[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The yellowish-green, broadly pyriform or subglobose fruit is 30 - 50mm long and 30mm wide; the flesh has few grit cells[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

This species is widely used in Tajikistan in the planting of nonirrigated gardens as a drought-resistant rootstock for cultivated varieties[].
Despite its apparent rarity in the wild, Pyrus korshinskyi is an important rootstock for domestic pears in the central Asian countries (the ’Stans) where it is said to be more drought-tolerant and have greater disease resistance than the other local contender, Pyrus regelii[].
The pear orchards are established by first sowing this species on non-irrigated fields and, once established, the seedlings are used as stocks on which are grafted varions local cultivars - this is considered to be the only method for establishing pear cultivation in these arid regions[].

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.