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: Willow-Leaved Pear

General Information

Pyrus salicifolia is a very spiny, deciduous tree, profusely branching with a broad, spreading crown; it can grow 8 - 10 metres tall[].
The fruit is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. After fermentation, the fruits are sold in local markets in Transcaucasia as 'nanto'[, ]. The plant is cultivated for use as a rootstock, and is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its silvery, willow-like foliage.
The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' 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

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Range

W. Asia - Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran

Habitat

Dry stony sites, forest edges, shrub thickets, steppe[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pyrus salicifolia is a very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -20°c when dormant[].
Growing best in a sunny position, it tolerates light shade but does not fruit so well in such a position[]. A very undemanding plant in its soil requirements, though it prefers a good well-drained loam in full sun[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates atmospheric pollution, excessive moisture and a range of soil types if they are moderately fertile[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
The dormant plant is very frost resistant[].
A very ornamental plant[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Harsh and of no value[]. The pulp is coarse, sour-sweet, very astringent, hardly edible[]. A sweet flavour.but the flesh has numerous grit cells. The fruit is nice when it has been bletted[]. The globose or broadly pyriform fruit is about 15 - 30mm long and 12 20mm wide[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Developing abundant root suckers and with a wide -spreading root system, this species is very valuable for the fixation of sands[].

Other Uses

The plant is used in the Caucasus and Iran as a drought and frost resistant rootstock for the cultivated pear[].
This species is very drought and frost resistant. It is of great importance in arid regions for hybridization programmes with the cultivated pears and for the selection of new species[].

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.