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Dombeya rotundifolia

by Johan Wentzel

Dombeya rotundifolia
Common Name
Common wild pear
Plant Type
Tree
Dombeya rotundifolia is a drought and fire resistant upright tree that is fast growing in cultivation. Showy, sweetly scented white flowers start blooming on bare branches in July.
Plant Description

In its natural habitat, Dombeya rotundifolia is found growing either in clumps or a single tree. The wild pear is a beautiful specimen tree characterised by white pink scented flowers. This tree flowers together with the coral tree, signalling the beginning of Spring. It is deciduous and fast growing, with a growth rate of about 1 - 1.5m per year and can reach a mature height of 5 to 10 meters when growing conditions are favourable.  In the landscapes, this tree usually attains a mature height of 4 to 5m. Dombeya rotundifolia is a drought and fire resistant

Masses of pinkish white, scented flowers which appear on Dombeya rotundifoliafrom July to September contrast with the dark trunk and branches, creating a stunning focal point in the garden. When in full flower, the tree resembles the true pear although it is not a related to the pear family. Flowers remain on the tree until the fruit capsules have formed in the centre of each flower. The trees are often single stemmed and have a branched round crown. The bark is dark brown to black, rough and fissured lengthwise. The leaves of this tree are dark green, thick, rough and hairy. In Autumn, they change colour to a lemon yellow before falling.

When grown as a street tree, Dombeya rotundifolia should be planted about 3 meters from buildings and pools. The wild pear makes a lovely bonsai and is cold and fire resistant. This tree attracts butterflies to the garden. The dried flowers are used in floral decorations. Dombeya rotundifolia is an ideal tree for a small garden. Protect from frost when young.

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
Gewone drolpeer
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Early spring
Flower Colour
White
Shape
Upright
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
5m
Region
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Limpopo
Habitat
Bushveld, Rocky outcrops
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

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Random Harvest Nursery: 082 553 0598

Jonathan Taylor: 0768305242

Email: [email protected]

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