Scolopia mundii is a beautiful medium-sized evergreen tree that is characterised by a spreading crown and glossy, dark green leaves. Its tolerance of high or low light conditions and temperatures enables its cultivation in a range of situations.
Although considered a rare species in South Africa, the red pear can be found growing naturally on forest margins, along streams and on coastal and mountainous areas.
If Scolopia mundii is required in the colder parts of the country, make sure the plants were grown from seed obtained at high altitudes.
This tree displays some interesting characteristics throughout the year. Sco;opia mundii produces sweet smelling greenish-white flowers from October to March before bearing yellowish orange fruits that are edible to both birds and people. Its bark is smooth and grey - brown in younger trees; becoming rough and flaking with age. The branches have straight spines reaching up to 40 mm in length, usually on young shoots in the leaf axils.
The red pear is a very hardy tree in the inland regions that can grow in different environmental situations due to its tolerance to high or low light conditions and temperatures extremes. The non-aggressive root system makes Scolopia mundii an ideal species for small gardens and containers. It can be used as a wind break in the landscape because of its dense crown. The fragrant flowers and brightly coloured fruits attract a wide variety of birds and insects to the garden.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.