Tree Tuesday: Dombeya Rotundifolia (Wild Pear) – Dikbas (Afrikaans)

The Wild Pear is a striking sight for the eye during early spring with its masses of white scented flowers. It is a hardy, deciduous fast-growing tree with a dark brown to black furrowed bark. The Dombeya Rotundifolia, is native to South African and can grow up 6 meters tall. Dombeya is named after the French botanist, Joseph Dombey.

This tree has white, five-petaled fragrant flowers which bloom in the early spring (September). The flowers appear before the leaves and contain a lot of nectar for bees to feast at hearts delight. The flowers turn a tan color and only falls off once the fruit has ripened. The fruit is a spherical capsule with fine hair on it. The dried flowers can be used in flower arrangements and for potpourri.

The leaves are leathery, circular and covered in stellate hairs. The wood is dense, hard and rough. This tree is fire resistant due to its thick corky bark.

The wild Pear is a low-maintenance shrub; requires sun or semi-shade; needs moderate watering; and is frost, drought, and fire resistant. It enjoys summer rains and dry winters. The roots are not aggressive which makes it ideal for the small garden and can be planted close to pools and buildings.

They make strong rope fiber from the bark, the wood is termite-proof and ideal for fence posts, it is also popular as a Bonsai. Parts of this tree is used medicinally for headaches, nausea, colic, and rheumatism.

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