Dombeya rotundifolia

Dombeya rotundifolia

Quantity:

Common Names

Common Wild Pear (english)
Gewonedrolpeer (afrikaans)
Tshiluvhari (venda)
Molobare (tswana)
Unhliziyonkulu (zulu)
Mokgoba (n. sotho)

Taxonomy

Family STERCULIACEAE
Genus Dombeya
Species rotundifolia
SA Plant Number 471
Basionym Dombeya rotundifolia

Description

Dombeya rotundifolia is a very hardy, deciduous, drought and fire resistant, upright tree. It has round, leathery, rough leaves, and attractive, rough, fissured bark which is utilized by Woodpeckers.

This is one of the first trees to bloom in spring where it stands out on the bare hillsides in snowy white patches. Showy clusters of sweetly scented white flowers start blooming in profusion on the bare branches in July and continue well into September before the leaves appear. The flowers dry beautifully and can be used for pot potpourri.

It is a good bird, insect and butterfly tree. It has a non-aggressive root system which makes it an ideal tree for a small garden.

It is quite fast growing and can be planted in sun or semi-shade as a specimen tree or as an element of a wildlife garden. Used medicinally.

Size 3 to 5m.

Wildlife

Butterfly Host Plant:

The Wild Pear is a host plant to the larval stage of the Ragged Skipper (Caprona pillaana) butterfly, as well as the larvae of several moth species.

Uses

Landscaping:

The Wild Pear flowers profusely in early Spring, bringing colour to the garden.

Non-invasive root system makes it ideal for adding height in small gardens.

Distribution

Limpopo, North West Province, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal

Biome:
Grassland

Natural Habitat:
Bushveld, rocky outcrops and grassland. Often associated with termite mounds.

 

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