Skip to content
tree of the week Dombeya rotundifolia – Wild pear – Drolpeer – Mohlabaphala

Dombeya rotundifolia – Wild pear – Drolpeer – Mohlabaphala

One of the first trees to flower in Spring, Dombeya rotundifolia is a small to medium-sized tree that usually has a single stem with many branches and a rounded crown but in very dry areas it often grows as a multi-stemmed tree or large shrub. When in full flower, the tree resembles the true pear, although it is not related to the pear family.

This fast-growing deciduous tree has a growth rate of about 1 – 1.5m per year and usually reaches a height of 3 to 6 m in the landscapes. The leaves are dark green and rounded, changing colour to a lemon yellow before falling in autumn. It produces masses of pinkish-white scented flowers. The blooms contrast sharply with the dark trunk and branches, creating a spectacular focal point in the garden. The flowers remain on the tree and turn golden brown while the fruit forms and ripens within the flower.

The Wild pear is hardy, it can withstand drought, frost, and windy conditions. The non-invasive root system enables this tree to flourish, whether planted in a restricted area where space is at a premium or in a large area. The tree can be used as a specimen tree or can be utilised for street planting as it requires very little maintenance.

Remember arbor month is a few weeks away, and we would like to invite you to come and see our lovely trees at our nursery.

Leave a Reply

Send us a Whatsapp!