Scolopia mundii is a beautiful medium to large evergreen tree characterised by a spreading crown and glossy, dark green leaves. 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.

This tree displays some interesting characteristics throughout the year.  S. 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 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.