Due to its small dimensions this shrub(2 feet) is ideally suited to the town house or small garden. The leaves of Pink Wild Pear are large, velvety, soft and lobed, reminiscent of grape leaves. Bright, deep pink or red flowers up to 1.5 inches across subtended by densely pubescent bracts 2.5 inches long bloom in winter. The fruits are small, round, furry capsules.
(Palmer & Pitman. 1973. Trees of Southern Africa.)
(Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M. J. 1992. 1999. The Families of Flowering Plants.)
The Pink Wild Pear is a garden favourite used by many gardeners and landscapers for its profusion of pink flowers borne in dense clusters which occur from late summer to early winter. The pretty flowers persist on the plant when they are finished flowering to provide an attractive display of light russet brown flowers which may also be used in dry flower arrangements. Baskets are made from the exceptionally strong bark.
(Palmer & Pitman. 1973. Trees of Southern Africa.)
(Information for this species compiled and recorded by Camelia Cirnaru, NTBG Consultant.)
Dombeya burgessiae is a widespread and variable species growing from KwaZulu- Natal northwards to Tanzania. It occurs naturally on forest margins, hillsides and slopes and along stream banks.
(Palmer & Pitman. 1973. Trees of Southern Africa.)
This plant is apparently enjoyed by black rhinos who reportedly eat both bark and leaves.
(Palmer & Pitman. 1973. Trees of Southern Africa.)
Dombeya is named after a French botanist Joseph Dombey who collected plants in South America. Burgessia is named after a Miss Burgess of Birkenhead.
(Palmer & Pitman. 1973. Trees of Southern Africa.)
