General Description/History

This foliage crop is related to the Banksias and Proteas and is native to coastal NSW or WA. It is sold primarily for the distinctive fruit attached to the branches – these are large, woody and pear-shaped. Unlike the pears we know, these fruit are very woody and attached to the plant from the wide rounded end. The pear-shaped fruit are can be up to about 9 cm long, and are borne in summer after flowering in spring. Flowers resemble toothbrush grevilleas and are white in colour. Some branches may bear split fruit which clearly show the woody texture and you may see the distinctive two-winged seeds. Foliage is quite sparse, long, strap-shaped and with serrated edges.

What to look for

• Undamaged leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool! Never place in full sun.
2. Recut at least 2 cm off each branch with sharp secateurs and place in cold water.
3. Do not smash or split stem ends.
4. Preservative is not necessary
5. Replace vase water every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The NSW Woody Pear was one of the first Australian plants known to botanical science. Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander collected a sample in 1770 when thy landed from the Endeavour in Botany Bay. This plant was held up in colonial times as a typical example of the bizarre flora of Australia.

Botanical Name: Xylomelum angustifolium, X. pyriforme

Common Names: Woody Pear

Stem Length: Branches: up to 60 cm

Country of Origin: Australia

Available Colours: White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber