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The Pear

Pyrus L.

The tree is a very popular, long-lived plant of a slender habit and a pyramidal shape of a tree crown. The tree grows up to 20 metres. The leaves are glossy, elliptic, and lanceolate. The tree comes into flower on the turn of April and May, producing whitish, 5-petaled flowers with purple stamens that are gathered in corymbs. Pear bears fruit from August to October, depending on a variety. The fruit of feral pear trees that can be found in deserted villages are small, green or yellow and bitter in taste. The pear has a diuretic effect and was used in case of  kidney problems as well as to treat kidney diseases. The syrup made from pears was prescribed to lower the body temperature. The wood is of reddish colour and is a precious material valued in fine furniture industry. The pear is also a symbol of fertility and motherhood, for this reason was associated with the cult of Saint Mary. In folk culture we can find a motif of the revelation of Saint Mary on a pear tree. This tree is a characteristic element of  Polish rural landscape. It can be spotted on balks and in orchards adjacent  to farmhouses.