x Sorbopyrus auricularis

The Bollwyller Pear or x Sorbopyrus auricularis is an original hybrid, very interesting for the quality of its fruits. It is the result of a cross between a common pear tree, Pyrus communis, and a whitebeam tree, Sorbus aria. According to existing literature, it first appeared in 1610 in Botwiller, Alsace. Although it is present for its botanical value in several arboretums around the world, it has been very little cultivated for its fruit, which is nevertheless quite interesting. However, patience is required, as it is known to produce its first flowering and fruiting only after 10 years of cultivation. The fruit, resembling a small pear, has a fairly firm flesh that is buttery, sweet, and fragrant. Its unique taste seems to have been passed down from the original union of its two parents.

x Sorbopyrus auricularis is the result of interspecific crossbreeding between two plants of the Rosaceae family, the pear tree, Pyrus communis, and the common whitebeam, Sorbus aria. Like most hybrids between two species, it is sterile and very rarely produces viable seeds. It appeared before 1619 in Alsace, in Botwiller, and has been reproduced by grafting ever since. It is often observed that when transmitted by grafting, certain characters that were believed to be fixed revert to their original state. The Bollwiller pear is an exceptional example of stability after four centuries of graft transmission. Its genetic heritage is currently being studied.

The Bollwyller pear forms a tall tree, reaching 15 to 20 metres in height at maturity, with a pyramidal and open habit. Its leaves measure 7 to 11 cm in length and 5 to 6 cm in width and are covered with a silver and velvety felt on the underside. The flowers appear in clusters on shorter branches. The petals are white, but the stamens at the centre of the flower are pink. The sepals that hold the petals in place are covered with the same silver-white fuzz as the undersides of the leaves. The fruit is spiralled, about the size of an apricot, and ripens around mid-August. Its yellow colour turns reddish-orange on the sun-exposed side, and its flesh remains firm at maturity. The tree is resistant to scab, generally unaffected by insects or diseases that sometimes affect pear trees. It appears to be very susceptible to fire blight.

As it is large, it is best to plant the Bollwiller Pear as a specimen tree. It is not demanding in terms of soil type, but its growth will be better in rich and moist soils. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. The tree is completely hardy and requires little to no pruning. It takes a long time to bear fruit, but the fruit is delicious. If you have the space, desire, and patience, the fruits are definitely worth the wait.