Woody pear

Description

Xylomelum pyriforme grows as a large shrub or small tree, usually reaching 4–5 m (13–16 ft) high, although trees to 15 m (49 ft) have been recorded in the Howes Valley northwest of Sydney. The large juvenile leaves have dentate (toothed) margins with 6 to 11 teeth along each edge, while the adult leaves have entire margins. The prominently veined leaves measure 10 to 20 cm (3.9 to 7.9 in) and are up to 5 cm (2.0 in) wide. They are glabrous (smooth) and dark green. New growth is covered in a fine rust-coloured fur. Flowering takes place from September to November, peaking in October. The inflorescences measure 5 to 8 cm (2.0 to 3.1 in) and are rusty coloured. Flowers are followed by the development of the large, woody, pear-shaped seed pod which is up to 9 cm (3.5 in) long and 5 cm (2.0 in) wide