Concorde pear Pyrus communis 'Concorde' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Concorde Pear, European Pear

• Common names

  Pyrus communis 'Concorde'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant known as pear, specifically the variety Pyrus communis 'Concorde', is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, pears are commonly eaten fruits. However, like many other fruits, the seeds of the pear contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when metabolized. Ingesting a large amount of pear seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, whose symptoms can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, rapid breathing, and in extreme cases, can be fatal. Nevertheless, accidental consumption of small quantities of pear seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of amygdalin.

• To pets

  The pear, including the Pyrus communis 'Concorde' variety, is generally not toxic to pets. The fruit's flesh is safe for pets to eat in moderation. However, similar to the risk in humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. If a pet ingests a large quantity of seeds, it may experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning such as panting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, red gums, and in severe cases, shock or coma. It's advisable to prevent pets from accessing pear seeds, but an occasional small piece of the fruit's flesh is typically harmless.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-20 feet (3.7-6 meters)

• Spread

  10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: The Pyrus communis 'Concorde', commonly known as the Concorde pear, has attractive blossoms and foliage, enhancing garden aesthetics.
• Fruit Production: It produces sweet and juicy pears, which can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Concorde pear tree attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
• Shade Provider: The tree's canopy offers shade and can help reduce local temperatures during hot summer months.
• Erosion Control: The root system helps stabilize soil and can prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Woodcrafts - The hard wood of the Concorde pear can be used for crafting small wooden items like utensils, carving boards, or intricate inlays for furniture.
• Natural Dye - The leaves and bark of the pear tree can be utilized to produce natural dyes for textiles, providing hues that can range from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
• Garden Design - The Concorde pear tree is often used in landscape design for its aesthetic appeal, particularly for its attractive foliage and spring blossoms.
• Wildlife Habitat - The tree provides habitat and food for various wildlife, such as birds and insects, which find shelter in its branches and feast on its fruit.
• Wood Smoking - Pear wood can be used in smoking food to impart a sweet, subtle flavor to meats and cheeses, similar to apple wood.
• Rootstock for Grafting - The roots of the Concorde pear can be used as a rootstock to graft other pear varieties and create new hybrid trees.
• Photography Prop - The tree, especially when in bloom or bearing fruit, serves as a beautiful prop or background for outdoor photography.
• Festive Decorations - During the holidays, sprigs of the pear tree, with its firm leaves and possibly with fruit attached, can be used to create natural decorations such as wreaths or table centerpieces.
• Instrument Making - The fine-grained wood of the pear tree is sometimes used in the crafting of musical instruments like recorders or woodwind instruments where a hard, dense wood is desired.
• Educational Resource - The Concorde pear tree can be used as a living specimen in educational settings to teach students about botany, horticulture, and the life cycle of fruit trees.

Feng Shui

Pear tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Pear tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Prosperity: The pear tree, of which Pyrus communis 'Concorde' is a cultivar, often symbolizes prosperity due to its abundant fruit production.
• Femininity: In some cultures, the pear is associated with feminine beauty and attributes, as the fruit’s shape can be reminiscent of the female form.
• Longevity and health: Pear trees have a long productive lifespan, which can be a symbol of good health and long life for individuals.
• Affection: Sharing a pear or a pear tree is sometimes seen as a gesture of affection, as pears can represent the sweetness of life shared with others.
• Peace: Pears have been used symbolically as an offering of peace or truce between parties.