Pyrus nivalis, Jacq.

11. P. nivalis Jacq. View in CoL , FI. Austr. 2: 4 (1774)

( P. communis subsp. nivalis (Jacq.) Gams ).

Tree 8-20 m, with stout, ascending, usually spineless branches. Twigs stout, white-tomentose when young, later blackish. Leaves 5-9 x 3-4 cm; lamina obovate, cuneate at base and decurrent, entire or slightly crenulate at apex, covered sparsely above and densely beneath with a whitish-grey pubescense; petiole 1-2 cm, tomentose. Corymbs tomentose-lanate. Sepals 6-8 x 3-4 mm, triangular-acuminate. Petals 14-16 x 12-14 mm, obovate-elliptical. Styles villous only at base. Fruit 3-5 cm in diameter, globose, yellowish-green with purple dots, becoming sweet when over-ripe; pedicel as long as or longer than fruit; calyx persistent. Sunny slopes and dry, open woods. • S. & S. C. Europe. Au Bu Cz Ga He Hu It Ju Rm.

Several varieties with narrower leaves and smaller fruits are known, and many are grown as rootstocks.