Wild pear (drolpeer) Dombeya rotundifolia
Wild pear (drolpeer) (Dombeya rotundifolia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Savanna of eastern and southern Africa (Kenya to KwaZulu-Natal). It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
Plan Wild pear (drolpeer) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Wild pear (drolpeer) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Savanna of eastern and southern Africa (Kenya to KwaZulu-Natal) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Wild pear (drolpeer) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Wild pear (drolpeer)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Wild pear (drolpeer)
- How far apart should I plant Wild pear (drolpeer)?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Wild pear (drolpeer) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wild pear (drolpeer) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Wild pear (drolpeer)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Wild pear (drolpeer) flower?
- From about February for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wild pear (drolpeer) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Wild pear (drolpeer)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wild pear (drolpeer). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A savanna plant of hot summers and a long dry season; it wants sharp drainage and resents cold, wet winters.
- In late winter, before the leaves, the whole crown turns white with honey-scented flowers that bees love; dry, papery petals stay on the tree. A small tree for a narrow garden; rough, round leaves.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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