Pear Tree – Amelanchier Canadensis
Although the common name refers more to the Amelanchie Ovalis variety, you can distance yourself a little with the Amelanchie Canadensis, the esthetic characteristics and higher organoleptic aspects lead to a preference to cultivate this species.
The Amelanchie genre originates from the Continental temperate Northern hemisphere, whilst the Canadensis species grows sponataneously in the Central Northern regions of north America.
Large, surly and strong shrub with deciduous leaves, in fertile soil it reaches a height of three metres and can grow beyond with an equal diameter in just a few years., it has leaves which are slightly indented and oval which when bud are brick red in colour and then become pastel green during the season. At the end of summer they become a beautiful red/ bright orange giving it a notable prominence even at a distance. A shrub with a pliable trunk it enjoys a sunny position, where it can flower and fruit very strongly, even in semi shade, maintaining greenery an but with sparse and thin flowering. It can survive hard winters and dry summers, and with it flexibility can survive strong winds and snow without damage.
TERRAIN
Although it enjoys non acid soils, as with the majority of the plants it grows and fruits in chalky soil, but in loose rich soil it reaches its full characteristics. However it does not tolerate very humid soil neither stagnant water.
FLORA AND FRUIT
It has always been considered as simply a garden plant, because of its wonderful blooming in Spring even before its colourful autumnal leafing but up to today has been unknown for its fruit which is especially enjoyed by birds.
From the numerous bunches of self pollinating white flowers which bloom at the top of the branches at the end of winter, small fruit develops similar in size to that of the blueberry, at first green, then mature to a red colour, then at the beginning of summer becoming blue, almost black.
Because of this peculiar transformation of flowers into fruit, they are known as false fruit or complex fruit and are peculiar in that a total maturity, they don’t detach when small. Other characteristics of Corvine Pear is that the fruit ripens whilst flowering at the same time at the same time, and ripens very slowly, therefore even though the plant is relatively young it produces a lot. You will have a rich harvest for almost a month.
USE AND HEALTH PROPERTIES
Not well known in the common greengrocer’s, only those who have the plant can enjoy the lovely fruit. It is exquisite in fruit salad with other summer fruit or eaten just picked; in America where it has widely available it is used for jams, pastries etc, and is similar to our blueberry. We know little for certain of the healthy properties of this small and very tasty fruit. We are however sure of its rich in iron and copper, and certain that it contains anthocyanins,, this precious antioxidant determines its actual dark blue colour. Up until today we don’t have any other certain facts: however the few who have tried it the Amelanchie Canadensis fruit in a fruit salad are certain of how delicious it is.
PRUNING AND CULTIVATION
The Corvine Pear is a rustic and simple plant: the only pruning required is that to contain growth and to correct esthetic malformations. It tolerates even strong pruning, in this case though you should remember that the flower buds will appear and drive out the pollen which grew following the considerable pruning. Watering is necessary only when the plant does not grow freely or in the case of extreme dryness. Fertilization is not essential, The Corvine Pear can do well even in poor soil.
Even diseases are rare: during the warm seasons, and in specific atmospheric conditions it can be prone to attacks of mildew; whilst the most common parasites, although rare, are aphids and fastidious ladybugs. Instead more likely periods of idleness. However, rare that parasites cause serious damage to the plant.
