European wild pear
An ancient fruit 
The wild pear (Pyrus pyraster) is a tree that reaches a height of 6-15 meters and can be found from sea level up to 1400 meters in altitude. On its hardened and thorny branches, numerous white 
flowers (sometimes pink) with dark red anthers bloom in April-May, clustered in inflorescences. Despite the brief flowering period, the flowers are highly sought after by pollinating insects 
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flowers (sometimes pink) with dark red anthers bloom in April-May, clustered in inflorescences. Despite the brief flowering period, the flowers are highly sought after by pollinating insects .The fruits are pear-shaped , or more rounded, and measure 2-5 cm in size.
, or more rounded, and measure 2-5 cm in size.
Did you know? 
The consumption of wild pear fruits dates back to ancient times; remains of its seeds have been found in pile-dwelling settlements. For the Romans, these fruits were too hard, so they carried out selections to obtain larger and juicier varieties . It is believed that cultivated pear species today originated from this wild pear species.
. It is believed that cultivated pear species today originated from this wild pear species.#LIFEprogramme #LIFEproject #EUpollinators #Natura2000
#Pyrus #pear #pollinators #bees
Photo Pixabay
