''Pyrus regelii'' is a species of wild pear in the family

Rosaceae Rosaceae (), the rose family, is a family of flowering plants that includes 4,828 known species in 91 genera. The name is derived from the type genus '' Rosa''. The family includes herbs, shrubs, and trees. Most species are deciduous, but som ...

, native to Central Asia (except Uzbekistan, where it occurs but is considered introduced). A small tree usually tall, but reaching , its young branches are cloaked in a grey down, which provides visual interest when it is planted as an ornamental. Its leaves, which are also downy when young, are exceptionally variable in shape, sometimes even on the same individual. The fruit are small but typical

pear Pears are fruits produced and consumed around the world, growing on a tree and harvested in late summer into mid-autumn. The pear tree and shrub are a species of genus ''Pyrus'' , in the Family (biology), family Rosaceae, bearing the Pome, po ...

s, and are collected and eaten by local peoples. The most

xerophytic A xerophyte () is a species of plant that has adaptations to survive in an environment with little liquid water. Examples of xerophytes include cactus, cacti, pineapple and some gymnosperm plants. The morphology (biology), morphology and physiology ...

member of its genus, it is occasionally used as a rootstock for cultivated pear trees, as a garden ornamental, and for

reforestation Reforestation is the practice of restoring previously existing forests and woodlands that have been destroyed or damaged. The prior forest destruction might have happened through deforestation, clearcutting or wildfires. Three important purpose ...

projects, all in dry areas.

References

regelii Ornamental trees Flora of Central Asia Plants described in 1939 {{Pyrus-stub