Conserving Plant Biodiversity for Future Generations

Shaking Pear
(Pyrus korshinskyi)

Taxonomy:
• Scientific Name: Pyrus korshinskyi
• Family: Rosaceae
• Common Name: Shaking Pear
• Synonyms: None documented
• Native range: High altitude of Tajikistan

Description:
Pyrus korshinskyi, also called the Shaking Pear, is an exceedingly rare and endangered representative of the tree flora of Central Asia, notably found in Tajikistan. Its presence is critical for biodiversity and ecological integrity in the region.

Key Characteristics:

• Size: A medium tree (6-12 m tall) and deciduous, rounded canopy.
• The leaves: Are elliptic to ovate, with serrated margins, glossy green, turning yellow or red in autumn.
• Flowers: Clusters of 5-petaled white flowers that bloom in early spring.
• The fruit: Small to medium-sized, round pear-shaped fruit with tough/hard outer skin, green to yellowish when ripe, often sour and spicy.
• Inhabiting: An adaptation to the extreme conditions of the mountains and rocky soils.