Characteristics
The common rock pear is also called common rock pear, rock loquat and edelweiss shrub. It bears the botanical species name Amelanchier rotundifolia. She belongs to the Rosids. Amelanchier Ovalis has a shrub-like habit and accordingly reaches heights of 1-3 meters. The bark is brown-gray in color. The fruits show a slight toxicity. The fruits that ripen in August are convincing with their pleasant taste. However, digestive problems are to be expected when consuming larger amounts. With moderate consumption, however, health concerns are completely unfounded.
Pollination and foliage
Amelanchier rotundifolia is monoecious and is pollinated by insects. The 1-1.5 cm long leaves have a simple leaf structure and an alternating leaf arrangement. They are dull green and have an extremely intense and yellow-red discoloration in autumn. The flowers that appear before the leaves shoot have an extremely strong smell. They consist of relatively wide-spread petals. These can come up with a length of 2 centimeters and 15 millimeter long petioles.
Soil condition
The rock pear is happy about calcareous soil. Calcareous rock in particular plays a relevant role here. South-facing locations are also extremely beneficial for good growth. Amelanchier rotundifolia is also a shallow root. Amelanchier rotundifolia is particularly easy to plant in sparse pine and oak forests and thus represents a not inconsiderable ecological added value in terms of biodiversity in such forest ecosystems. It can therefore be defined as a pioneer species.
Provenance
Belgium and Central Germany are the most northerly areas of the edelweiss bush. This plant has its home in the mountains of Central Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe. The common rock pear can also be found in the Middle East and North Africa. In the alpine region, Amelanchier rotundifolia can even be found at heights of up to 2000 meters.
Uses
The fruits of the rock pear can be used directly for a tasty pear cake and for a delicious jam. The edelweiss bush is also well advised as a bee-friendly insect nutrient plant.