Plymouth Pear

The Plymouth Pear is one of Britain's rarest native plants and can only be found in two places, within the city of Plymouth and near Truro in Cornwall. The Plymouth Pear is smaller than more common relatives and tends to grow in hedgerows. It flowers later than wild pears and displays pink tinged blossoms, with purple stamens in late April and May.

The Plymouth Pear is protected under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). In Plymouth it can be found in Plymbridge Lane and Estover Road. Plymouth City Council have also planted specimens in Forder Valley and Efford Marsh Local Nature Reserves an attempt to secure the long-term survival of this species.

The Plymouth Pear is part of English Nature's Species Recovery Programme at the Royal Botanic Gardens, where three specimens have been planted outside Queen's Cottage in the hope of ensuring the long-term survival of this rare tree.

For more information visit Kew Gardens.