Apodytes Dimidiata 'White Pear'

Add a touch of luxurious , year-round greenery to your propery with the Apodytes dimidiata, commonly known as the White Pear or  Witpeer. Proudly local and indigenous to South Africa, this highly resillient evergreen grows naturally along the forest margins and mountain slopes right here in Cape Town. It is the ultimate choice for Cape gardeners who want a sophisticated, low-maintenance tree that naturally harmonizes with our local environment. Featuring elegantly smooth, pale grey bark and a dense, neatly rounded crown of glossy, deep green leaves, the White Pear serves as an architectural masterpiece in both small suburban yards and grand landscapes alike. From September to April (Spring through Summer) the tree bursts into a striking tiny, star-shaped snow-white flowers carried in loose, delicate sprays that release a sweet, coconut-like fragrance. These blooms are followed from December to June (Summer through Winter) by highly decorative, kidney-shaped berries featuring a unique, two-toned contrast. A flat, jet black seed dramatically capped with a bright, fleshy, scarlet-red appendage that serves as a magnet for local fruit-eating birds.

Why You'lll Love It:

• Features a neat, non-invasive root system that will not lift your brickwork, driveway or pool shell.
• Thrives beautifully in full sun, rewarding you with glossy, bright green leaves all year round.
• Reaches a manageable backyard size, growing into a dense, evergreen canopy that is ideal for blocking out.
• Tough once established, making it highly drought tolerant and strong enough to withstand Cape Towns heavy South Easter wind.
• Locally Indigenous and Eco friendly.

Plant & Care

Plant in full sun, digging a hole that is atleast twice as wide and twice as deep as the pot size you're planting. Mix the garden soil with a large bucket of organic compost and a handful of bonemeal. This will give the roots the vital nutrients in sandy Cape soils. Water deeply twice a week during the first two summers. Once your root system is fully established the tree becomes water smart and relies mostly on natural winter ranfall.

Did You Know?

The White Pear is nicknamed the "Mickey Mouse Tree" by local birdwatchers. Its scientific name "Dimidiata" means "halved" because the unique berry grows in two completely different halves. It features a jet-black seed capped with a bright, fleshy red "hat". This striking contrast looks exactly like a cartoon silhouette, acting as a vivid neon sign that draws local fruit-eating birds straight to your garden.