Range & Status

Native; Oceanic Temperate species, found from Portugal to Devon and Cornwall. A very rare tree known in only two areas in Britain, one in Plymouth, England, the other in Truro, Cornwall.

Regional Distribution

Since its discovery in Britain in 1870, it has been recorded in just two localities in Cornwall, one in East Cornwall, the other in West Cornwall. It has not been seen in East Cornwall since 1932, but five sites are now known in one small area, near Truro (SW74 and2 SW84) in West Cornwall. Together these sites support about 100 young and mature plants, with several individuals flowering and fruiting.

Habitat & Ecology

Plymouth Pear occurs in roadside thickets and is also associated with very old hedges that enclose or border small fields.

Threats

It can be affected by unsuitable hedge management.

Conservation

The Carrine Common area is a SAC. For conservation purposes it has been planted at a number of sites.