Die Wildbirne (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) in der Schweiz: morphologische Charakterisierung, Abgrenzung von der Kulturbirne und Artreinheit ihrer Vorkommen | The situation of the wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) in Switzerland: morphological characterisation, differentiation from the cultivated pear and degree of purity in its occurrence

Wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) is one of Switzerland's rare and endangered tree species. However, its status and situation are unknown, since it is difficult to distinguish from cultivated pear (Pyrus communis L.). The objective of this investigation was to find traits or combinations of traits, which allow the identification and distinction of wild and cultivated pear and to estimate the degree of purity of remaining populations.