Dombeya rotundifolia, commonly known as South African Wild Pear, is a deciduous tree native to woodland and grassland ecosystems in Southern and tropical Africa, including countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It typically grows up to 20 feet tall and wide, with a rounded canopy. The bark is dark grey and fissured, providing textural interest throughout the year. The leaves are heart-shaped, with a densely hairy surface that gives them a soft texture. In the spring, the tree is adorned with clusters of sweet-scented white flowers that are particularly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The South African Wild Pear is valued for its drought and frost tolerance, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes, including urban environments, where it can serve as an attractive ornamental tree. It requires minimal maintenance once established and thrives in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used for timber today, its dense and tough wood was historically significant in the construction of wagons and carriages. In cultivation, it is appreciated for its compact size, which makes it an excellent choice for small gardens or as a feature tree in larger landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0