Woody pear is generally a small tree growing to 5 to 8 m tall, with a short bole that can occasionally reach 30 cm in diameter. Individuals in open spaces can develop a broad canopy of spreading limbs. Trees often have an untidy form, bark is fibrous and flaky. The elliptical or oblong foliage is bright green and has serrate margins. The large woody fruit is pear-shape, hence the common name. Woody pear mostly occurs on sandy soils between the Darling Scarp and the ocean coast. Other populations are found on sandy gravels in the Jarrah / Marri forest east of the scarp's western edge. Although it has a wide distribution, it is a minor species in any of its habitats, large populations are rarely found.

Wood description [more info]
Heartwood is a dark reddish colour with a decorative figure. Sapwood is a contrasting pale cream colour. Timber treated with wax can produce a silk finish.

Wood density [more info]
Air-dry density is about 620 kg/m3.

Shrinkage [more info]
Tangential and radial shrinkage are estiamted as about... per cent respectively.

Workability [more info]
Very easy to dress, however, care must be taken when sanding as timber tends to develop high and low points similar to cedar. Quarter or back sawing will both provide an attractive grain pattern. Gluing, turning and finishing are rated as good. Drilling is rated as fair, a heavy hand is not required. Carving is rated as fair.

Durability [more info]

Strength group and properties [more info]
Green and dry strength groups are (S6) and (SD6). The brackets indicate conservative provisional ratings based on the air-dry density. The more important strength properties based on strength group are given in the table below.

Uses [more info]
Timber is recognised as a specialty timber by wood craftsmen. Small pieces of furniture and ornamental trinkets are the major product from this timber, but it is also used for decorative turnery.

Availability [more info]
Limited availability from private property, because the species is not harvested from state forests.