The hard pear reminds us that all that we experience is part of our spiritual evolution. Hard pear can bring a higher understanding of why things have unfolded the way that they have, and she can help us to see the positive in even a painful event. The hard pear’s energy is like a golden spiral – endlessly expanding upwards – like our spiritual growth. When we are able to see events from a spiritual platform of understanding, then it is possible to forgive others (or ourselves) of any wrong-doing. Unshed tears can then be processed and released so that self-healing can take place. The hard pear may be helpful for letting go of grudges and bitterness, and may benefit those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Affirmation: I release all past judgements. I now see the perfection in all things.

Corresponding Colour: Lime Green

Supportive Essence: the cherry wood may act as a supportive essence to the hard pear essence, particularly if the hard pear essence is being used to address a long-standing imbalance and an “awareness crisis” has arisen. An awareness crisis is an intensification of negative feelings or old patterns for which a flower essence was being taken. It is the soul’s way of calling our attention to these old blockages that need to be acknowledged, blessed and released.

The Hard Pear

Olinia ventosa

Family: OLINIACEAE

Learning about how this tree grows in nature, brings further appreciation of its essence:

The hard pear, an evergreen tree, occurs in forests, coastal scrub and on exposed hillsides from the Cape Peninsula to just above the east coast of South Africa. Under forest conditions it has proven itself to be the fastest growing of all of the South African indigenous trees.

The bark is smooth and grayish in young trees, becoming rough and scaly with a reddish tinge as it ages. Hard pears are spectacular when in flower, for although small, the white flowers are borne in profusion and are sweetly scented. The red, berry-like fruits are eaten by a variety of birds, and are greatly relished by the baboons that visit Platbos. The fact that the seeds do not germinate easily is no doubt the reason why this beautiful tree remains relatively unknown to South African gardeners.

All parts of the tree smell strongly of almonds when crushed, and the dead wood gives off a glorious incense when burnt. The Xhosa name for this tree means “tree without embers”, indicating that in spite of its perfume, it does not make good firewood. The timber is hard, heavy and comparable to walnut. It was used for telegraph poles and wagon-making in the past. Today it is mainly used for furniture and musical instruments. Wind-fallen branches are gathered at Platbos and hand-crafted into unique and beautiful pens, pendulums and pendants.

The hard pears were heavily exploited for their timber in days past at Platbos: as a result very few have single straight trunks – most are large and multi-stemmed – having re-sprouted after being felled. It is perhaps for this reason that of all the trees of Platbos, this was the tree that was most difficult to connect with initially. I needed to slowly build up a relationship of trust with the hard pear Deva. She teaches us the huge healing that comes from forgiveness.