NEW RECORDS OF THE GENUS PYRUS (ROSACEAE) FROM PAKISTAN AND AZAD KASHMIR

This paper communicates the latest taxonomic status of the oriental Pyrus species, Rosaceae from the Northern Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. Extensive field surveys were conducted and many plant specimens were collected during 2008-2012. A total of 110 specimens were identified with the help of published literature, floras of the adjoining countries and the available herbarium specimens. GPS values, ecological notes, flowering fruiting time and vernacular names of each taxon were recorded. Details of the 4 species viz. Pyrus pashia, P. calleryana, P. bretschneideri and P. pyrifolia have been given in this account. Of these, P. calleryana, P. bretschneideri and P. pyrifolia are new records for Pakistan.