Xylomelum
(from xylon, wood, and melon, an apple; alluding to the woody fruit). ORD. Proteaceae. A small genus (four species) of greenhouse trees or tall shrubs, endemic in Australia. Flowers sessile in pairs within each bract, disposed in opposite, dense spikes; perianth regular, with revolute segments; bracts small. Fruit large, ovoid or tapering above the middle, very thick and woody, tardily opening along the upper side, or in two valves. Leaves opposite, entire or prickly-toothed. The fruits are known in Australia as Wooden Pears. Only one species has been introduced. It thrives in a compost of sandy peat and fibry loam. Ample drainage must be given. Propagated by cuttings of young and rather firm shoots; or by seeds, sown in slight heat. X. pyriforme (pear-fruited). fl., spikes very dense, 2in. to 3in. long, usually clustered three to six together, at first appearing terminal, but soon becoming lateral. fr. 2 1/2in. to 3in. long, above 1in. in diameter near the base, tapering above the middle. l. of the flowering branches entire, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, very acute, 4in. to 6in. long; those of flowerless branches or young shoots often sinuate and prickly-toothed, attaining 8in. in length. 1869. A moderate-sized tree.