This species of pear-tree with a mainly Mediterranean distribution is present in all regions of Peninsular Italy, in the Islands, in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. It grows in open deciduous woods, hedges, disturbed maquis and garrigue vegetation, in hot, sunny sites, below the lower montane belt. The species is found from the outer belt to the center of some Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus name derives from the Greek 'pyr, pyros' (fire), perhaps referring to the conical shape of the fruit; the species name refers to the branches ending in thorns. Flowering period: April to May. Syn.: P. amygdaliformis Vill.

Italian name(s): peraginara (Calabria), Perassa (Veneto, Parenzo d'Istria), Peratela selvadega (Veneto, Pirano), Perazzi (Campania, Avellino), Perer selvadego (Veneto, Parenzo d'Istria), Pero mandorlino (Italia), Pirastru (Sardegna), Piru sarvaggiu (Sicilia), Praino (Calabria).