Sorbus anglica


Sorbus anglica, the English whitebeam, is a species of whitebeam tree in the family Rosaceae. It is uncommonly found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with an entire British population estimated at about 600 individuals.

Description

Sorbus anglica grows as a small tree or shrub, often with multiple stems. The leaves are broader than most other Sorbus, with lobes whose bases are incised up to one third of the way to the midrib.

Distribution

Sorbus anglica is found in several widely scattered sites in south-west England, Wales, and around Killarney in south-west Ireland.

Ecology and evolution

Sorbus anglica is usually found growing on cliffs, quarries and rocky hillsides. It appears to be indifferent to soil pH. Occasional specimens are known from oak woodland. Research suggests Sorbus anglica arose from a cross between Sorbus porrigentiformis and Sorbus aucuparia.