Sorb apple

Sorb apple or Sorbus domestica is a species of tree in the family Rosaceae and the genus Sorbus. It is native to Europe and southwest Asia. The fruit of the tree is commonly known as the sorb apple or service tree fruit.

Description

The sorb apple tree can grow up to 15-20 meters in height. The leaves are pinnate, with 13-21 leaflets. The flowers are hermaphrodite, produced in large corymbs of 10-25 together, each flower 1.5 cm in diameter, with five white petals. The fruit is a pome, 2-3 cm in diameter, maturing to a dark red or brown in late autumn.

Cultivation and uses

The sorb apple tree is often cultivated for its edible fruit, which is used in various culinary applications. The fruit is sweet and slightly acidic, and can be eaten raw or cooked. It is also used to make cider, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used for making furniture and other wooden items.

Ecology

The sorb apple tree is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves annually. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. It can tolerate drought and atmospheric pollution.

Conservation

The sorb apple tree is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, its population is declining due to habitat loss and over-exploitation.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of Rosaceae genera