Sorbus domestica

Sorbus domestica, commonly known as the Service Tree or True Service Tree, is a species of Sorbus native to western Europe. It is a deciduous tree growing to 15–20 m tall with a trunk up to 1 m diameter. The leaves are 15–25 cm long, pinnate, with 13-21 leaflets. The flowers are 15–20 mm diameter, with five creamy-white petals; they are produced in corymbs 10–14 cm diameter in late spring, and are hermaphroditic, with both male and female organs. The fruit is a pome 2–3 cm long, greenish-brown, often tinged red on the side exposed to sunlight; it is edible, and matures in late autumn.

Taxonomy

The Service Tree is a member of the Rosaceae family, which includes a wide range of fruit trees and ornamental plants. The genus Sorbus contains about 100–200 species of trees and shrubs, with the Service Tree being one of the larger species.

Distribution and habitat

Sorbus domestica is native to western Europe, from England and Spain east to the Balkans, and also in northwest Africa in Morocco. It is typically found in woodlands and hedgerows, and prefers calcareous soils.

Cultivation and uses

The fruit of the Service Tree, known as a service or sorb, is edible and has been used in the past for food and drink. It is rarely used today, but can be made into a fermented beverage. The wood is hard and dense, and is used for fine woodworking.

Conservation

The Service Tree is not currently considered threatened, but it is not common and its distribution is scattered. It is protected in some countries, such as the UK, where it is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

See also

• List of Sorbus species
• Rosaceae
• Pome

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