Sorbus torminalis

Sorbus torminalis, also known as the wild service tree, chequer tree, or checker tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to Europe.

Description

The Sorbus torminalis is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing to 15–25 m tall, with a trunk up to 1.5 m diameter. The bark is smooth and greyish, but flaky, peeling away in small, irregular patches. The leaves are 6–14 cm long and broad with a 2.5–5 cm petiole, dark green on both sides, the lobes forward-pointing and the terminal lobe long and broadly triangular. The flowers are 10–15 mm diameter, with five creamy-white petals; they are produced in corymbs 5–12 cm diameter in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a globose to ovoid pome 10–15 mm diameter, greenish to russet at first, then brown, and finally black at maturity; it is usually sweet and edible, and is consumed by a variety of mammals and birds.

Distribution and habitat

Sorbus torminalis is native to Europe, from England and Wales east to Denmark and Poland, south to northwest Africa, and southeast to southwest Asia from Asia Minor to the Caucasus and Alborz mountains. It is typically found in forests and woodlands, and is most often found in mixed broadleaf woodland, especially with oak and ash.

Uses

The fruit of the Sorbus torminalis has been used in the making of alcoholic beverages, such as cider, due to its naturally high fermentable sugar content. The wood is dense and strong, and has been used for fine woodworking and carving.

Conservation

The Sorbus torminalis is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population. However, like many forest species, it is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and changes in land use.

See also

• List of Sorbus species
• Rosaceae
• Deciduous trees