Sorbus hibernica, the Irish whitebeam (fionn-choill in Irish), is a species of whitebeam endemic to Ireland.[2] It occurs in most counties, usually as scattered individuals, or in small groups.[3] It is sometimes treated as a species in the genus Aria, as Aria hibernica.[4]
The IUCN has currently listed this species as a vulnerable species. Its population is currently stable.
Sorbus hibernica is a small tree or shrub up to 7 m (20 ft) high with obovate, unlobed leaves and clusters of white flowers. The fruits are usually wider than long.[3]
Sorbus hibernica is found in most Irish counties, usually in ones or twos, but with occasional larger groups. Estimates of the total population range from 250 to 1000 individuals.[3] Most trees are in the centre of the island, with some in the north and some in the southeast. It occurs in a range of habitats including mountains, woods and cliffs on limestone, gorges, lakesides, rocky pastures, hedges, roadsides and open woodland.[5]
Sorbus hibernica is a very rare plant in Northern Ireland. Fewer than ten sites are known, some with a single tree. One of these locations is on cliffs near Garron Tower, County Antrim. As a result of this rarity, and its endemic status, S. hibernica is one of the Habitas Priority Species for Northern Ireland.[6] It is also a rare plant in Ireland, with the total population estimated as being in the range 240 to 1,000 individuals. It has a widespread distribution over all of the island, but only as scattered individual trees or small clumps. The population appears to be stable, but with such a small total population, the tree is sensitive to habitat loss.[5]
Sorbus hibernica, the Irish whitebeam (fionn-choill in Irish), is a species of whitebeam endemic to Ireland. It occurs in most counties, usually as scattered individuals, or in small groups. It is sometimes treated as a species in the genus Aria, as Aria hibernica.
The IUCN has currently listed this species as a vulnerable species. Its population is currently stable.
