Aria hibernica
| Aria hibernica | |
|---|---|
| |
| Near Ballyvaughan | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Aria |
| Species: | A. hibernica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Aria hibernica (E.F.Warb.) Sennikov & Kurtto
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Aria hibernica, commonly known as Irish whitebeam, is a species of whitebeam endemic to Ireland.[2] It occurs in most counties, usually as scattered individuals, or in small groups.[3]
The IUCN has currently listed this species as a vulnerable species and its population is currently stable.
Description[edit]
Aria 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]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
Aria 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.[4]
Conservation[edit]
Aria 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, A. hibernica is one of the Habitas Priority Species for Northern Ireland.[5] 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.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ Rivers, M.C.; Beech, E. (2017). Sorbus hibernica. Vol. 2017. p. e.T79748641A79748645. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T79748641A79748645.en.
- ^ "Sorbus hibernica - Irish Whitebeam". www.habitas.org.uk. Northern Ireland's Priority Species, National Museums Northern Ireland.
- ^ a b c Rich, T.C.G., Houston, L., Robertson, A. and Proctor, M.C.F., 2010. Whitebeams, Rowans and Service trees of Britain and Ireland: a monograph of British and Irish'Sorbus' L. London: Botanical Society of the British Isles.
- ^ a b Rivers, M.C.; Beech, E. (2017). Irish whitebeam. 2019.3. 79748641.
- ^ Hackney, Paul. "Sorbus hibernica – Irish whitebeam". Northern Ireland Priority Species. National Museums Northern Ireland.