Biological Flora of the British Isles: Sorbus torminalis

摘要: Summary This account presents information on all aspects of the biology Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz (Wild Service-tree) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure physiology, phenology, floral seed characters, herbivores disease, history conservation. Sorbus is an uncommon, mostly small tree (but can reach 33 m) native lowland England Wales, temperate Mediterranean regions mainland Europe. It most shade-tolerant member genus in Isles, as a result, it more closely associated with woodland than any other species. Like species, however, grows best where competition for space sunlight limited. Seedlings shade tolerant but adults only moderately so. This, combined low competitive ability, restricts growth open areas. In shade, saplings young form sapling bank, showing reproduction extensive when released. tolerates wide range soil reaction (pH 3·5–8·0) calcareous clays thin soils over limestone. Sorbus sexual, diploid, non-apomictic species has hybridised number microspecies. hermaphrodite flowers primarily insect pollinated. Seed production reliable warm years, especially at edge range, although even then viability low. fruits dispersed by carnivorous mammals. Seeds display embryo dormancy will germinate first spring after falling. This very short droughts frost, hence southerly distribution. faces no particular individual threats size populations makes susceptible habitat loss fragmentation, particularly through coppiced As consequence, appears be declining throughout Britain Europe despite historical uses high value timber. extent which these losses offset increases due climate change unknown.