Irish whitebeam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irish whitebeam |
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| Sorbus hibernica near Ballyvaughan | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorbus
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| Species: |
hibernica
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The Irish whitebeam, also known as Sorbus hibernica, is a special tree. It is found only in Ireland. This makes it an "endemic" species. You can find it in most parts of Ireland. It usually grows alone or in small groups. Sometimes, people call it Aria hibernica.
Experts at the IUCN say this tree is "vulnerable." This means it could be at risk. However, its numbers seem to be staying steady for now.
What the Irish Whitebeam Looks Like
The Irish whitebeam is a small tree. It can also grow as a shrub. It usually reaches about 7 meters (23 feet) tall. Its leaves are shaped like an egg, but wider at the top. They do not have any lobes or deep cuts. In spring, it grows groups of white flowers. Later, it produces fruits. These fruits are usually wider than they are long.
Where the Irish Whitebeam Lives
The Irish whitebeam grows in most counties across Ireland. You usually find them one or two at a time. Sometimes, you might see a few more growing together. Scientists think there are between 250 and 1,000 of these trees in total. Most of these trees are in the middle of Ireland. Some are in the north, and some are in the southeast. They can live in many different places. These include mountains, forests, and rocky cliffs. You can also find them near lakes, in rocky fields, along hedges, and by roads.
Protecting the Irish Whitebeam
The Irish whitebeam is a very rare plant. This is especially true in Northern Ireland. There are fewer than ten known places where it grows there. Some of these spots have only one tree. One important location is on cliffs near Garron Tower in County Antrim. Because it is so rare and only found in Ireland, the Irish whitebeam is a "Priority Species" for Northern Ireland. It is also rare in the rest of Ireland. The total number of trees is thought to be between 240 and 1,000. Even though it is found all over the island, it usually grows as single trees or in small clumps. The number of trees seems to be stable right now. However, because there are so few of them, losing their natural homes could be a big problem for this special tree.
