Willmott's whitebeam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willmott's whitebeam |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorbus
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| Species: |
wilmottiana
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The Willmott's whitebeam, also known as Sorbus wilmottiana, is a special type of tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses and apples. This tree is very rare because it grows naturally in only one small area of England.
It is found only in the Avon Gorge, a beautiful valley in the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire. Sadly, the Willmott's whitebeam is an endemic species, meaning it lives only there. It is also threatened by habitat loss, which means its natural home is disappearing.
About the Willmott's Whitebeam
The Willmott's whitebeam is usually a small tree. Sometimes it grows more like a large bush. It can reach up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall. This tree often has many stems growing from its base. Its branches tend to grow straight upwards.
Where This Rare Tree Lives
This unique tree is found only in the Avon Gorge in southwest England. It is very rare, with fewer than 100 individual trees known to exist. This makes it one of England's most endangered plants.
How the Whitebeam Grows and Developed
The Willmott's whitebeam does not like shady places. It grows best in sunny areas. You can find it in rocky scrublands and grasslands. These areas usually have thin, slightly acidic soils.
Scientists believe the Willmott's whitebeam came from a mix of two other trees. It is thought to be a natural hybrid. It formed from a cross between the Sorbus aria (common whitebeam) and Sorbus porrigentiformis. This makes its story of how it came to be quite special!
