Sorbus hibernica

Sorbus hibernica, Irish whitebeam or fionn-choill, is a species native and endemic to Ireland. Its connection to the island is carried in its scientific name hibernica, Hibernia being the early Latin name for Ireland. It is a culturally important species, used as a symbol of royal authority and as a source of food for its edible fruits [1]. Both globally and regionally, the Irish whitebeam is a species vulnerable to extinction [2]. In Ireland in particular, surveys of the species suggest a population size of fewer than 1000 individuals [3]. It is also a species that is commonly researched globally, with more than 30 of its features being studied, as retrieved from relevant databases.

1. MacCoitir, N. 2003. Irish Trees: Myths, Legends & Folklore. Gill & Macmillan Ltd. ISBN 1848890885, 9781848890886

2. Rivers, M.C. & Beech, E. 2017. Sorbus hibernica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T79748641A79748645. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T79748641A79748645.en. Accessed on 25 April 2023.

3. Wyse Jackson, M., FitzPatrick, Ú., Cole, E., Jebb, M., McFerran, D., Sheehy Skeffington, M. & Wright, M. (2016) Ireland Red List No. 10: Vascular Plants. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Dublin, Ireland