Cormus domestica

=Cormus domestica=

Cormus domestica, commonly known as the Service Tree or Whitty Pear, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, and it is known for its edible fruit and valuable timber.

Description

The Cormus domestica can grow up to 15-20 meters in height. The tree has a broad, rounded crown and a trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is greyish-brown and becomes fissured with age. The leaves are pinnate, with 13-21 leaflets, and turn a striking red or orange in the autumn.

Flowers and Fruit

The tree produces small, white flowers that are arranged in corymbs. These flowers bloom in late spring. The fruit of the Cormus domestica is a pome, similar in appearance to a small apple or pear. The fruit is initially green, turning yellow or brown as it ripens. It is edible and can be consumed raw or used in cooking and baking.

Habitat

Cormus domestica prefers well-drained soils and can be found in mixed forests, woodlands, and hedgerows. It thrives in sunny to partially shaded locations and is tolerant of a range of soil types, including calcareous and loamy soils.

Uses

The fruit of the Cormus domestica is valued for its sweet and slightly astringent taste. It can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages such as cider. The wood of the Cormus domestica is hard and dense, making it suitable for fine woodworking, furniture, and tool handles.

Conservation

The Cormus domestica is considered rare in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and promoting the planting of new trees.

Related Species

Cormus domestica is closely related to other members of the Sorbus genus, including the Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and the Whitebeam (Sorbus aria).

Gallery

• Cormus domestica tree.jpg

  Cormus domestica tree

• Cormus domestica fruit.jpg

  Fruit of Cormus domestica

• Cormus domestica leaves.jpg

  Leaves of Cormus domestica

See Also

• Rosaceae
• Deciduous tree
• Pome
• Mixed forest
• Woodworking