WILD SERVICE TREE – Sorbus torminalis: [ 44 ]
A deciduous broadleaf tree growing to 25m. The brown bark is patterned with cracked, square shapes whilst twigs are shiny and slender. Leaf buds look like small green peas on short stalks. They develop into a maple type leaf which turns coppery red before falling in autumn. Male and female parts are contained in the white flowers which form in clusters. Once pollinated by insects the flowers develop into green-brown oval fruits sometimes called chequers. They grow to 10-15mm with small, pale spots. Pollen is taken by insects and birds like the fruits. Moth caterpillars also eat the leaves. The finegrained wood has not been widely used although the fruits can add flavour to alcoholic drinks like whisky.
A deciduous broadleaf tree growing to 25m. The brown bark is patterned with cracked, square shapes whilst twigs are shiny and slender. Leaf buds look like small green peas on short stalks. They develop into a maple type leaf which turns coppery red before falling in autumn. Male and female parts are contained in the white flowers which form in clusters. Once pollinated by insects the flowers develop into green-brown oval fruits sometimes called chequers. They grow to 10-15mm with small, pale spots. Pollen is taken by insects and birds like the fruits. Moth caterpillars also eat the leaves. The finegrained wood has not been widely used although the fruits can add flavour to alcoholic drinks like whisky.
