world news - 18.06.2007
New species of tree discovered
Two specimens of the newly-named Catacol whitebeam (Sorbus pseudomeincichii) were discovered by researchers on the Isle of Arran.
The tree is cross between the native rowan and whitebeam.
The discovery followed work by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Dougarie Estate and Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens.
Graeme Walker, of SNH, said recent research into the
genetics of whitebeam trees had shown that the population was much more
diverse than previously thought.
"These are unique trees which are native to Arran and not found anywhere else in the world," he said.
"We knew about the Arran whitebeam and the cut-leaved
Arran whitebeam, which are also crosses between rowan and different
species of whitebeam, but it has been really exciting to discover a
completely new species.
"It is very complex picture but we think that the Arran
whitebeams are gradually evolving towards a new type of tree which will
probably look very similar to a rowan."
A team from the Royal Botanic Gardens has been collecting seeds and cuttings to ensure the long-term survival of the trees.
Work is also underway to protect the two specimens on Arran.
A new species of tree that is not thought to grow
anywhere else in the world has been found on an island off the west
coast of Scotland.
See also:
- — FPA against 'indiscriminate' restrictions on log exports
- — Greenpeace Hails B&Q China for Hardwood Curbs
- — More wood than ever growing in Swedish forests
- — County's timber harvest declines
- — Rainforest furniture
