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New Species Discovered on Arran
____________________________________________________
Posted: 22nd June 2007
Map of the UK - Isle of
Arran in the red circle |
A new species has been discovered in the UK on the Isle of Arran.
Surprisingly it's not another minute insect which you're unlikely to ever encounter
(or recognise if you did). It's something a lot bigger. It's actually a tree,
and it grows nowhere else in the world.
The unique discovery is a result of a major research project by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Dougarie Estate and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
Two specimens of the newly named Catacol whitebeam (Sorbus
pseudomeincichii), a cross between the native rowan and whitebeam, have
been found on the island. The new discovery brings the total number of tree
species unique to Arran to three.
Photo: SNH |
Graeme Walker, Area Officer for SNH explained: "It has long been recognised that one of the botanical highlights of Arran are the endemic whitebeam trees. These are unique trees which are native to Arran and not found anywhere else in the world. But the recent investigations into the genetics of the trees with the University of Bristol have shown that the population is much more diverse than previously thought.
"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.
"So far our surveys have only been able to find two individual specimens of the Catacol whitebeam, so it is extremely rare and pretty vulnerable. Most of the Arran whitebeams, including the new species, are found in the mountains around Glen Catacol and Glen Diomhan at the north end of the island."
To ensure the long term survival of the trees, a team from the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens has been collecting seeds and cuttings. These will be grown on in a nursery in Edinburgh so that they can be reintroduced to the wild if ever needed.
Back on Arran, Dougarie Estate and SNH are working on the conservation of the wild trees. To encourage seedlings to grow into mature trees, away from the cliff faces where they are currently found, the deer fence that currently surrounds them will be extended. This will give the trees the chance to increase in numbers by protecting them from grazing deer.
 Guide to Trees of Britain and Europe
New full colour photographic guide
to over 300 species of tree found in Britain and Europe arranges trees by
the shape of their leaves for easy identification - £5.95 |
 Tree
Name Trail
A superbly illustrated fold-out identification key to trees. By
following the chart you will be able to identify over 40 species. The
reverse of the chart includes bark, flowers, fruits, seeds and more -
£3.50 |
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