Servicetree (Cormus domestica, Hist. Nat. Vég. 2: 97 (1834))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Spach

Bibliography: Hist. Nat. Vég. 2: 97 (1834)

Year: 1834

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cormus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Europe to NW. Caucasus, NW. Africa

Description

The Servicetree, scientifically known as Cormus domestica, is a notable species belonging to the Rosaceae family. First documented in 1834 by the botanist Spach, this plant has since garnered attention for its unique characteristics and wide geographical distribution.

Originating from Central and Southern Europe, the Servicetree extends its range to the northwest Caucasus and northwest Africa, thriving in diverse climatic regions. This adaptability to various environments highlights the resilience and versatility of the species.

The Servicetree is renowned for its robust growth and attractive seasonal changes. During spring, it produces clusters of delicate white flowers, which are pollinated by various insects, contributing to the plant’s reproductive success. As the seasons progress, the tree develops small, round fruits that transition from green to a rich, amber hue upon ripening. These fruits are not only visually appealing but also hold nutritional significance for both wildlife and humans, contributing to the local ecosystem.

In addition to its ornamental value, the Servicetree has a historical utility in traditional practices. Its hardwood is valued for crafting tools and furniture due to its strength and durability. Furthermore, the fruits are sometimes used in culinary applications, such as in the preparation of jellies and beverages, showcasing the plant’s cultural and practical significance.

Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard the Servicetree, particularly in regions where its habitat faces threats from urbanization and climate change. Preserving this species will ensure that its ecological, cultural, and aesthetic contributions continue to enrich the environments it inhabits.

In summary, the Servicetree (Cormus domestica) stands out as a resilient and multifaceted member of the Rosaceae family, with a rich history and a significant presence across various parts of Europe and Africa. Its continued study and conservation will undoubtedly benefit both natural ecosystems and human communities.

Common Names

Deu: speierling
En: Servicetree, Service-tree, True Service Tree, Corme, Service Tree, True Service-tree
Bs: Oskoruša
Ca: Server, Servera
Hr: Oskoruša
Cs: Jeřáb oskeruše, Oskeruše
Nl: Tamme lijsterbes, Peervormige Lijsterbes
Fr: Cormier, Sorbier domestique
De: Speierling, Der Speierling, Adelesche, Sperberbaum, Spierapfel
It: Sorbo comune, Sorbolo, Sorbo comune da frutto, Sorbo domestico
Mt: Żorba
Pt: Sorveira, Sorbeira
Ru: Rjabina domašnaja, Rjabina krymskaja
Sk: Jarabina oskorušová
Es: Serbal común, Acafresna
Sv: Äppelrönn
Cy: Cerddin Morgannwg, Cerddinen Ddof, Cerddinen Morgannwg, Sarff, Sarffwydden

Synonyms

• Pyrus domestica ((L.) Ehrh.)
• Mespilus domestica ((L.) All.)
• Sorbus domestica var. maliformis (G.Kirchn.)
• Sorbus domestica pomifera (Hayne)
• Sorbus domestica macrocarpa (Risso)
• Sorbus domestica elongata (Risso)
• Cormus domestica var. piriformis (Lavallée)
• Cormus domestica var. pusilla (Lavallée)
• Cormus domestica var. upsaliensis (Lavallée)
• Cormus domestica var. paradisiaca (Lavallée)
• Sorbus domestica (L.)
• Malus sorbus ((Gaertn.) Borkh.)
• Pyrenia sorbus ((Gaertn.) Clairv.)
• Sorbus domestica var. obtinui (Bertol.)
• Sorbus domestica microcarpa (Risso)
• Sorbus domestica f. maliformis ((Lodd.) Gams)
• Sorbus domestica f. piriformis ((Kirchn. & J.Eichler) Gams)
• Sorbus domestica var. obtusata (Diap.)
• Cormus domestica var. maliformis (Lavallée)
• Cormus domestica var. aucubifolia (Lavallée)
• Prunus sorbus ((Gaertn.) P.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.)
• Sorbus domestica var. pomifera ((Hayne) Rehder)
• Sorbus domestica f. pomifera ((Hayne) Rehder)
• Pyrus domestica syrmiensis ((Kit.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Cormus domestica var. monstrosa (Lavallée)
• Cormus domestica var. microcarpa (Lavallée)
• Crataegus austera (Salisb.)
• Sorbus syrmiensis (Kit.)
• Pyrus sorbus (Borkh.)
• Pyrus sorbus var. pyriformis ((Lodd.) Loudon)
• Sorbus domestica pyrifera (Hayne)
• Pyrus sorbus var. maliformis ((Lodd.) Loudon)
• Sorbus domestica serotina (Risso)
• Pyrus domestica piriformis (Kirchn. & J.Eichler)
• Sorbus domestica var. pyrifera ((Hayne) Rehder)
• Sorbus domestica albida (Risso)
• Sorbus domestica f. pyrifera ((Hayne) Rehder)
• Sorbus domestica var. pyriformis (Lodd.)
• Sorbus domestica f. pyriformis ((Lodd.) Gams)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Monica Blackhall (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Rafael Julià (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Rafael Julià (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Monica Blackhall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2017 by Monica Blackhall (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Tarzia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2018 by Silvia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Mateu Roig Joan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 2, 2020 by Georges Gonon-guillermas (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Ernst Fürst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Ernst Fürst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Ernst Fürst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Judith Gehrke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by M FP (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Annick LARBOUILLAT (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3013215)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:722386-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sorbus domestica L.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3013206)

Specifications

Growth