× Amelasorbus Explained

× Amelasorbus is a flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. A naturally occurring hybrid, it is the result of a cross between two distinct tree genera, Amelanchier and Sorbus, and shows phenotypic similarities to both parents. This type of intergeneric hybrid is quite rare, and is indicated by a multiplication symbol before the name. The name Amelasorbus is an example of a portmanteau word, a combination of the two parents' names.

Species

There is only one accepted species, ×Amelasorbus jackii, (Jack's amelasorbus) the result of Amelanchier alnifolia×Sorbus scopulina. A specimen was discovered growing in Idaho, and described by Alfred Rehder of the Arnold Arboretum in 1925.[1] Individuals have also been discovered in Oregon. Due to their hybrid nature, they tend to be quite variable, and this had (mis)led authors to describe other species; ×Amelasorbus raciborskiana and ×Amelasorbus hoseri, which may or may not be synonyms.

Notes and References

  1. Rehder . Alfred . July 1925 . Amelasorbus, A New Bigeneric Hybrid . 43780399 . Journal of the Arnold Arboretum . 6 . 3 . 154–156 .