Aria hibernica, commonly known as Irish whitebeam, is a species of whitebeam endemic to Ireland.[1] It occurs in most counties, usually as scattered individuals, or in small groups.[2]
The IUCN has currently listed this species as a vulnerable species and its population is currently stable.
Aria hibernica is a small tree or shrub up to 7-1NaN-1 high with obovate, unlobed leaves and clusters of white flowers. The fruits are usually wider than long.[2]
Aria hibernica is found in most Irish counties, usually in ones or twos, but with occasional larger groups. Estimates of the total population range from 250 to 1000 individuals.[2] Most trees are in the centre of the island, with some in the north and some in the southeast. It occurs in a range of habitats including mountains, woods and cliffs on limestone, gorges, lakesides, rocky pastures, hedges, roadsides and open woodland.[3]
Aria hibernica is a very rare plant in Northern Ireland. Fewer than ten sites are known, some with a single tree. One of these locations is on cliffs near Garron Tower, County Antrim. As a result of this rarity, and its endemic status, A. hibernica is one of the Habitas Priority Species for Northern Ireland.[4] It is also a rare plant in Ireland, with the total population estimated as being in the range 240 to 1,000 individuals. It has a widespread distribution over all of the island, but only as scattered individual trees or small clumps. The population appears to be stable, but with such a small total population, the tree is sensitive to habitat loss.