Sorbus domestica

Peervormige lijsterbes / Service Tree

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Europe (whole)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Seeds

Service Tree belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 10 to 30 meter and a width of 10 to 25 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open. The Service Tree is decidious. It buds in april and it loses its leaves in november.
This species forms a deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest. Service Tree is no nitrogen fixer.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Octopus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sorbus_domestica_9384.jpg

foto: Octopus, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sorbus_domestica_9384.jpg

foto: Abrahami, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sorbus-domestica.jpg

foto: Huerta del Nogal, https://www.flickr.com/photos/huertadelnogal/5148774334

foto: Amadej Trnkoczy, https://www.flickr.com/photos/atrnkoczy/10670739225

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): end of march, early may, mid may, end of may
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf)

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

fruit tree canker

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, ground layer
Harvesting period - start: Early september, mid september, end of september
Harvesting period - length: Several weeks
Harvesting period - recognition: Easy, hardness
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand, simple tool
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several weeks, week
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 12
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 5
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 100
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 300
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 350

Culinary appreciation

Must be bletted to become very tasty. They develop a tropical fruit flavor and are suitable for various processed products (compotes, liqueurs, and sauces). Traditionally used to clarify and enhance wines.

References