Karpatiosorbus devoniensis is known by the English name of Devon whitebeam[3] and formally as Broad-leaved Whitebeam. When the fruit was reported as sold at Barnstaple Pannier Market [4] the name French Eagles was used, apart from 1929 when they were reported as eagle-berries. When the trees were reported as seen growing wild on botanical walks they were referred to as French Hails (once each as French hail and French Hales). Broad-leaved white-beam, which was the common name until Devon Whitebeam took over, was used once in 1907.
The term Otmast was used once as a pet name,[5] as its true identity was not known.[6] The term sorb apple has been used recently but completely without foundation, it is another example of a name being attributed to the wrong species. It is a species of whitebeam, trees and shrubs in the family Rosaceae. It is endemic to the British Isles, growing wild in areas of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and south-east Ireland as a native and north-east Ireland as an introduction.
It probably did not exist before the last ice age, arising from a hybrid between Sorbus torminalis, the wild service tree, and another species of whitebeam. It is a close relative of the Watersmeet whitebeam, Karpatiosorbus admonitor, and two other British natives and around 40 species in Europe.[7]
Description
Sorbus devoniensis fruit
It will form a deciduous tree to about 12 metres height.
The leaves are entire, lobed, dark green above, the underside has a dense layer of grey hairs.
It flowers at the end of May, they are white with 5 petals.
The fruit ripen at the end of October. They are orange-brown to brown, and edible.
