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Diversity and Distribution of Sorbus spp. in Croatia

The genus Sorbus encompasses about 200 species widespread in the Northern hemisphere. According to HEGI (1995), it can be divided into 5 subgenera: Cormus, Aria, Torminaria, Sorbus and Chamaemespilus. Species of the genus Sorbus belong to noble hardwoods. Some have valuable and high quality wood, while some have edible fruits, due to which they have been cultivated for centuries. Generally, species of the genus Sorbus are important for the biodiversity of a region. In Croatia they grow in different environmental conditions and are widespread in the mountainous, subalpine and Mediterranean regions. According to Flora Europaea (TUTIN et al. 1968) there are 13 different taxa widespread on Croatian territory, while KÁRPÁTI (1960) lists 14 different taxa to the level of varieties for Croatia. The most common species in Croatia are: Sorbus aria, S. domestica, S. aucuparia and S. torminalis ; some taxa are endemic, rare and insufficiently known: S. velebitica, S. aria subsp. lanifera and S. austriaca subsp. croatica. In terms of taxonomy the status of taxa in the Sorbus genus has not been fully resolved and a thorough revision of the genus is necessary. The subgenus Aria has the most complex taxonomic status in Croatia, as well as in the rest of Europe. European Forest Genetics Resources Programme (EUFORGEN) adopted guidelines for the conservation of genetic resources of noble hardwoods, including Sorbus domestica (ROTACH 2003) and Sorbus torminalis (DEMESURE-MUSCH & ODDOU-MURATORIO 2004). Assessing the genetic diversity of these species in Croatia is of great importance for the conservation of their genetic resources. In this paper were presented species of the genus Sorbus native to Croatian flora, their distribution range, taxonomy status issues and guidelines for the conservation of their genetic diversity.

diversity; distribution; Sorbus spp.; Croatia

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