An account of the Whitebeams ( Sorbus L., Rosaceae) of Cheddar Gorge, England, with description of three new species

An account of the Whitebeams ( Sorbus L., Rosaceae) of Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England is given. Sorbus aria is abundant, and variable. Sorbus anglica and S. eminens are quite widespread, but S. porrigentiformis is rarer. Three new polyploid species endemic to the gorge are described supported by DNA analysis: S. cheddarensis, S. eminentoides and S. rupicoloides . The gorge is one of the most important sites for Sorbus in Britain. Browsing is affecting significant numbers of Sorbus trees, and grazing is affecting regeneration.