× Amelasorbus is a flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. A naturally occurring hybrid, it is the result of a cross between two distinct tree genera, Amelanchier and Sorbus, and shows phenotypic similarities to both parents.[citation needed] This type of intergeneric hybrid is quite rare, and is indicated by a multiplication symbol before the name. The name Amelasorbus is an example of a portmanteau word, a combination of the two parents' names.

× Amelasorbus
Here labeled as × Amelasorbus raciborskiana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Amygdaloideae
Tribe: Maleae
Subtribe: Malinae
Genus: × Amelasorbus
Rehder
Species:
× A. jackii
Binomial name
× Amelasorbus jackii
Rehder

Species

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There is only one accepted species, × Amelasorbus jackii, (Jack's amelasorbus) the result of Amelanchier alnifolia × Sorbus scopulina. A specimen was discovered growing in Idaho, and described by Alfred Rehder of the Arnold Arboretum in 1925.[1] Individuals have also been discovered in Oregon. Due to their hybrid nature, they tend to be quite variable, and this had (mis)led authors to describe other species; × Amelasorbus raciborskiana and × Amelasorbus hoseri, which may or may not be synonyms.

References

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  1. ^ Rehder, Alfred (July 1925). "Amelasorbus, A New Bigeneric Hybrid". Journal of the Arnold Arboretum. 6 (3): 154–156. JSTOR 43780399.