Sorbus arranensis rupicola") which is still found on Holy Isle. This hybrid species interbred with the rowan/mountain ash ("Sorbus aucuparia") to produce "S. arranesis". The bastard mountain ash ("Sorbus pseudofennica") arose from a further cross between "S. arranensis" and the mountain ash ("S. aucuparia"). Smart showed by using physical characteristics that the species were separate and not a result of random variation. Some overlap does however occur and this suggests that some hybridising may occur between the two species. Sorbus arranensis Sorbus arranensis, sometimes referred to as the Scottish or Arran whitebeam is a species of plant in the family Rosaceae. It
Sorbus aucuparia Pliocene age. Fruit of "S. aucuparia" were used in the past to lure and catch birds. To humans, the fruit are bitter, astringent, laxative, diuretic, cholagogue, prevent scurvy, and the parasorbic acid irritates the gastric mucosa. Pharmacist Mannfried Pahlow wrote that he doubted the toxicity of the fruit but advised against consuming large amounts. The fruit contain sorbitol, which can be used as a sugar substitute by diabetics, but its production is no longer relevant. "Sorbus aucuparia" fruits have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally (as tea, syrup, jelly or liqueur) for treatment of disorders of the respiratory