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Saxifrages at Sea Level
Brian Ballinger returns to the topic of saxifrages. Here are five that can be seen near sea level.Continue reading »
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Honckenya peploides – May 31st 2021- Sea Sandwort
This seaside plant may be male, female or hermaphrodite. It's just coming into flower, and if you live near the seaside please take a close…Continue reading »
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Hydnangium carneum – 24th May 2021 – the ‘flesh-pink truffle’
There's always something new to look for. 'Truffles' on a gum tree were an unexpected lock-down garden find.Continue reading »
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Cochlearia officinalis, C. danica – 17th May 2021 – Scurvygrass
Look for these plants if you are heading for the coast, or driving down a motorway. Scurvygrass is an instant cure for scurvy, but there…Continue reading »
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Hyacinthoides non-scripta – 10th May 2021 -Bluebell
This month we feature an iconic native species, bluebell. Richard Milne has unearthed fairy tales, and clarified the differences between species and hybrids.Continue reading »
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Anemone nemorosa – May 3rd 2021 – Wood Anemone
Its leaves aren’t really leaves, and its petals aren’t really petals; and it is the only common British flower to bear a single whitish flower…Continue reading »
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Phaeoceros laevis – 26th April 2021 (Smooth Hornwort)
Hornworts are often overlooked, yet they may hold the key to the evolution of vascular plants. David Chamberlain tells the story of Smooth Hornwort in…Continue reading »
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Calloria neglecta – 19th April 2021
Hundreds of fungi are actively recycling last season's discarded plant material. Here's one. It looks like a squashed tangerine in miniature.Continue reading »
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Allium ursinum – 12th April 2021 – Ramsons
Following on from last week's Plant of the Week, we look at another member of the Allium family: ramsons, Allium ursinum, currently well on its…Continue reading »
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Allium paradoxum – Few-flowered Leek (or Few-flowered Garlic)
Maria Chamberlain recalls seeing this species over 50 years ago when it was quite rare. It has become a common invader of woodlands and gardens.Continue reading »
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Linnaea borealis – 29th March 2021 – Twinflower
This iconic species is still rare, but recent observations suggest it may be on the increase. Do look out for it.Continue reading »
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Lathraea clandestina – 22 March 2021 – purple toothwort, clandestine
If you go down to the River Esk today you may be in for a visual surprise. At the base of an alder, crack willow…Continue reading »
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Pinus sylvestris – 15th March 2021 – Scots Pine
To walk in the native pinewood is uplifting, it has spiritual appeal. Pineforests and the wildlife therein are 'jewels in the crown' of Scotland's biodiversity,Continue reading »
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Grimmia anodon – 8th March 2021 – (Toothless Grimmia)
A Grimm's Fairy Tale from Auld Reekie: a botanical story from Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.Continue reading »
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Petasites app. (4 species) – March 1st 2021 – Butterbur
If you’re a bored botanist waiting for the summer to start, you can do a lot worse than taking on a quest to bag all…Continue reading »
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The fungus without a name – 22nd February 2021
Here is another honorary plant - a fungus that is common in the urban environment but inconspicuous and disregarded - except by rodents.Continue reading »
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Some Special Plants of Forest Tracks
Unusual plants are easily overlooked when they are small and growing beside your walking route. Here are a few you might find.Continue reading »
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Gagea lutea – Feb 15th 2021 – Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem
You may never have seen the Yellow Star of Bethlehem but you can read about it here.Continue reading »
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Ficaria verna – February 8th 2021 (Lesser Celandine)
It's nearly time for Lesser Celandines to be in flower. Another sign of Spring.Continue reading »
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Galanthus nivalis – 1st February 2021- Snowdrop
It's snowdrop time. This iconic plant cheers us up and may also save lives.Continue reading »
