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Xylaria hypoxylon – 24 January – Candlesnuff fungus
This week we take a look at the candlesnuff fungus, one of several members of the Ascomycota that are especially conspicuous in winter.Continue reading »
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Marchantia polymorpha – 18 to 25th January 2021 – The Common Liverwort
This week David and Maria Chamberlain present the first liverwort we have covered in Plant of the Week - with some amazing images.Continue reading »
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Easter Ross Railway Stations – The floral story of 19 years
Brian Ballinger has been investigating the flora of railway stations in Easter Ross.The number of species has declined.Continue reading »
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These are the Plants of the Week that Was – assorted species from New Year’s Day – posted for week 11-18 January 2021
We thought you'd like to know what we found in flower on New Year's day. There are 60 species.Continue reading »
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Viscum album – 4th January 2021 – Common Mistletoe
This week, we make a seasonal offering of mistletoe. Focussing on the only species which occurs in the UK, but mentioning more flamboyant tropical species.Continue reading »
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Juniperus communis – 28th December 2020 – Juniper
Juniperus communis has a vast world-wide distribution, but in Britain it has declined in recent years. Roger West has been investigating this iconic species.Continue reading »
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Hedera helix – December 21st 2020 – Ivy
Evergreen plants have been seen as a harbinger of spring since pre-Christian times, and therefore involved in celebrations of the mid-winter solstice, as they still…Continue reading »
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Dundee in Bloom in November 2020
Brian Ballinger finds many species still flowering in late November..Continue reading »
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Hippophaë rhamnoides – Sea buckthorn – 14th December 2020
"Sea buckthorn is a plant of many parts: it is known for its medicinal properties, for its ecological contributions to dune stabilisation, as a supply…Continue reading »
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Cyathus olla – 7th December – Bird’s Nest Fungus,
Cameron Diekonigin tells a story of the unexpected: “Whilst queuing I glanced out of the car window onto some pale grey discs scattered over the…Continue reading »
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Taxus baccata – 30th November – Yew
Yew, Taxus baccata, is a long-lived native tree. Some trees are thought to be 1000s of years old. All parts of the plant are toxic…Continue reading »
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Common plants – walls
These species are commonly found growing on or out of walls in urban areas. Here we look at wall rue, maidenhair spleenwort, ivy-leaved toadflax and…Continue reading »
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Ulex europaeus – 23 November
They say that 'when gorse is out of bloom, kissing's out of fashion'. Read about gorse, a plant which is both useful and a pest.Continue reading »
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Mountain Flowers – you don’t always need to climb that mountain
Scottish mountains have a great appeal for many plant lovers because of their special flora. However, Brian Ballinger looks at mountain plants that you can…Continue reading »
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Taphrina alni – 16 November – Alder tongue fungus
At this time of year it’s easy to see the cones on the almost-leafless alder trees. This year’s immature greenish-yellow cones are visible alongside last…Continue reading »
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Common plants – garden escapes
These species are commonly found growing at the side of paths, roads and other places near human habitation. They are introduced plants that have escaped…Continue reading »
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Some Urban Orchids in Scotland
When searching for orchids one does not normally think of looking in towns. Brian Ballinger reports.Continue reading »
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Conyza canadensis – 9th November – Canadian Fleabane
Canadian Fleabane is advancing rapidly northwards, often accompanied by three other related species. It is said to be in the top ten of the most…Continue reading »
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Lactuca virosa – 2nd November – Great Lettuce
John Grace recounts a Great Lettuce experience in the streets of Leith, and finds a much older record.Continue reading »
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Claviceps purpurea – 26th October – Ergot, a fungal parasite of wild and cultivated grasses
Maria Chamberlain writes about the history and symptoms of ergotism, and the life cycle and management of the fungus which causes it.Continue reading »
