POTW

Mertensia maritima – June 7th 2021- Oyster Plant

This is an iconic species of northern coasts; but it is in decline. We are not sure why but we know in doesn't like warm winters.

Honckenya peploides – May 31st 2021- Sea Sandwort

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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 look. A full Scottish survey of its sexuality would be very interesting.

Hydnangium carneum – 24th May 2021 – the ‘flesh-pink truffle’

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There's always something new to look for. 'Truffles' on a gum tree were an unexpected lock-down garden find.

Cochlearia officinalis, C. danica – 17th May 2021 – Scurvygrass

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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 is more, much more...

Hyacinthoides non-scripta – 10th May 2021 -Bluebell

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This month we feature an iconic native species, bluebell. Richard Milne has unearthed fairy tales, and clarified the differences between species and hybrids.

Anemone nemorosa – May 3rd 2021 – Wood Anemone

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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 with more than five petals.

Phaeoceros laevis – 26th April 2021 (Smooth Hornwort)

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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 the Lothians.

Calloria neglecta – 19th April 2021

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Hundreds of fungi are actively recycling last season's discarded plant material. Here's one. It looks like a squashed tangerine in miniature.

Allium ursinum – 12th April 2021 – Ramsons

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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 way to full leaf and soon to come into flower.