Linnaea borealis – 29th March 2021 – Twinflower
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This iconic species is still rare, but recent observations suggest it may be on the increase. Do look out for it.
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 or poplar on the river bank there may be a startling carpet of intense purple flowers with the exotic appearance of an orchid, but stemless, emerging straight out of the ground.
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,
Grimmia anodon – 8th March 2021 – (Toothless Grimmia)
A Grimm's Fairy Tale from Auld Reekie:
a botanical story from Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
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 four of our butterbur species and the “bonus ball” of the coltsfoot.
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.
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.
Ficaria verna – February 8th 2021 (Lesser Celandine)
It's nearly time for Lesser Celandines to be in flower. Another sign of Spring.
Galanthus nivalis – 1st February 2021- Snowdrop
It's snowdrop time. This iconic plant cheers us up and may also save lives.
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.
