tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-675536038164654152023-11-16T03:07:56.031-08:00Inspired by EcologySimon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-15377786733707616032017-06-21T05:36:00.001-07:002017-06-21T05:49:42.244-07:001000 species challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RN_6dW4RbYB-4Y0sEaESJ4vasgs-OQJFM8Z9ZNXPO4Xuy-RFp0X7eDdd4KIY2Ly1Hca9Nkz2npKKATZmaY6QXihRM6_oYcHnQ_4r3MUGBpLMu-5jrZdatPM8tXVDhw8xWVkReI30yg/s1600/blog+3+DSC_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="695" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RN_6dW4RbYB-4Y0sEaESJ4vasgs-OQJFM8Z9ZNXPO4Xuy-RFp0X7eDdd4KIY2Ly1Hca9Nkz2npKKATZmaY6QXihRM6_oYcHnQ_4r3MUGBpLMu-5jrZdatPM8tXVDhw8xWVkReI30yg/s400/blog+3+DSC_0204.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow grassland at Westmeston Church - not as many species as earlier in the year</td></tr>
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<b>Introduction</b>
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As part of the summer's activities of Pan-Species listers a challenge was set to see if it was possible to reach 1000 species of natural history subjects recorded in a day. This target was achieved by Graeme Lyons and Dave Green with a flourish. The achievement of a thousand species
in twenty four hours is truly impressive, and there are several
reasons why my wife and I fell very short of the figure. For a start,
we were laid-back about starting and didn’t get off the ground
until after 9 am. Another factor was that we did not use any traps
nor things like beating trays and pooters, and we did no pond
dipping. The latest score for us is 420 species after checking identifications etc. We included badger
and mole, having seen an active sett and mole hills which were fresh.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtYtLiWbJbvq4-gn-aneTVv2GSxPlPrx9ahJu5VkNe6fkMhOjdg4KgjhIA3e_hJmR1gXd4JqN0SV7_GGykpaiSf6e87KuOEbz6MdVgxQhcHKKOmel4mug5Zibbi2LUPh_5cIoxXGcYw/s1600/blog+2+DSC_0193.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="709" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtYtLiWbJbvq4-gn-aneTVv2GSxPlPrx9ahJu5VkNe6fkMhOjdg4KgjhIA3e_hJmR1gXd4JqN0SV7_GGykpaiSf6e87KuOEbz6MdVgxQhcHKKOmel4mug5Zibbi2LUPh_5cIoxXGcYw/s320/blog+2+DSC_0193.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Volucella inflata</i> in a sunny spot in Blackbrook Wood</td></tr>
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We did little planning, and certainly
no visits to check out sites before the day. We thought the best
thing to do was to visit as many habitats as possible. Woodland was a
bit poor for us. Blackbrook Wood was very shaded, and we got few
lichens. The grounds of Sussex University used to hold fantastic elm
trees with a rich lichen flora. On the day, I did not see a single
lichen on elm. For a professional lichenologist to see just 35
lichen species is pathetic!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWKgJid_GD5VTno0b35wS1Pf9L2zpcWGK7EG3fbq4mTQu8flX6KukdQItjKqZBR0I4Z0vwIdaRrzV8plp39x5gH9zvuXRn4z0Vncub0H19PZr_y13lDpgKr9do6_QfNuVTRdiulaoJg/s1600/blog+1+DSC_0236.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="425" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWKgJid_GD5VTno0b35wS1Pf9L2zpcWGK7EG3fbq4mTQu8flX6KukdQItjKqZBR0I4Z0vwIdaRrzV8plp39x5gH9zvuXRn4z0Vncub0H19PZr_y13lDpgKr9do6_QfNuVTRdiulaoJg/s320/blog+1+DSC_0236.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View across the floodplain at Amberley</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Perhaps our best site was the chalk
grassland on Bo Peep. Here I found <i>Dianthus plumarius</i> in a
site where it has been for many years. Here we also recorded a Small
Blue butterfly. We did go all the way to Amberley Wildbrooks which
took a lot of time, and this was probably not justified with the low
number of extra species we saw, which included five species of
damselfly and the sedge <i>Carex vulpina </i>which was particularly
pleasing.</div>
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It was a great day, and we learned a
lot about how to cram the most rewarding sites into a short period of
time. More planning would have helped as would restricting ourselves
to short distance sites. One thing I did find is that keeping an eye
out for species in all groups is particularly demanding. Listing
birds while looking out for lichens with a x10 hand lens is not easy.
Looking out for higher plants as well as bryophytes can also be
confusing.
</div>
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It has crossed our minds that we might
do another similar exercise at the beginning of July and perhaps even
the beginning of every month. It was fun. It is one of the most
attractive sides to Pan Listing that all groups are included. If we do carry out a more regular challenge, we plan to plan ahead!</div>
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<b>Group Totals</b></div>
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Algae 1</div>
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Amphibians 1</div>
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Arachnida 3</div>
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Birds 35</div>
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Bryophytes 11</div>
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Coleoptera 1</div>
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Crustacea 1</div>
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Diptera 11</div>
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Fungi 5</div>
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Hemiptera 2</div>
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Higher Plants 280</div>
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Hymenoptera 9</div>
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Lepidoptera 12</div>
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Lichens 35</div>
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Mammals 5</div>
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Mollusca 2</div>
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Odonata 5</div>
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Orthoptera 1</div>
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<br /></div>
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Total 420 species</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>In some cases,
species were recorded from the car while driving between sites. My
wife Amanda did the driving. A note of the positions of these sites
was taken, and a full report with grid references will be prepared for the Biological Records Centre.</div>
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1. <b>Ditchling</b></div>
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<u>Amphibians</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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Common Frog</div>
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<u>Arachnida</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Pholcus phalangoides</i></div>
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<i> Steatoda nobilis</i></div>
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<u>Birds</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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Blackbird</div>
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Carrion Crow</div>
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Chiffchaff</div>
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Collared Dove</div>
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House Sparrow</div>
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Jackdaw</div>
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Linnet</div>
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Robin</div>
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Wren</div>
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<u>Diptera</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Musca domestica</i></div>
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<i>Tipula paludosa</i></div>
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<u>Fungi</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Agaricus campestris</i></div>
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<i>Puccinia malvacearum</i></div>
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<i>Puccinia striiformis</i></div>
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<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
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<i>Acer campestre</i></div>
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<i> Acer pseudoplatanus</i></div>
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<i>Achillea millifolium</i></div>
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<i> Anagallis arvensis</i></div>
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<i>Arrhenatherum elatius</i></div>
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<i>Bellis perennis</i></div>
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<i> Brachypodium sylvaticum</i></div>
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<i> Bromus hordeaceus</i></div>
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<i> Calystegia sepium</i></div>
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<i> Capsella bursa pastoris</i></div>
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<i> Cardamine hirsuta</i></div>
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<i> Carex pendula</i></div>
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<i> Centaurea nigra</i></div>
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<i> Cerastium fontanum</i></div>
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<i> Coronopus didymus</i></div>
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<i> Crataegus monogyna</i></div>
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<i> Crepis capillaris</i></div>
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<i> Epilobium ciliatum</i></div>
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<i> Epilobium montanum</i></div>
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<i> Euphorbisa peplus</i></div>
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<i> Festuca rubra</i></div>
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<i>Fragaria vesca</i></div>
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<i> Fraxinus excelsior</i></div>
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<i> Galium aparine</i></div>
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<i> Geranium molle</i></div>
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<i> Geranium robertianum</i></div>
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<i> Geum urbanum</i></div>
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<i> Hedera helix</i></div>
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<i> Heracleum sphondylium</i></div>
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<i> Holcus lanatus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Hyacinthoides non scriptus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lamium amplexicaule</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lapsana communis</i></div>
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<i> Leontodon autumnalis</i></div>
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<i> Leucanthemum vulgare</i></div>
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<i> Ligustrum ovalifolium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lolium perenne</i></div>
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<i> Lotus coniculatus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Medicago lupulina</i></div>
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<i> Myosotis arvensis</i></div>
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<i> Myosotis sylvatica</i></div>
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<i> Orchis morio</i></div>
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<i> Oxalis procumbens</i></div>
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<i> Pinus sylvestris</i></div>
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<i> Plantago lanceolata</i></div>
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<i> Plantago major</i></div>
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<i> Poa annua</i></div>
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<i> Poa pratensis</i></div>
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<i> Polygonum aviculare</i></div>
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<i> Potentilla anserina</i></div>
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<i> Potentilla reptans</i></div>
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<i> Prunella vulgaris</i></div>
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<i> Quercus robur</i></div>
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<i> Ranunculus acris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Ranunculus repens</i></div>
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<i> Rosa canina</i></div>
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<i> Rubus ulmifolius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Rumex acetosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Rumex crispus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Sagina procumbens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Salix caprea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Sambucus nigra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Senecio vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Silene dioica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Sonchus asper</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Tanacetum parthenium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Taraxacum officinale </i>agg.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Trifolium dubium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Trifolium repens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Urtica dioica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Valerianella locusta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Veronica persica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Vulpia myurum </i>
</div>
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</div>
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<u>Hymenoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Apanteles glomeratus </i>– pupal
cases</div>
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<i>Apis mellifera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Bombus hypnorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Bombus lapidarius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Bombus pascuorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Bombus pratorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Bombus terrestris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Bombus vestalis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lepidoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Speckled Wood</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Tinea perionella</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lichens</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Caloplaca citrina</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Candelariella aurella</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Hypotrachyna revoluta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lecanora albescens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lecanora chlarotera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lecanora dispersa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lecanora orosthea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Parmelia sulcata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Mammals</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Badger Sett</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mole – Fresh mole hills</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Mollusca</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Helix aspersa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. <b>Ditchling – </b>a
paddock with unimproved pasture</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Blue Tit</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Common Whitethroat</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dunnock</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Great-spotted Woodpecker</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Song Thrush</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Starling</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Willow Warbler</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Wood Pigeon</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Diptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Bombylius major</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lucilia caesar</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Scaeva pyrastri</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Syrphus ribesi</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Volucella bombylans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Volucella pellucens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Agrimonia eupatoria</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Alopecurus pratensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Arabidopsis thaliana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Carex curta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Carex flacca</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Carex hirta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Carex nigra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Cirsium arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Cirsium vulgare</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Dactylis glomerata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Deschampsia cespitosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Dipsacus fullonum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Equisetum arvense</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Filipendula ulmaria</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Genista tinctoria</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Glechoma hederacea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Hypericum tetrapterum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Iris pseudacorus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Juncus conglomeratus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Juncus effusus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Juncus inflexus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lathyrus pratensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Lotus pedicularis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Oenanthe crocata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Persicaria maculosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Phleum arvense</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Prunus </i>x <i>fruticans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Pulicaria dysenterica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Senecio erucifolius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Silaum silaus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Sinapis arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Stachys sylvatica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Stellaria graminea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Vicia cracca</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Vicia hirsuta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Vicia sativa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lepidoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Blood-vein</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Burnet Companion</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Chrysoteuchia culmella</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> </i>Common Blue</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Large Skipper</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Meadow Brown</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> </i>Small Heath</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Straw Dot</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lichens</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Physcia tenella</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Xanthoria parietina</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Orthoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Chorthippus parallelus </i>–
nymph</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>3. Common Lane, Ditchling</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Flowering Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Arctium lappa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Hordeum murinum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. <b>Ditchling Common</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Ulex europaea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. <b>Blackbrook Wood</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Arachnida</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Mitopus morio</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Nuthatch</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Bryophytes</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Atrichum undulatum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Brachythecium rutabulum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Kindbergia praelonga</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Mnium hornum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Orthotrichum affine</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Ulota crispa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Diptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Eupeades corallae</i><br />
<i>* Volucella inflata </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Fungi</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Puccinia cancina ribesii-pendulae</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Hemiptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Grypocoris stysi</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Anemone nemorosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Anthriscus sylvestris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Betula pendula</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Carex divulsa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carex remota</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carex sylvatica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carpinus betulus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Circaea lutetiana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Corylus avellana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Digitalis purpurea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dryopteris dilatata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Euphorbia amygdaloides</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Hypericum androsaemum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Ilex aquifolium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lonicera periclymenum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lysimachia nemorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Moerhingia trinervia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Pteridium aquilinum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rosa arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rumex latifolius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Scrophularia nodosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Stellaria holostea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Hymenoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Vespula vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lepidoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Red Admiral</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lichens</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Flavoparmelia caperata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Graphis scripta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Phlyctis argena</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Ochrolechia subviridis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Punctelia subrudecta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. <b>Railway Crossing, Spatham Lane</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Magpie</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Aesculus hippocastanus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Equisteum telmateia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Fagus sylvatica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Malva sylvestris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7. <b>Westmeston Church</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Algae</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Trentepohlia aurea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Bryophytes</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Grimmia pulvinata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Gyroweisia tenuis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Homalothecium sericeum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Fungi</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Puccinia iridis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Anisantha sterilis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Asplenium adiantum nigeum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Convolvulus arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dryopteris filix mas</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Geranium dissectum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Hordeum secalinum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Hypericum perforatum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Iris foetidissimum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Linaria purpurea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Phyllitis scolopendrium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Poa trivialis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Primula veris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Symphoricarpos rivularis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Taxus baccata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Veronica chamaedrys</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Viola riviniana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lichens</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Amandinea punctata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Belonia nidarosiensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Caloplaca flavescens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Candelariella vitellina</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Catillaria chalybeia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Diploicia canescens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dirina massiliense sorediata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lecanora expallens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lepraria incana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lepraria lobificans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Llimonaea sorediata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Opegrapha calcarea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Pertusaria flavicans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Porpidia tuberculosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Tephromela atra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Verrucaria nigrescens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
8. <b>East of Westmeston</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Ligustrum vulgare</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
9. <b>Plumpton Lewes Turn</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Aegopodium podagraria</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Hypochaeris radicata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Sisymbrium officinale</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
10. <b>Lewes</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Black-headed Gull</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Herring Gull</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Brassica napus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Campanula persicifolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Chenocpodium album</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
11. <b>Lewes Roundabout on A27</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Centranthus ruber</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Reseda luteola</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rosa rubiginosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Senecio jacobaea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Smyrnium olusatrum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Sonchus arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Sonchus oleraceus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
12. <b>Between Beddingham and Firle</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Hirschfeldia incana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Onobrychis viciifolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
13. <b>Firle and Road to the Beacon</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Chamaerion angustifolium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Silene longifolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Silene vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
14. <b>Firle Beacon</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Skylark</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Ranunculus bulbosus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
15. <b>Selmeston</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Artemisia vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Conium maculatum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Cornus sanguinea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Brassica nigra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
16. <u><b>Road to</b> <b>Bo Peep</b></u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Common Pheasant</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Epilobium hirsutum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Listera ovata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>17. </b><b>Bo Peep</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Meadow Pipit</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Red-legged Partridge</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Yellowhammer</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Bryophytes</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Homalothecium lutescens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Diptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Chloromyia formosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Anthyllis vulneraria</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Ballota nigra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Briza media</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Bromopsis erecta</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Carduus nutans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carduus tenuiflorus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carex panicea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carlina vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Centaurea scabiosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Cruciata laevipes</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dactylorhiza fuchsii</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dianthus plumarius </i>– three
plants</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Echium vulgare</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Galium verum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Gymnadenia conopsea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Helianthemum nummularium</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Hippocrepis comosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Knautia arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Leontodon hispidus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Linum catharticum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Papaver rhoeas</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Phleum pratense</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Pilosella officinarum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Polygala vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Reseda lutea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rhinanthus minor calcareus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Rubus caesius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Thymus praecox</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Trifolium campestre</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Trifolium pratense</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Tripleurospermum inodorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Verbascum thapsus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lepidoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Small Blue</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
18. <b>Below Bo Peep</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Chaffinch</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Arum maculatum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Brachypodium pinnatum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Cirsium acaule</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Linaria vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Poa nemoralis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Potentilla anglica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Rubus idaeus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Sanguisorba minor</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Tamus communis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> Veronica hederifolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
19. <b>Main Road North of Falmer</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Lavatera arborea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
20. <b>Eastern Brighton By-pass</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Foeniculum vulgare</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Juniperus communis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lathyrus latifolius</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
21. <b>Brighton</b> –
Hangleton Turn</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Mammals</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Fox – dead</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
22. <b>Shoreham Turn towards
Steyning</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Avena fatua</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Clematis vitalba</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Petasites fragrans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
23. <b>Steyning By-pass</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Mammals</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Rabbit</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Buddleja davidii</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lepidium draba</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Salix cinerea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
24. <b>Wiston</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Alliaria petiolata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
25. <b>A 24 – Ashington</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Geranium pyrenaicum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
26. <b>Washington</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Oenothera glazioviana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Populus balsaminifera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
27. <b>Amberley</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Hemiptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Aphis rumicis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Cymbalaria muralis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Erigeron karvinskianus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Eupatoria cannabinum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Papaver somniferum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Parietaria Judaica</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Pseudofumaria lutea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Symphytum officinale</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Veronica arvensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
28. <b>Amberley Wildbrooks</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Barn Swallow</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Goldfinch</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* House Martin</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Lesser Whitethroat</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Mallard</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Mute Swan</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Coleoptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Gyrinus substriatus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Crustacea</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Oniscus asellus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Diptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Episyrphus balteatus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Hemiptera</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Aphis fabae</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Alcea rosea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Alnus glutinosa</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Asparagus officinalis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carex otrubae</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Carex vulpina</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Centaurea montana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Equisetum palustre</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Festuca pratensis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Glyceria maxima</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Lemna minor</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Lunaria annua</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Lycopus europaeus</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Matricaria discoidea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Melilotus officinalis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Myosotis scorpioides</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Potamogeton natans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Sagittaria sagittifolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Salix triandra</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Stellaria media</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Valeriana officinalis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Odonata</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Calopteryx splendens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Coenagrion puella</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Coenagrion pulchellum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Ischnura elegans</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Pyrrhosoma nymphula</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
29. <b>Sussex University – Falmer
Park</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Visited for the lichens on elms. Only
one elm seen which was too old and dry barked to support any lichens.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Tilia </i>x <i>vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Ulmus procera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Lichens</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Evernia prunastri</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Melanelixia subaurifera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Physcia adscendens</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Physconia grisea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Mammals</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> </i>Grey Squirrel</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
30. <b>Falmer Pond</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Birds</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Greylag Goose</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* Moorhen</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Tragopogon pratense</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
31. <b>Road to Devil’s Dyke</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Filipendula vulgaris</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Iris orientalis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
32. <b>Devil’s Dyke – Copse by
Pub</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Acer cappadocicum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
33. <b>Burgess Hill access of the
A23</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Higher Plants</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Centaurium erythraea</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Daucus carota</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Dactylorhiza prate</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Dactylorhiza pratermissa junialis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Epilobium parviflorum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Lathyrus nissolia</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Malva moschata</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Ophrys apifera</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
*<i> Sison amomum</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Vicia tetrasperma</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u>Molluscs</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
* <i>Monacha cantiana</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-25273832507396948502015-01-03T07:22:00.001-08:002015-01-03T07:44:11.009-08:00Plant Lists for the New Year<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3oY3t1VdRI0x_jBYle6g86-6T1kYY1FGDqLbrJmTfHUfCkeIoIc1s5rPoPVRBGpV89glUMPoUToYDHBOXhbC8hSdqKeBVhbOz_vFMJ2TQgYhVcRo7wIhY9eX1B-eVK4dQFCuxfr6bw/s1600/SRD_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3oY3t1VdRI0x_jBYle6g86-6T1kYY1FGDqLbrJmTfHUfCkeIoIc1s5rPoPVRBGpV89glUMPoUToYDHBOXhbC8hSdqKeBVhbOz_vFMJ2TQgYhVcRo7wIhY9eX1B-eVK4dQFCuxfr6bw/s1600/SRD_0103.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First flower of the year, Lesser Celandine in garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was only the end of last year that I heard about Tim Rich’s BSBI New Year “Plants in Flower” listings. It wasn’t until December that I heard about it, but I determined to give it whirl. I have been year-listing in various groups of organism since 1st January 1977, (there will be more of that in another blog shortly).<br />
<br />
January 1st 2015 here in Sussex turned out to be a miserable, overcast and drizzly day. At the time, I thought that listing was confined to three hours on January 1st. I had noted <i>Cymbalaria muralis</i> in the centre of the village, and after finding five species in a garden, including <i>Ranunculus ficaria</i>, which I now evidently have to remember to call <i>Ficaria verna</i>, I had noted a few species on a roadside going to the local supermarket. After this, apart from stretches of dual carriageway verges between Worthing and Arundel, that I had noted in mid-December to be rich in plants still in flower, I had no prior information or plans.<br />
<br />
With my wife driving to give me the best chance of seeing plants on verges, we set off for the stretch of road on the A27 between Worthing and Arundel. West Sussex County Council in their lack of wisdom for the requirements of New Year botanists, had mown all the verges to a maximum of one inch high. All I got between Burgess Hill and the A27 was <i>Heracleum sphodylium</i>, <i>Petasites fragrans</i> and considerable eye strain!<br />
<br />
Eventually we found a lay-by on the A27, and with traffic whizzing past at high speed on the road, I set off to do some recording. The productive tall ruderal vegetation I had noted was now blackened by frost, and the vast majority of the plants I had seen just a fortnight earlier were now dried up, shrivelled and lacked any flowers. Things like <i>Sonchus asper</i>, <i>Senecio jacobaea</i> and <i>Picris echioides</i> were all gone. Walking the four hundred yards odd to the next lay-by where my wife had parked, I added just six species to my list. Not good! Time was passing. I decided to go down to the coast at Angmering in the hopes that the sea might have ameliorated the recent frosts, and all I added was <i>Ranunculus repens</i>. However frost damage did seem less.<br />
<br />
Although I thought I had twenty five species, I had to remove <i>Dactylis glomerata</i> and <i>Lolium perenne</i> as the plants had no anthers, and Mistletoe which, at over fifty feet up in a tree, could not have been confirmed with the presence of its microscopic flowers! This reduced me to 22 species. This did not impress me, especially when I heard of botanists in West Sussex, and Tim Rich himself in Cardiff, achieving over sixty.<br />
<br />
When I got home, I reviewed the day, and realised that I needed to be closer to the sea all day to minimise frost impact, and to include industrial sites with waste ground. Next year, I thought to myself, I must take this into account, and do a series of reconnaissance trips to be sure of the most productive areas to visit. I just wished I could go and do more surveying on the 2nd January. Later that evening, my wife who had been studying the internet, found that we actually had until January 3rd, and that we could do 3 three hour listings if we wanted, from different areas. We checked the weather forecast, and the next day was reckoned to be warm and sunny. We decided to go and list Eastbourne, and not start our three hours till we got there.<br />
<br />
About twenty years ago, as a freelance ecologist specialising in botany, I had had a contract to study all potential areas of ecological interest in the borough. Of particular interest were areas surrounding beach huts, cliffs on which several exotic species such as <i>Carpobrotus edulis</i> had become naturalised, and most notably large industrial estates. <br />
<br />
Parking anywhere near the extensive cliffs proved impossible. The whole world and his wife were on the road seeking coastal sunshine, and/or bargains in the shops. Most roads were at a standstill, and parking places were all full. So, beach huts next. What beach huts? I could find none. A brief stop to look at a recently established verge added five species, but as throughout Eastbourne, the vegetation had been razed to a maximum of one inch. With the desperate traffic, blinding sunshine to the south west, and the lack of potential for flowers, I began to become very frustrated. We left for my supposed industrial botanical paradise. We found an area with tall vegetation which was all quite dead. Weed killers had evidently been used.<br />
<br />
A chap came over from an office.<br />
<br />
“Are you lost? Can I help?” He asked. I explained what we were up to. He was very doubtful whether we would find anything in flower in the whole of Eastbourne at this time of year.<br />
<br />
“My landlord insists I mow all the grass,” he told us, “And this place [the derelict warehouse we were parked beside] hasn’t been used for two years. It’s going to be developed and turned into a new supermarket site.” Well, if a derelict site was no good, how on earth could I expect anywhere else not to have been ruined botanically either by mowing or the use of a weed killer?<br />
<br />
I did find one area of disturbed ground close to a railway in a housing estate. This added six species including <i>Senecio sylvaticus</i>, one of the best species of the whole two days.<br />
<br />
We left this area, and tried a housing estate back from the sea with less traffic. It was botanically barren, and all we achieved was to join traffic waiting at a particularly time-consuming level crossing. A visit to a woodland park produced nothing, so we decided to try a churchyard to the north of Eastbourne where there was recently disturbed ground next to a rebuilt wall. In the event, the churchyard added five species including <i>Primula vulgaris</i>. Churchyards could be one possible answer for next January.<br />
<br />
One problem I now have is what constitutes a species being in flower. I took it to mean if I could see any petals that had the colour of the expected flower. With just a recently shrivelled flower head, this could not be used. However, in the sort of weather we had had on the 1st, I recorded <i>Stellaria media</i> if white petal tips could be seen extending from the top of the bud. When year listing, I always count grass species if the head is green. This year, all I could see with anthers was <i>Poa annua</i>. Later in the year, the problem of recording sedges in flower would present a considerable problem. I guess sedges would have to be identified in fruit, and plants still in flower in the colony could be added.<br />
<br />
Planning the three hours by doing reconnaissance during the year, and especially in the run up to Christmas is essential. Good industrial sites, well vegetated walls and fairly recently disturbed road verges with tall, ruderal vegetation should be productive. The best botanical sites and SSSIs will probably add nothing or next to nothing. Such vaguely competitive exercises are great fun, and get the participant to think ecologically, which is excellent. The two days in the field have taught me much, and weather permitting, I hope to be much more successful. If frost proved to be a problem, perhaps we’ll try and book into a Premier Inn somewhere in the West Country. Anyway, the most important aspect of this is that it has added a new, and enjoyable dimension to New Year’s Day. My bird list has taken second place for the first time since 1984!<br />
<br />
These are what I recorded during the two days:-<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 663px;"><colgroup><col span="2" style="mso-width-alt: 987; mso-width-source: userset; width: 20pt;" width="27"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 14921; mso-width-source: userset; width: 306pt;" width="408"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 7350; mso-width-source: userset; width: 151pt;" width="201"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="22" style="height: 16.5pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="22" style="height: 16.5pt; width: 20pt;" width="27"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 509px;"><colgroup><col span="2" style="mso-width-alt: 987; mso-width-source: userset; width: 20pt;" width="27"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 9289; mso-width-source: userset; width: 191pt;" width="254"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 7350; mso-width-source: userset; width: 151pt;" width="201"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="22" style="height: 16.5pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="22" style="height: 16.5pt; width: 20pt;" width="27"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69" style="width: 20pt;" width="27"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" style="width: 191pt;" width="254"><b>1<span class="font6"><sup>st</sup></span><span class="font5"> January 2015</span></b></td>
<td style="width: 151pt;" width="201"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Garden in Ditchling, East Sussex</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Ficaria verna (Ranunculus ficaria)</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Lesser Celandine</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Euphorbia peplus</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Petty Spurge</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">3</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Poa annua</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Annual Meadow-grass</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">4</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Stellaria media</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Chickweed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">5</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Cardamine hirsuta</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Hairy Bittercress</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">6</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Veronica persica</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Field Speedwell</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">In Ditchling Village</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">7</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Conyza canadensis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Canadian Fleabane</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">8</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Cymbalaria muralis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Ivy-leaded Toadflax</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" colspan="2" style="mso-ignore: colspan;">Approaching Burgess Hill,
West Sussex</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">9</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Taraxacum officinale</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Dandelion</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65" colspan="2" style="mso-ignore: colspan;">Roadside Verge to Tescos,
Burgess Hill, West Sussex</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td><i><br /></i></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">10</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Bellis perennis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Daisy</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">11</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Corylus avellana</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Hazel</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">12</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Achillea millefolium</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Yarrow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Twineham</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><i><br /></i></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">13</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Petasites fragrans</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Winter Heliotrope</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Steyning</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">14</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Heracleum sphondylium</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Sheep’s Parsley</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Clapham</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">15</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Ulex europaea</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Gorse</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">A27 east of Arundel</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">16</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Sisymbrium officinale</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Hedge Mustard</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">17</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Senecio vulgaris</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Groundsel</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">18</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Lamium album</i></td>
<td class="xl66">White Deadnettle</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">19</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Tripleurospermum inodorum</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Scentless Mayweed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">20</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Picris echioides</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Prickly Ox-tongue</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Arundel</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">21</td>
<td class="xl70"><i><br /></i></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Erigeron karvinskianum</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Mexican Fleabane</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Angmering</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">22</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Ranunculus repens</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Creeping Buttercup</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="22" style="height: 16.5pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="22" style="height: 16.5pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65"><b>2<span class="font6"><sup>nd</sup></span><span class="font5">
January 2015</span></b></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66">All species total given second</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl66"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Eastbourne</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">1</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Ulex europaeus</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Gorse</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">2</td>
<td class="xl70">23</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Capsella bursa pastoris</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Shepherd’s Purse</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">3</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Bellis perennis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Daisy</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">4</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Poa annua</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Annual Meadow-grass</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">5</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Veronica persica</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Field Speedwell</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">6</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Senecio vulgaris</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Groundsel</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">7</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Taraxacum officinale</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Dandelion</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">8</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Stellaria media</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Common Chickweed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">9</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Euphorbia peplus</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Petty Spurge</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">10</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Ficaria verna</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Lesser Celandine</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">11</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Petasites fragrans</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Winter Heliotrope</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">12</td>
<td class="xl70">24</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Centranthus ruber</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Red Valerian</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">13</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Achillea millefolium</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Yarrow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">14</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Conyza canadensis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Canadian Fleabane</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">15</td>
<td class="xl70">25</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Aster novi belgii</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Michaelmas Daisy</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">16</td>
<td class="xl70">26</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Lamium purpureum</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Red Deadnettle</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">17</td>
<td class="xl70">27</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Matricaria discoidea</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Pineapple Weed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">18</td>
<td class="xl70">28</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Senecio sylvaticus</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Heath Groundsel</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">19</td>
<td class="xl70">29</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Mercurialis annua</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Annual Mercury</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">20</td>
<td class="xl70">30</td>
<td class="xl68"><i>Sinapis arvensis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Charlock</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">21</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Tripleurospermum inodorum</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Scentless Mayweed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl69" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl69"><br /></td>
<td class="xl65">Folkington, East Sussex</td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">22</td>
<td class="xl70"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Heracleum sphondylium</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Sheep’s Parsley</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">23</td>
<td class="xl70">31</td>
<td class="xl68"><i>Sonchus arvensis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Smooth Sowthistle</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">24</td>
<td class="xl70">32</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Lapsana communis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Nipplewort</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">25</td>
<td class="xl70">33</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Leontodon autumnalis</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Autumnal Hawkbit</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">26</td>
<td class="xl70">34</td>
<td class="xl67"><i>Primula vulgaris</i></td>
<td class="xl66">Primrose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td class="xl67" style="width: 20pt;" width="27"></td><td class="xl63" style="width: 306pt;" width="408"><br /></td><td style="width: 151pt;" width="201"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td>
<td class="xl67"><br /></td>
<td class="xl64"><br /></td>
<td><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"><br /></td><td class="xl67"><br /></td><td class="xl63"><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-80148128501799308572014-09-16T04:06:00.003-07:002014-09-16T04:10:02.201-07:00The brief and glorious flowering of the Arctic summer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyMSvBZifR1nTMgI9RFXzbkCX5AibRhEHsOwtWr_GWvI3MrF6wP78w0uF4-6KFK0C0vzecswZXYp-gBcTdObLiFXuY-dlzYv7RdIblzsUcbL5U4EW1Q_TbTZowrfmm7Atidq3OKnxMw/s1600/Salix+polaris.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyMSvBZifR1nTMgI9RFXzbkCX5AibRhEHsOwtWr_GWvI3MrF6wP78w0uF4-6KFK0C0vzecswZXYp-gBcTdObLiFXuY-dlzYv7RdIblzsUcbL5U4EW1Q_TbTZowrfmm7Atidq3OKnxMw/s1600/Salix+polaris.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Salix polaris</i> - the tallest shrub of the High Arctic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the major factors in enjoying the sudden blossoming of the Arctic is that it takes place over a very short period which can be unpredictable. Depending on the developing of the spring, it can occur at any time during mid summer from the beginning of June to about mid July. It is quite possible to visit an area that has a rich flora and find everything in full flower one year, to find that nothing has happened yet in another, or that everything is finished. An enormous advantage with the Arctic flora is, that if you hit it right, everything will be at its best. Although not technically in the Arctic, I am including some of the flora of Iceland in this account.<br />
<br />
My first experience of the flora of the Arctic was close to the tongue of a glacier close to the ice cap of Vatnajökull in Iceland. I was accompanying a group as a botanist, and spotted a floristically rich area close to the road, and asked the coach driver to stop. For the next half hour or so, we studied an area of stable scree that supported a most interesting flora. I had actually spotted the Glacier Buttercup, <i>Ranunculus glacialis</i> from the moving coach and this was a species I particularly wanted to see. As well as this, we found specimens of the Arctic Poppy <i>Papaver radicatum </i>and a fine saxifrage <i>Saxifraga cotyledon</i>. On another occasion in the north of Iceland near Akureyri, an Icelandic lecturer friend of mine lent me his car, and I drove off some distance to a river valley to see the Arctic River Beauty <i>Chamerion latifolium</i>. What a superb plant, especially when growing in quantity. This is a most interesting element of the Icelandic flora in that it is Nearctic, occurring nowhere further east. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1JIZqmON4iJbO-XY2TZQrWImH4j6d1Xc1Paw6TVEvk9vFqKdaXgd0hX9UmcDofh3GSBjYjeiWyRuMf0NWjV5VE9fB2iqT5yInxTnKfo7xSKienx5zTB7lTQE-EZ1laHp1KPQpLkt9w/s1600/Ranunculus+glacialis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1JIZqmON4iJbO-XY2TZQrWImH4j6d1Xc1Paw6TVEvk9vFqKdaXgd0hX9UmcDofh3GSBjYjeiWyRuMf0NWjV5VE9fB2iqT5yInxTnKfo7xSKienx5zTB7lTQE-EZ1laHp1KPQpLkt9w/s1600/Ranunculus+glacialis.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ranunculus glacialis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZTzQkn0sZh2O9r_7cyqmG-k_LgwoC8v2XqXBKObLf6IJFiQ8nmYCMhB_geUyUNNmeqhZNw8eN2ncCeEF2GI9Hf4tYcUiD6z-WyJpBEQklwwUAKN6geYB5aCdWGwcWDnTnalbBCrBg/s1600/Papaver+radicatum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZTzQkn0sZh2O9r_7cyqmG-k_LgwoC8v2XqXBKObLf6IJFiQ8nmYCMhB_geUyUNNmeqhZNw8eN2ncCeEF2GI9Hf4tYcUiD6z-WyJpBEQklwwUAKN6geYB5aCdWGwcWDnTnalbBCrBg/s1600/Papaver+radicatum.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Papaver radicatum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuK0pUZ8tG6PUnqtdpcVbCp7bDqqAdJsfZrgPWvNCxgAhdEGY3SGH-JWjQVxuwe11y4NsIzdSRPAvdOCh5N3S7-kAnO70WhuAZS5Fxq4z8VH9keN5TVCQK-YIlbQD6tbjMaR3sLWY3g/s1600/Chamerion+latifolium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuK0pUZ8tG6PUnqtdpcVbCp7bDqqAdJsfZrgPWvNCxgAhdEGY3SGH-JWjQVxuwe11y4NsIzdSRPAvdOCh5N3S7-kAnO70WhuAZS5Fxq4z8VH9keN5TVCQK-YIlbQD6tbjMaR3sLWY3g/s1600/Chamerion+latifolium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuK0pUZ8tG6PUnqtdpcVbCp7bDqqAdJsfZrgPWvNCxgAhdEGY3SGH-JWjQVxuwe11y4NsIzdSRPAvdOCh5N3S7-kAnO70WhuAZS5Fxq4z8VH9keN5TVCQK-YIlbQD6tbjMaR3sLWY3g/s1600/Chamerion+latifolium.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chamerion latifolium</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A convenient place to study the flora of the Arctic is Longyearbyen, the largest town in the Svalbard archipelago, and a destination of cruise ships visiting the area. I have visited it as a guest lecturer on cruise ships on several occasions. On the first occasion, we docked, and a passenger offered to let me telephone my wife as soon as we were on the shore. It was quite a shock for her to hear me from a position so far north. Soon I was studying the flora at its stunning best. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC1q0HYSoOkY4UMz6ktOQJv9jkYv3AGPTrRJfeh9sPDqYxlHoTIgSfdbYSniX7ePHO9kaDquBCW_4ELodyF7_3r2-wQRGgsm2bmyXfQ0wKFYfp-AA3l42AEdV-EFBnrrnHq2rhjfxdw/s1600/Reindeer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC1q0HYSoOkY4UMz6ktOQJv9jkYv3AGPTrRJfeh9sPDqYxlHoTIgSfdbYSniX7ePHO9kaDquBCW_4ELodyF7_3r2-wQRGgsm2bmyXfQ0wKFYfp-AA3l42AEdV-EFBnrrnHq2rhjfxdw/s1600/Reindeer.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Reindeer grazing in an area rich in arctic plants, <br />
but too early on this occasion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tallest shrub is <i>Salix polaris</i> (see above) achieving two inches at best, often covered in catkins. One of the most beautiful species is <i>Pedicularis dasyantha </i>a lovely pink flowered species which is extremely hairy. Two species of cinquefoil are present <i>Potentilla hyparctica </i>and <i>Potentilla pulchella</i>. These are particularly attractive as are two buttercups with sepals clothed in a brown tomentum, <i>Ranunculus nivalis </i>and <i>sulphureus</i>. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMaRwOwGnO1Svx64oUEMaH5gdViNyn4gkLFclj8bRnmWZ1zgGE5I5n3CjTQ8gwPxoYczvwpdmx9rdMOggd-T5W1waTHNiUzUK4PrRelA5oYBrCH0GXO1Jo4FLxQ8LSHlAfI3d2STJrw/s1600/Pedicularis+dasyantha.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMaRwOwGnO1Svx64oUEMaH5gdViNyn4gkLFclj8bRnmWZ1zgGE5I5n3CjTQ8gwPxoYczvwpdmx9rdMOggd-T5W1waTHNiUzUK4PrRelA5oYBrCH0GXO1Jo4FLxQ8LSHlAfI3d2STJrw/s1600/Pedicularis+dasyantha.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pedicularis dasyantha</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCADiVTVEyHkyDhtrMuSaNFjWlxauk8KirIZMp43qJdp71bdkLgNyFGQWC3zQJ24QQZxhoWum0-OuilFKosE1z69_EDI0bsVT2rohykbJ66sWdBXK_izKXDjci4vbaMvgnDJz3SZGn_g/s1600/Potentilla+hyparctica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCADiVTVEyHkyDhtrMuSaNFjWlxauk8KirIZMp43qJdp71bdkLgNyFGQWC3zQJ24QQZxhoWum0-OuilFKosE1z69_EDI0bsVT2rohykbJ66sWdBXK_izKXDjci4vbaMvgnDJz3SZGn_g/s1600/Potentilla+hyparctica.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Potentilla hyparctica</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcWbaKdHdYHzPkQhH8BJM5MITIReSdFsnuIprFyk8OdM_sJ25_pNHtZbmYZK6wewYKUdbWyFkGppmeGc-x3jdWUDnTnoOwOoh9dHpwfli4WdTUZxDOu95zS_LjR05FyK1Ry-zpJKNww/s1600/Ranunculus+nivalis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcWbaKdHdYHzPkQhH8BJM5MITIReSdFsnuIprFyk8OdM_sJ25_pNHtZbmYZK6wewYKUdbWyFkGppmeGc-x3jdWUDnTnoOwOoh9dHpwfli4WdTUZxDOu95zS_LjR05FyK1Ry-zpJKNww/s1600/Ranunculus+nivalis.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ranunculus nivalis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are many saxifrages in the flora, notably <i>Saxifraga platysepala </i>and <i>Saxifraga cernua</i>, the latter being such a shy flowerer on the rare occasions where it occurs in Britain. One of the commonest is <i>Saxifraga caespitosa</i>, such a very rare British plant. More familiar would be <i>Saxifraga oppositifolia </i>which carpets the ground in places. Similarly <i>Silene acaulis</i> with its hummocks smothered in pink flowers is another flamboyant presence. Another very important species I found in a stream, although alas not in flower, was the Spitzbergen endemic <i>Ranunculus spetzbergensis</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKml7XrRf-PGSDxGgaumeWoOUTDDkSNqhxs67bps8nLoszW1TpiCVs61HtugoVClvgZGQYXAUyyeB4ODsk00AF762QWt63NP5jV3mLAquNnyJcSNuBmV8zRkSGC-kjAHkGiuOYeBFZSA/s1600/Saxifraga+platysepala.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKml7XrRf-PGSDxGgaumeWoOUTDDkSNqhxs67bps8nLoszW1TpiCVs61HtugoVClvgZGQYXAUyyeB4ODsk00AF762QWt63NP5jV3mLAquNnyJcSNuBmV8zRkSGC-kjAHkGiuOYeBFZSA/s1600/Saxifraga+platysepala.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saxifraga platysepala</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3y_zfCX03_hxcw2BYOpIAcVyiJAnx5qx74vD0BZfO6oISF7K36ag0Zwj785Y0p2bRQYgUu0_iTvZF3lqCz_GNzdILjtusOdY9HA0uF6X6Qzz9QQTg5mbZo-SSZpcOvBAhJSIDliTIQ/s1600/Saxifraga+cernua.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3y_zfCX03_hxcw2BYOpIAcVyiJAnx5qx74vD0BZfO6oISF7K36ag0Zwj785Y0p2bRQYgUu0_iTvZF3lqCz_GNzdILjtusOdY9HA0uF6X6Qzz9QQTg5mbZo-SSZpcOvBAhJSIDliTIQ/s1600/Saxifraga+cernua.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saxifraga cernua</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1xcv8dy6qPooemFO1qrxdve23BUziR8iSxe0v-47tPvzJtHffx-fKH_z3oPTPBP0IddSL17OiP95cLbtHkCesQPs0VoPQH6OKEBJ33UeEsYQU9yRfsn3W6yOAAAY_I5lIqcXKhXpPQ/s1600/Saxifraga+oppositifolia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1xcv8dy6qPooemFO1qrxdve23BUziR8iSxe0v-47tPvzJtHffx-fKH_z3oPTPBP0IddSL17OiP95cLbtHkCesQPs0VoPQH6OKEBJ33UeEsYQU9yRfsn3W6yOAAAY_I5lIqcXKhXpPQ/s1600/Saxifraga+oppositifolia.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saxifraga oppositifolia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbS2OjayZQQXlb0NEUHehGhmI6NQDUbkpNkh_KN_B1p2lJdGwt2V7kCmEsO2jXhS5XACpessu-7kfQ35hZM3tad6q2XknkgcfwFk6h8hqT82nv90O6QbotxlAz9Ev8nU-74dDsD3ijA/s1600/Ranunculus+spetzbergensis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbS2OjayZQQXlb0NEUHehGhmI6NQDUbkpNkh_KN_B1p2lJdGwt2V7kCmEsO2jXhS5XACpessu-7kfQ35hZM3tad6q2XknkgcfwFk6h8hqT82nv90O6QbotxlAz9Ev8nU-74dDsD3ijA/s1600/Ranunculus+spetzbergensis.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ranunculus spetzbergensis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One or two of the rare plants of Spitzbergen also occur on the grassy slopes above the town. The most important are surrounded by a ring of stones to protect them. One of the most beautiful is the Boreal Jacob’s Ladder, <i>Polemonium boreale </i>with its large bluish flowers topping a low rosette of leaves. A great surprise may be seen close by, and this is the Arctic Dandelion <i>Taraxacum arcticum</i>. Unlike most members of the dandelion complex, this species is easy to distinguish having very pale, cream coloured flowers that contrast so beautifully with the almost black colour of the sepals. Another stunning endemic is the Spitzbergen Poppy <i>Papaver dahlianum</i> which happily, is not rare in Longyearbyen, and can be seen frequently.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFJq51Bx89vLZEYBd3Ww2VTRHMu1ZacK7c7gs8E0xIS5D9VN1IkLwf_ok7UiwtOFDUwc6fUHinRUeKzW5ChOe6wH1CeGnj0eLgFwfD7BjG1Z0Ls3rGeVeV__j6g-ZbdJFalVT3qFF5Q/s1600/Polemonium+boreale.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFJq51Bx89vLZEYBd3Ww2VTRHMu1ZacK7c7gs8E0xIS5D9VN1IkLwf_ok7UiwtOFDUwc6fUHinRUeKzW5ChOe6wH1CeGnj0eLgFwfD7BjG1Z0Ls3rGeVeV__j6g-ZbdJFalVT3qFF5Q/s1600/Polemonium+boreale.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Polemonium boreale</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbeq0KDU7SPlLYcLxwJmOMc3Hc8ZoF8IoNIgpTn4etAG4_uxizIxrOFsLqsAcQIglbV36own4AiWFLxe-1UmyZw0XWRfh4sw1HgWcmaCD4mzKlWW8hE752uL6fTcMDCVadfV57T7AeA/s1600/Taraxacum+arcticum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbeq0KDU7SPlLYcLxwJmOMc3Hc8ZoF8IoNIgpTn4etAG4_uxizIxrOFsLqsAcQIglbV36own4AiWFLxe-1UmyZw0XWRfh4sw1HgWcmaCD4mzKlWW8hE752uL6fTcMDCVadfV57T7AeA/s1600/Taraxacum+arcticum.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taraxacum arcticum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdcBuH-WikKaA6IZy8NGuSS5_Eg3c3GjoiIpAU9XgT4GDYbnp_Ce5WBdqWHTMqzXgl81uaEBAe6Isa3nSkK50pqOrTc1MsoTtg3QxVcsDncV9mGWkr9Jq8186C26zcauRjFk6kzyO_A/s1600/Papaver+dahlianum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdcBuH-WikKaA6IZy8NGuSS5_Eg3c3GjoiIpAU9XgT4GDYbnp_Ce5WBdqWHTMqzXgl81uaEBAe6Isa3nSkK50pqOrTc1MsoTtg3QxVcsDncV9mGWkr9Jq8186C26zcauRjFk6kzyO_A/s1600/Papaver+dahlianum.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Papaver dahlianum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A species that seems to flower just a little bit later than the rest is Cassiope tetragona, a wiry member of the heather family. When in flower, its white bell flowers rival all the other botanical gems in the flora. As a shrub, it even rivals Salix polaris for the title of tallest arctic shrub. It has much larger flowers than Cassiope hypnorum which was present in the flora I studied close to the Vatnajökull ice-cap in Iceland.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ousjoI2xoqJ5IOQZWD_rtck2noZamXVPAVd2GB5rmcC6iqTi42Ddb5-kBIbgner1f_KkGcYhsETnMK20waH77MUEf-1Zp8AEDfy3zvSzJbDfns0DnenVsSi2SMLaWiRL1LNTTfB_JA/s1600/Cassiope+tetragona.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ousjoI2xoqJ5IOQZWD_rtck2noZamXVPAVd2GB5rmcC6iqTi42Ddb5-kBIbgner1f_KkGcYhsETnMK20waH77MUEf-1Zp8AEDfy3zvSzJbDfns0DnenVsSi2SMLaWiRL1LNTTfB_JA/s1600/Cassiope+tetragona.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cassiope tetragona</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the most confusing aspects of the Spitzbergen flora is the presence of many species of <i>Draba </i>or Whitlow-grass. They range from species with white flowers through to a rich golden yellow. As well as Flora Europaea, there are several publications dealing with the confusion. These suggest various separation features from the presence of hairs on various parts of the plant’s anatomy to the structure of the seed pods. After much study, I was not confident of my identification of more than a few of them, and depending on which publication I used, I seemed to come up with different answers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLs2xURTNZKbQrDMcF06Gb1PUqknkLk0lde2LyWigRxQRK_CvU_feL5qivNJ1-yAhNSLj8wR-2LPdVrz4f5MpfVd1OFJIvyfQGcn8wxzu6jWka-jgvjUhXv91DgvSeqwRAEc2NgXYbg/s1600/Draba+oxycarpa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLs2xURTNZKbQrDMcF06Gb1PUqknkLk0lde2LyWigRxQRK_CvU_feL5qivNJ1-yAhNSLj8wR-2LPdVrz4f5MpfVd1OFJIvyfQGcn8wxzu6jWka-jgvjUhXv91DgvSeqwRAEc2NgXYbg/s1600/Draba+oxycarpa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Draba oxycarpa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another destination visited by cruise ships in Spitzbergen is Ny Ålesund, which is quite a bit further north on the west coast. This is the settlement from which Roald Amundsen set off for the North Pole. It is one of the most northerly human habitations in the world, and boasts the most northerly post office. Considerable research takes place here, and one of the research stations is Chinese. Attractions include Amundsen’s house and a statue of the famous explorer. Although at the right time of year, the flora can appear ebullient, it is far less spectacular than that further south in Longyearbyen. The number of species is very limited, and the only dominant one is <i>Saxifraga oppositifolia</i>. The only possible new species I found extra to those in Longyearbyen, and only one plant of it was <i>saxifraga aurea</i>. It was nestling in the lee of a building, and may just be a form of <i>Saxifraga caespitosa</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRihfbkzUPsU37ek68JUMxOXzTPCNsCuZndy6KBRthadanKe3q9N4gizW1xQmd7fa-7lJtJ639-U3QzQfCCFuoNsEnPDG4WzOh1wx9M_tOCL2LTJ8U3FXST29h2zgNu2J2z_2II4R8zQ/s1600/Ny+Alesund+-+Tundra.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRihfbkzUPsU37ek68JUMxOXzTPCNsCuZndy6KBRthadanKe3q9N4gizW1xQmd7fa-7lJtJ639-U3QzQfCCFuoNsEnPDG4WzOh1wx9M_tOCL2LTJ8U3FXST29h2zgNu2J2z_2II4R8zQ/s1600/Ny+Alesund+-+Tundra.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ny Ålesund – Tundra vegetation dominated by <br />
<i>Saxifraga oppositifolia</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92lzpd3XW3eBzhFpeqNtDuNCn9WpBXvYmf9Tc2dUxcnfVoBA61ups7oqCXr6_BtYs5n9AXaAAZ2LlLp9qLhwxu17xJ4NHPVJjYqB_w0B-rvKuOS3CfzIjvLlK8HJIurS7QlA63bniDA/s1600/Saxifraga+aurea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92lzpd3XW3eBzhFpeqNtDuNCn9WpBXvYmf9Tc2dUxcnfVoBA61ups7oqCXr6_BtYs5n9AXaAAZ2LlLp9qLhwxu17xJ4NHPVJjYqB_w0B-rvKuOS3CfzIjvLlK8HJIurS7QlA63bniDA/s1600/Saxifraga+aurea.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Saxifraga aurea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cruise ships do travel further north, and especially to Magdalena Bay in the north-west of the archipelago. Here about the only flowering plant to be found is <i>Saxifraga caespitosa </i>although the lichens are particularly rich and interesting. Once when we visited, the weather was stunning and some passengers even went paddling. On this occasion, our captain consulted weather reports, and found a route up through the pack ice to within some six hundred miles of the North Pole. On entering the pack ice, the sun went in, and low fog-forming clouds took over. Our furthest north point was announced at eighty degrees and twenty two minutes north. Needless to say, even had there been land, the flora would have been extremely limited or non-existent. Life was confined to a few sea birds and seals, though we did see evidence of polar bear in the form of a bed shaped depression and its excrement!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuquPltBkKxptXOdI3Ev7lwZN-zU2iGFP03CMxEuiB4IcfmMcjDwqznXvjYIbqVm9qRLCysfFXMAkSc3WL8sgkLo5LCsn1PwS2JfjGZ0Js__V3MV3nuMnbIdU6-rmRPbx6YDlSskhwjA/s1600/Magdalena+Bay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuquPltBkKxptXOdI3Ev7lwZN-zU2iGFP03CMxEuiB4IcfmMcjDwqznXvjYIbqVm9qRLCysfFXMAkSc3WL8sgkLo5LCsn1PwS2JfjGZ0Js__V3MV3nuMnbIdU6-rmRPbx6YDlSskhwjA/s1600/Magdalena+Bay.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magdalena Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39J7PMODkBSYyljNj_Eepebvb8Y7_SU2gfQkqjKbcTRUzfsuMvRj1SGHKABX1getLLmoLzCVNm1hZaiuykleJHmc9mu3_Z3Ip3U_w106k-hYm3Y6yvAV2QjwhE6OUVLAcHcUrf09fLg/s1600/Polar+Ice.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39J7PMODkBSYyljNj_Eepebvb8Y7_SU2gfQkqjKbcTRUzfsuMvRj1SGHKABX1getLLmoLzCVNm1hZaiuykleJHmc9mu3_Z3Ip3U_w106k-hYm3Y6yvAV2QjwhE6OUVLAcHcUrf09fLg/s1600/Polar+Ice.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polar Pack Ice at 80 degrees 22 minutes North</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-38780062369073915922014-08-19T13:45:00.000-07:002014-08-19T13:52:00.524-07:00The Penguins, Great Characters of the Falkland IslandsIt is impossible to meet the penguins who spend the summer on the Falkland Islands without being anthropomorphic about them. They are all such characters, displaying human-like behaviour and emotions, and all four species are very different. It is just so fortunate that during the whole of the Falklands conflict, they were far away and at sea. It is also very fortunate that being birds, penguins are light in weight, and are in no danger from land mines.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdu1Aqj_K_JGqtdCETekw7xo6prYKc40hVmNcvALAwFbgL8LxY7_HdRbRnLbJGtEeDN8bm86ewCBdHRiDeFwVkIJSIqqz1qeiex5BxERgMA0B6zZ6C9kwphRUt1ukj9DU5Ri6vctttg/s1600/-Gypsy+Cove+Magellanic+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdu1Aqj_K_JGqtdCETekw7xo6prYKc40hVmNcvALAwFbgL8LxY7_HdRbRnLbJGtEeDN8bm86ewCBdHRiDeFwVkIJSIqqz1qeiex5BxERgMA0B6zZ6C9kwphRUt1ukj9DU5Ri6vctttg/s1600/-Gypsy+Cove+Magellanic+5.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gipsy Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When my wife and I visited the Falkland Islands, we first met penguins at Gipsy Cove, not far from Stanley. Since the conflict, it has not been possible to enter Gipsy Cove because of the danger of mines. However, a fenced footpath passes above the Cove that has regular posts warning of the danger of the mines (much of this has now been cleared I gather). The path runs straight through a Magellanic Penguin colony, and far from the fence being a protection from humans, several penguins nest within two or three feet of the path. We were introduced to one very special character who is affectionately known as Harold. He has been coming back to the same burrow for several years. He stands proudly at the entrance, perhaps three feet from his human admirers, and periodically announces his presence, and probable importance, with a racket that seems impossible to be produced from such a little fellow. He puts his head back, his flippers out and brays just like a donkey (a close relative of Magellanic Penguins that lives in South Africa is called the Jackass Penguin).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJAw6SSrBXjq6MunRPlHnj2jkyX39xCQ4US4LgOiVb1HLtfkv9NAZ3pgfCgwgujHG2cJvDOIQCjbDlGdJrs_V82QDmVleO2qcH32vAEIrfLqb29BQ0ep7NRuF26inMzptRq26kX6HA/s1600/-Magellanic+A+Harold+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJAw6SSrBXjq6MunRPlHnj2jkyX39xCQ4US4LgOiVb1HLtfkv9NAZ3pgfCgwgujHG2cJvDOIQCjbDlGdJrs_V82QDmVleO2qcH32vAEIrfLqb29BQ0ep7NRuF26inMzptRq26kX6HA/s1600/-Magellanic+A+Harold+3.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harold standing proudly in front of <br />
his burrow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WCwFlq-xZlDaGfH57dxId62vkw35gE6iGMGvn6s5oE3yyudXeSm811UUKC5Qs5SJNECM1tS7wj_us6-p-fG4iCInZ5yv6ADVp6V1HrVo5fHjdT4YWBgY_Nfam4XYqNnpsXfBiwDcdg/s1600/-Magellanic+10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WCwFlq-xZlDaGfH57dxId62vkw35gE6iGMGvn6s5oE3yyudXeSm811UUKC5Qs5SJNECM1tS7wj_us6-p-fG4iCInZ5yv6ADVp6V1HrVo5fHjdT4YWBgY_Nfam4XYqNnpsXfBiwDcdg/s1600/-Magellanic+10.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harold braying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAo8QhQmwrfUDXQSHYREIvREsIu85klLv-UONQuTbJF_xFstcK4Hvml_b2Gfxf3QZ-OzqgVqdkw_Dlo8s-ddqqyhjCHAmpEH0JTzgII5TT7rS84EaYurVS-vNQCYmlBS3J_auHeFm_g/s1600/-Magellanic+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAo8QhQmwrfUDXQSHYREIvREsIu85klLv-UONQuTbJF_xFstcK4Hvml_b2Gfxf3QZ-OzqgVqdkw_Dlo8s-ddqqyhjCHAmpEH0JTzgII5TT7rS84EaYurVS-vNQCYmlBS3J_auHeFm_g/s1600/-Magellanic+7.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was fun, but haven’t we got dirty tummies <br />
– hope no-one will be cross!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>All around the colony penguins go about their business totally oblivious of any humans in the area. Further out towards a headland, in amongst hummocks of tussac grass and much less affected by humans, there is another Magellanic Penguin colony. These birds, which appear a little larger than those at Gipsy Cove for some reason, are much more timid.<br />
<br />
At dusk the other residents of Gipsy Cove foregather in neighbouring Surf Bay in some numbers before making the ascent to the colony. As they tumble and struggle upwards, you can almost hear the last of the group shouting, “Wait for me….wait for me!”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCpzmKnD533FTlpNiZ4dwF6G7MssQ3DRUAIs9h03azda3_42C-ZIVWuYoIRRV5z9TzSVHd6uibkabCGz-VKa-8tt6yhGRi0l0V7tymePV7LB_P2UeqZi7rfEP41qLdSlgb9dVmenQFw/s1600/-Magellanic+A+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCpzmKnD533FTlpNiZ4dwF6G7MssQ3DRUAIs9h03azda3_42C-ZIVWuYoIRRV5z9TzSVHd6uibkabCGz-VKa-8tt6yhGRi0l0V7tymePV7LB_P2UeqZi7rfEP41qLdSlgb9dVmenQFw/s1600/-Magellanic+A+8.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All alone on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TMEAzjmPuqibZ5CWRDnsMP-ZZoMKQmZZhKeeQwHuRiRHdCHZ268ksOJn7wXoftNrFdlNkZWr0gxQ_hNxyd-XRV0mlfsGH0I9uqE6mdvZzqjmCBp-eOCY70KecO1uQ1ERwz_OjDY0pg/s1600/-Magellanic+A+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TMEAzjmPuqibZ5CWRDnsMP-ZZoMKQmZZhKeeQwHuRiRHdCHZ268ksOJn7wXoftNrFdlNkZWr0gxQ_hNxyd-XRV0mlfsGH0I9uqE6mdvZzqjmCBp-eOCY70KecO1uQ1ERwz_OjDY0pg/s1600/-Magellanic+A+4.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait for me….Wait for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For penguin enthusiasts, a visit to Volunteer Point is an absolute must. There is however a problem. Getting to the Point involves crossing several miles of treacherous bog. This can only be attempted in a Landrover, and by someone who knows precisely where he is going, and what he is up to. The Landrover in question is decorated with antlers, and painted across the front above the windscreen are the words Crocodile Dundee. Three species of penguin live at Volunteer Point amongst the sheep, which seem quite incongruous, and these are; King Penguins in their only Falklands colony, Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins. When we visited, we first went to the Gentoo colony which is nearest to the Landrover parking area. The colony consists of several hundred individuals all going about their business, and chatting to one another. If visitors do not have respect for the birds, and move around noisily and at speed, the whole colony may panic and this is something that should be avoided at all costs. However, if a visitor sits down quietly, it is not long before a little ring of about ten penguins will gather in a semi circle, and start discussing you intently. Amongst the group are invariably one or two Gentoo chicks, and these have a very special charm. Gentoos have developed a method of keeping their chicks healthy. Before giving them food, they run away from the chick forcing it to sprint after its lunch and get much needed exercise.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfHb15Yq4yEW0KlJout-lda3H_pDn8mnJND-epEvSK4ELOVmEWAw-Lp1pjgviIOHCA9n-GFyviITs3Dr6eDk1RA2v2_zZtoWSqrRkgjhNROOa04nyuLiNK1K-Ac5Ze-PeyyWaNLieFA/s1600/-Gentoo+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfHb15Yq4yEW0KlJout-lda3H_pDn8mnJND-epEvSK4ELOVmEWAw-Lp1pjgviIOHCA9n-GFyviITs3Dr6eDk1RA2v2_zZtoWSqrRkgjhNROOa04nyuLiNK1K-Ac5Ze-PeyyWaNLieFA/s1600/-Gentoo+7.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo Penguins having a serious, adult discussion</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwPA8uDqYa1ElHBA-D6l3SiLqJ6imFQh8Oo-22MwLAF0GZlv6IV6dHXkUO5W9dpmg-otAKtiD_oEvfXnSc8jzytrxnEyGZeQM-i0yaSgHqS0Z0FTSRIUEaEcLluszNMVfTvN6e0odSQ/s1600/-Gentoo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwPA8uDqYa1ElHBA-D6l3SiLqJ6imFQh8Oo-22MwLAF0GZlv6IV6dHXkUO5W9dpmg-otAKtiD_oEvfXnSc8jzytrxnEyGZeQM-i0yaSgHqS0Z0FTSRIUEaEcLluszNMVfTvN6e0odSQ/s1600/-Gentoo+3.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo chick</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglueWji0zba5azbZNHmyarEvp3ZnE1fljQmWif6brZpCPmoz_pJsmlJXxEsgKKMUIli1l-S0x9_0RDkecdBnuTyYhPPS3nsgCPdhczJVS8h54CXCftDUs8EQi3hcpMzrvmizDPHMOHzg/s1600/-Gentoo+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglueWji0zba5azbZNHmyarEvp3ZnE1fljQmWif6brZpCPmoz_pJsmlJXxEsgKKMUIli1l-S0x9_0RDkecdBnuTyYhPPS3nsgCPdhczJVS8h54CXCftDUs8EQi3hcpMzrvmizDPHMOHzg/s1600/-Gentoo+4.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo chick</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2hloqj7_44bSSg6o8mUmaPUX3jC6uG4BkPaYIf7zxxK0WhFSIRj4H2r19rKZJf-Bu6Fl2aciJlc6HDYhwjacLIfiS9hsbKT9VCMq8IW2YgmKb-yQdOYjcEpK2U2IBcRrH274xt5XUA/s1600/-Gentoo+A+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2hloqj7_44bSSg6o8mUmaPUX3jC6uG4BkPaYIf7zxxK0WhFSIRj4H2r19rKZJf-Bu6Fl2aciJlc6HDYhwjacLIfiS9hsbKT9VCMq8IW2YgmKb-yQdOYjcEpK2U2IBcRrH274xt5XUA/s1600/-Gentoo+A+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo chick chasing a parent for his supper</td></tr>
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The Magellanic Penguins at Volunteer point are scattered all over the site. Magellanic Penguins do not form tight colonies like the other species. They also nest in burrows unlike any of the others. Sadly, they also suffer from fleas, which like the warmth of the burrows.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimouL8IQH-0BSsTnARm_Oxw1VA5DFINCiRhkmzXvSYqAf7vV479degcWesdissUgMzBHINOF4bG4NMEYjqXJQp-PjpmPqZKeYgR2PU-v2jJZyqLU0CgTL_bCuGsocGxglcOyyFGTn4Xg/s1600/-Magellanic+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimouL8IQH-0BSsTnARm_Oxw1VA5DFINCiRhkmzXvSYqAf7vV479degcWesdissUgMzBHINOF4bG4NMEYjqXJQp-PjpmPqZKeYgR2PU-v2jJZyqLU0CgTL_bCuGsocGxglcOyyFGTn4Xg/s1600/-Magellanic+1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magellanic Penguins at a burrow – I wonder if they’re at home</td></tr>
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In spite of the charms of the Gentoo colony, it is the King Penguins that most visitors come especially to see. They are a tall and elegant species that rarely move in haste. Although very beautiful, they do not have the anthropomorphic charm that the other three Falkland Island penguins have, and move with care and deliberation. Surrounding the colony, there is fencing designed to separate humans from birds. The penguins it seems, cannot read and take not a blind piece of notice of the areas where they are supposed to be. So long as visitors respect the residents, they can co-exist with no problems whatsoever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXkjQjiLnmjgmT_FIibnB_Kb2Vzq4sym08xJ-9GddV7ROTw8MMJd5vtki8fd5vgf7UB01UVluPunHFzQLEx4Jz_bgiIK99fQUvgNQ2nu1loFjw136-iqmKb82aPf6CrrhEpCF4Ha75Q/s1600/-King+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXkjQjiLnmjgmT_FIibnB_Kb2Vzq4sym08xJ-9GddV7ROTw8MMJd5vtki8fd5vgf7UB01UVluPunHFzQLEx4Jz_bgiIK99fQUvgNQ2nu1loFjw136-iqmKb82aPf6CrrhEpCF4Ha75Q/s1600/-King+14.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Volunteer Point King Penguin colony</td></tr>
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In one area of the colony, and perhaps a little away from the rest, was a group of males, each with a swelling between his feet. From time to time, a scrawny, featherless, grey object would appear between the feet. These were the King Penguin chicks, and I am afraid they lack any of the charm displayed by the hero of the film Happy Feet (who was an Emperor Penguin). The fathers look after their charges with an amazing charm and tenderness that is a delight to see. During our visit, we only saw one chick in full, fluffy brown plumage looking over fed and out of proportion. There were, however, more mature chicks that were just discarding their first plumage, and these totally lacked the charm and elegance of their parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l6Bs6shpWJknmX7VnZ6OpPr0_bzzdys9dJAjawCOFbeawgpsA0b7ckob7nPB7c9RAD3a3XdCh5DCvz4XW4JOsHOfuIbqTEJpWAxylLdqVPXLKd8nAw_B4yU7ZGfpTgyrq9vgRfYPeg/s1600/-King+15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l6Bs6shpWJknmX7VnZ6OpPr0_bzzdys9dJAjawCOFbeawgpsA0b7ckob7nPB7c9RAD3a3XdCh5DCvz4XW4JOsHOfuIbqTEJpWAxylLdqVPXLKd8nAw_B4yU7ZGfpTgyrq9vgRfYPeg/s1600/-King+15.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fathers with chicks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGlW15GyhdhY9QkCNltVKj9EVcqr11s6Up4ktZCwnG9qaHJZT4UujvjlJO7wUbw1oD6GmMTkYxUJMQ-gKco6v4so_NfKL_i9_5fdOghfBiMJ0Rljr3fjwjn5yz3JCYQS3GMV_p1dN1A/s1600/-King+16.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGlW15GyhdhY9QkCNltVKj9EVcqr11s6Up4ktZCwnG9qaHJZT4UujvjlJO7wUbw1oD6GmMTkYxUJMQ-gKco6v4so_NfKL_i9_5fdOghfBiMJ0Rljr3fjwjn5yz3JCYQS3GMV_p1dN1A/s1600/-King+16.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tender parental care</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqUzamHJwCEYQHtH3zVmdOsXCVKMY_w4CtJaRIAgetUjuOdJcmO5M-2VCGNK-0_xFHkPS9dBisZj7Ncd4COm0NKcTav1O8EnrlALbjKaNP0T2_JBvQlz6sCpMpd6lWsLZ2E9fkyPnIw/s1600/-King+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqUzamHJwCEYQHtH3zVmdOsXCVKMY_w4CtJaRIAgetUjuOdJcmO5M-2VCGNK-0_xFHkPS9dBisZj7Ncd4COm0NKcTav1O8EnrlALbjKaNP0T2_JBvQlz6sCpMpd6lWsLZ2E9fkyPnIw/s1600/-King+6.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chick with full fluffy feathers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxUgq3aptu8wFY44xNBt4Ls1hmrX21XceIRoVfRlr71eoHt8i5R8nBdesnORjkuYfjOyK8SSPP2FDGb6mh0vx0b9NRP-QHSnEZuSZojVPDGfmGCG3pF_3ORK3J5RKxRUj32LEObXnqg/s1600/-King+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxUgq3aptu8wFY44xNBt4Ls1hmrX21XceIRoVfRlr71eoHt8i5R8nBdesnORjkuYfjOyK8SSPP2FDGb6mh0vx0b9NRP-QHSnEZuSZojVPDGfmGCG3pF_3ORK3J5RKxRUj32LEObXnqg/s1600/-King+7.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Untidy final moult towards adult plumage</td></tr>
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Looking very human, groups of King Penguins could be seen taking an afternoon constitution through vegetation consisting of the ragwort relative Sea Cabbage. We did witness a sad drama when a sea lion lumbered over the sand, and managed to catch a King Penguin which it took back to the sea, and drowned.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwvgKlqblLDVvR8LBuiCou8i9mm1ddBJtlXh8DoYeWzLN2o8QeJFjedbdq_CItfsROiLtmTk8S7fbToxioPlmIpPYj393VhMO98vk_MJBUNc-T-AJbekrEa-5YhYEfRQQrEiLabDaRw/s1600/-King+11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwvgKlqblLDVvR8LBuiCou8i9mm1ddBJtlXh8DoYeWzLN2o8QeJFjedbdq_CItfsROiLtmTk8S7fbToxioPlmIpPYj393VhMO98vk_MJBUNc-T-AJbekrEa-5YhYEfRQQrEiLabDaRw/s1600/-King+11.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On an afternoon constitution through the Sea Cabbage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEFa-YhuvJybAvWS7BGGETVSrimz9fRmWyj0Oo5EpVHa2brvDgpVQwvm4V2kMrVG-bL9sEcr4cW_We5wh7ZuVLiSx41ebNe9__r761ikK6hoO1G8ggLzwjUDDCtQP2EJb42zrVwbnng/s1600/-King+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEFa-YhuvJybAvWS7BGGETVSrimz9fRmWyj0Oo5EpVHa2brvDgpVQwvm4V2kMrVG-bL9sEcr4cW_We5wh7ZuVLiSx41ebNe9__r761ikK6hoO1G8ggLzwjUDDCtQP2EJb42zrVwbnng/s1600/-King+5.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King Penguin having just enjoyed a swim</td></tr>
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Our third and greatest experience with penguins took place on Bleaker Island. Here we stayed in a very comfortable cabin supplied by the owner who is a farmer, and his wife. Our first encounter with penguins on Bleaker Island involved passing through a massive colony of King Cormorants. On the other side of the cormorants to the settlement, and on the cliff tops in amongst tussac grass hummocks is a colony of Rockhopper Penguins. They are the smallest Falklands species, but what feisty little creatures they are. As their name suggests, they dash speedily about the cliff tops, hopping from one rock to another. Rockhoppers are also noisy little creatures, and seem forever to be having intense arguments. They will argue at the tops of their voices putting their heads back, then one will pick up a tiny twig, place it at the other’s feet, and immediately start arguing all over again.<br />
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During the day, many members of the colony will be at sea fishing. When this occurs, the chicks are herded into a tight colony, a sort of crèche where one or two adults will be responsible for them. Humans approaching a crèche cause no alarm, however if their greatest fear, a Falkland Skua flies over, they squash themselves into a tight huddle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNCvktqVRJ5HVbaLFap7oVsN7mGnUdVY2x8xn9zvM8eSfd7_4hQHsDftV53bn0hVBcs9H5sb09k0fLlw6zop3W57B6wnU_W1UQsVsGAolP93qQOitJgYTxDLaJCCRdZRzQgZckotLDg/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNCvktqVRJ5HVbaLFap7oVsN7mGnUdVY2x8xn9zvM8eSfd7_4hQHsDftV53bn0hVBcs9H5sb09k0fLlw6zop3W57B6wnU_W1UQsVsGAolP93qQOitJgYTxDLaJCCRdZRzQgZckotLDg/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockhopper Penguin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jrAgSgI50uMClftanMz25nDxYGfmGasv8cWi7mIi59SXsMFUPJQ7KrnFGvCIvnJ8gkqZqZOFHIqDwv8h0VDMNe0vsPPguXOHqCsPwvKEpWsEisBhl1wR060oamjIicav7onPx-y8Cw/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jrAgSgI50uMClftanMz25nDxYGfmGasv8cWi7mIi59SXsMFUPJQ7KrnFGvCIvnJ8gkqZqZOFHIqDwv8h0VDMNe0vsPPguXOHqCsPwvKEpWsEisBhl1wR060oamjIicav7onPx-y8Cw/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rockhopper hopping from A to B</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDDxmT_RG2Exzy6_CEkrtlkJkI1CsHvEaM-GSHbaESM1hA672TYXbrZaCV7B_x-bSCiC55UZR2M6elK6NC8fpG6lKbtZz4EgZeyPPxE1kxp-qiUHIL1oDRDg8Xz55S_0M_dKfCj4Qrg/s1600/-Rockhopper+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHDDxmT_RG2Exzy6_CEkrtlkJkI1CsHvEaM-GSHbaESM1hA672TYXbrZaCV7B_x-bSCiC55UZR2M6elK6NC8fpG6lKbtZz4EgZeyPPxE1kxp-qiUHIL1oDRDg8Xz55S_0M_dKfCj4Qrg/s1600/-Rockhopper+7.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An argument</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr8dTXsm1l4i4JSvaFnI-8mGgjOTjN43DNoaguIfDQ58fnMyj4Jts-Q656BQguVFcjbzXGytj66OgoyFd-900VZ_AxKJuiLCbQGf3G8w07kykerwOUrcsgytazGaHzaguu4XDluOJzg/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr8dTXsm1l4i4JSvaFnI-8mGgjOTjN43DNoaguIfDQ58fnMyj4Jts-Q656BQguVFcjbzXGytj66OgoyFd-900VZ_AxKJuiLCbQGf3G8w07kykerwOUrcsgytazGaHzaguu4XDluOJzg/s1600/-Rockhopper+A+5.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rockhopper creche</td></tr>
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Some distance from the Rockies, and towards the north end of the island, there is a very large colony of Gentoo Penguins. They often congregate on the beach, perhaps a hundred yards from the edge of the colony, where they stand about, often in company with a few Magellanic Penguins. From time to time, they will take it into their heads to go for a swim. On the way back, they lurk in the water where they wait for just the right wave in which to surf into the shore. My wife waited for hours to get a photograph of a bird as it was actually carried in on a wave, but never achieved what she wanted. A Gentoo Penguin enjoying the moment of being carried in the surf to the shore is such a fleeting event. However, there is a great joy in the event, and triumphant attitude on the beach as the surfer jumps up from the water at the end of the ride with flippers outstretched as if seeking adulation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwZwKVJ6mnGjmew-gNHISUg54Qw3O44E3uj13jGeLyl6zm-2BlI__S5K1EfMZ3SQMYcCrchppEKLbAa82OMGnEvgcvCb0WM9qgeXKzmUqCycRxk7uEMrgMb3TjuVGMqpNyZ42bmFZoA/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwZwKVJ6mnGjmew-gNHISUg54Qw3O44E3uj13jGeLyl6zm-2BlI__S5K1EfMZ3SQMYcCrchppEKLbAa82OMGnEvgcvCb0WM9qgeXKzmUqCycRxk7uEMrgMb3TjuVGMqpNyZ42bmFZoA/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo Penguins waiting for the right wave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzicHYushBom7ORM-NIgHAP4SsuIc2tyGGycJ8NAiGF8700AGN4LQSSePoEScgVLK8roB-HVj6YKQf6yHS48yf3J_vEy3BQdEd2cWK06k1_OtCfYtngODw7fNrse-LbXYlK8rx38xQKg/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzicHYushBom7ORM-NIgHAP4SsuIc2tyGGycJ8NAiGF8700AGN4LQSSePoEScgVLK8roB-HVj6YKQf6yHS48yf3J_vEy3BQdEd2cWK06k1_OtCfYtngODw7fNrse-LbXYlK8rx38xQKg/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+6.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gentoo Penguins in the right wave</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinn2HuoAjW6NpYvQYiGOx0OAxNLpiD8H2RpCZHaUTjjRgKcbutDyxiU0pBQfibRg3nfjRyid3xMy_RkmsXy4e3L6cMb8OqUNxo-olOvP870RH8VIzkWsbsIfxEXctZPB29_YSSKpbfg/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinn2HuoAjW6NpYvQYiGOx0OAxNLpiD8H2RpCZHaUTjjRgKcbutDyxiU0pBQfibRg3nfjRyid3xMy_RkmsXy4e3L6cMb8OqUNxo-olOvP870RH8VIzkWsbsIfxEXctZPB29_YSSKpbfg/s1600/-Gentoo+Surf+A+8.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gentoo Penguin that just caught the right wave</td></tr>
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The four species of penguin described above are the main species, however there are a small number of Macaroni Penguins, which we did not see, that breed. These look like larger versions of the Rockhoppers. Very occasionally species such as Chinstrap Penguins make it to the Falklands as vagrants from the south.<br />
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Naturalists marvel at the fearless nature of the birds and animals on the Galapagos Islands. However, exactly the same fearlessness can be seen, and enjoyed, in the bird populations of the Falkland Islands. This is especially true of the penguins and we must all hope that this mutual respect between bird and mankind survives on the Falkland Islands for many years to come.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-41640452905013220262014-08-07T13:29:00.000-07:002014-08-07T13:29:38.897-07:00Plants of the Falkland Islands<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWh3K3lwHSa5XYeGoLDAt9CzaIQDbmt2wNiS3jEpMXHrvNIpntBAzGa2nNAxUW0Qs0Z3ZAyrrRzOl0yHv3QAAQnpmSigk7ihfW9KVgEpc8Yu6uWkLVyoyKEy7IIKeBr9bZ-UMRReRrg/s1600/Pen-King+Penguin12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWh3K3lwHSa5XYeGoLDAt9CzaIQDbmt2wNiS3jEpMXHrvNIpntBAzGa2nNAxUW0Qs0Z3ZAyrrRzOl0yHv3QAAQnpmSigk7ihfW9KVgEpc8Yu6uWkLVyoyKEy7IIKeBr9bZ-UMRReRrg/s1600/Pen-King+Penguin12.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A group of king penguins in a field of sea cabbage, <i>Senecio candidans</i></td></tr>
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A few years ago, my wife and I visited the Falkland Islands at the beginning of January. Although the human population is extremely British in both origin and speech, there are considerable differences between the way of life in the Falkland Islands and life at home. Although approximately at the same latitude as London, the lack of a Gulf Stream makes the weather much colder. The islands are greatly affected by strong winds coming up from the Antarctic. Quite naturally, the land is treeless out in the country. The Falklands are divided into farms rather than districts or villages. In order to access farmland other than by accepted public footpaths, it is necessary to contact the farmer who owns the land. Casual entry into a piece of countryside that looks interesting for plants is not possible.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>There is some lovely scenery associated with the coast which is open to the public, but much of the interior is uniformly covered in grassland and rock, and to casual observation does not appear to have much botanical potential. Falkland Islands Conservation have an office in Stanley, and staff there were both helpful and knowledgeable. Stanley also has a fine library stocked with books and papers concerning the natural history of the islands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXRhFAQp4U-A7i3MIQt8tzZhaKLr1bGzH80U5D4p8FW3qdgR91_H6cWl92BH4_pWgj8KS7Rcm5TzLrTm7QcBAQo_E_fJ3xBqGvPy538Z7bTv_MTP0rVvL8SB9Ve1Y3XFcGgsG-dwQuQ/s1600/Gipsy+Cove.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXRhFAQp4U-A7i3MIQt8tzZhaKLr1bGzH80U5D4p8FW3qdgR91_H6cWl92BH4_pWgj8KS7Rcm5TzLrTm7QcBAQo_E_fJ3xBqGvPy538Z7bTv_MTP0rVvL8SB9Ve1Y3XFcGgsG-dwQuQ/s1600/Gipsy+Cove.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gipsy Cove</td></tr>
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Recent blogs that I have written have concerned the flora of the Canary Islands. One of the most obvious features of their flora is that it contains members of genera that bear little resemblance to that even in neighbouring Africa, Southern Europe or even other Atlantic islands such as the Azores and Cape Verde Islands. One of the greatest surprises of the Falklands flora was the close similarity between endemic species, and related species occurring in Britain. The British and Falkland floras are separated by many miles, and huge zones with totally different and much warmer climates. The connections between these two groups of plants seems to be a very great puzzle. While it may be possible to explain the presence of <i>Spiranthes romanzoffiana</i> in the western British Isles, the northern USA and Canada through continental drift, this argument for the similarities between species in the Falklands and Great Britain beggars belief.<br />
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Although very similar, the species in the Falkland Islands are not the same species as those in Britain. This makes the possibility that I have heard brought forward that the relatives in the Falklands were brought there by man highly improbable. As in the case of the Canary Islands, there is a substantial introduced flora in the Falkland Islands of familiar species such as the common daisy <i>Bellis perennis</i>, creeping buttercup, <i>Ranunculus repens</i> and common cat’sear <i>Hypochaeris radicata</i>, the latter of which is especially frequent in Stanley.<br />
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A visit to a fine piece of wetland close to Stanley Airport (from which domestic flights leave for remote parts of the islands) is especially instructive. There are three species present here that have absolutely no relationship with any member of the British flora, and these are the extraordinary saprophyte <i>Arachnitis quetrihuensis</i> which is a close relative of, or the same species as the South American <i>Arachnitis uniflora</i>. It is a weird species, and all I saw of it was one individual past its best. Similarly the diminutive species of the genus <i>Gunnera</i>, <i>Gunnera magellanica</i> has no related native European species. This species produces strawberry like fruits quite unlike those of the more familiar and gigantic <i>Gunnera </i>species of the Andes. Finally, there is a species that I was particularly anxious to see, <i>Calceolaria fothergillii</i>. I was assured that it would be relatively frequent, but it was well past flowering and in seed. All I was able to find of it was in rock cracks just above convenient head height for photography.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzIzJw7JIMjddjWc3cMl4CgV7yJLnWDtFMIXwPdRjPfoFmht5a8j2-SuANPmgjpS8N3vBTeJV_FLwuI-qcVSCOuG7S_PgZItHKZIHXzzXZ_O5BKsY-IQDieuN3PCu-uAKtaEBMnUJvw/s1600/Gunnera+magellanica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzIzJw7JIMjddjWc3cMl4CgV7yJLnWDtFMIXwPdRjPfoFmht5a8j2-SuANPmgjpS8N3vBTeJV_FLwuI-qcVSCOuG7S_PgZItHKZIHXzzXZ_O5BKsY-IQDieuN3PCu-uAKtaEBMnUJvw/s1600/Gunnera+magellanica.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gunnera magellanica</i></td></tr>
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<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qbZLyKuFcaJtAulsbMNg1Li_0Ww7ZYv-UdFx8fyo_HtNSWHStwNgbCCaesKWhi6jNSGP4oMVJaoZ0SoQ_RDhcbNimm7xo9n2wrQWlLM1vVTUBcAPJfWYhmHM64cdwoXKZCZHkIh0pA/s1600/Calceolaria+fothergillii.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qbZLyKuFcaJtAulsbMNg1Li_0Ww7ZYv-UdFx8fyo_HtNSWHStwNgbCCaesKWhi6jNSGP4oMVJaoZ0SoQ_RDhcbNimm7xo9n2wrQWlLM1vVTUBcAPJfWYhmHM64cdwoXKZCZHkIh0pA/s1600/Calceolaria+fothergillii.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Calceolaria fothergillii</i> – unfortunately only found in seed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPJH-dQmMpGuTAj4HAwyZKKdg7XoJNG8VCmblvQTnwFeiawZm1h81wRjv_xHMlUJPl-bEc7ms8wB_HZXu0zzC6ly_9qqnypI6fyAlfa9cUBWNTonEM5abRXuJm389NDUkUWf1c42Hvw/s1600/Arachnitis+quetrihuensis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPJH-dQmMpGuTAj4HAwyZKKdg7XoJNG8VCmblvQTnwFeiawZm1h81wRjv_xHMlUJPl-bEc7ms8wB_HZXu0zzC6ly_9qqnypI6fyAlfa9cUBWNTonEM5abRXuJm389NDUkUWf1c42Hvw/s1600/Arachnitis+quetrihuensis.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arachnitis quetrihuensis</i> – well past its best</td></tr>
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The species occurring in this site that are only critically separable from their British counterparts are <i>Gentianella magellanica</i>, <i>Euphrasia antarctica</i> and <i>Anagallis alternifolia</i>. Also present in the area is the aquatic <i>Myiophyllum quitense</i>, not so very dissimilar from British Water Milfoils, and <i>Caltha sagittata</i>. European marsh marigold species have yellow flowers, while the Falklands species has flowers that are creamy white. In New Mexico and elsewhere in the United States, there is <i>Caltha leptosepala</i> with white flowers. <i>Caltha </i>is therefore a relatively cosmopolitan genus with another yellow flowered species, <i>Caltha asiatica</i> in Kirghizstan.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc2OC9lX71PSnpdM92wN1GTT1WBgnsnrXok4hnHDrgU6ze4_kK58O0UdZi1KdqcnuLkdZ0vAOQVIPHX6W8iHqZ0BEU2YnrFhlUDXO85yO-MBW-sHEaD5MYS46KELvHdNAc-BxMnRzdg/s1600/Gentianella+magellanica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc2OC9lX71PSnpdM92wN1GTT1WBgnsnrXok4hnHDrgU6ze4_kK58O0UdZi1KdqcnuLkdZ0vAOQVIPHX6W8iHqZ0BEU2YnrFhlUDXO85yO-MBW-sHEaD5MYS46KELvHdNAc-BxMnRzdg/s1600/Gentianella+magellanica.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gentianella magellanica</i></td></tr>
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<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R57yVlty2wZGK52SjuSYGk_ooEnMyXS0yZfavrN-GZ8S9E3KySubWsIhi4nTSPvZ38fh-VzBcZX6Lb66CK3ZVaHLJq6jN5beaTxiFL3IlarxYyrbCHMXl1vDkUNtOvn7zbbosnCagw/s1600/Euphrasia+antarctica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R57yVlty2wZGK52SjuSYGk_ooEnMyXS0yZfavrN-GZ8S9E3KySubWsIhi4nTSPvZ38fh-VzBcZX6Lb66CK3ZVaHLJq6jN5beaTxiFL3IlarxYyrbCHMXl1vDkUNtOvn7zbbosnCagw/s1600/Euphrasia+antarctica.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Euphrasia antarctica</i></td></tr>
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<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyBeML3bHFR2fgAisbHWLEnrpDk1NlFXz3tAcsY9z5NMlWtxMdfTudKrqsvTJj6jP6dbjGTYKeGKaZEemS6vRXkN2Ot4nTwnhheb8YD7rjketL9azCXGh3deQa45KrDXvwA3xUZl-jQ/s1600/Anagallis+alternifolia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyBeML3bHFR2fgAisbHWLEnrpDk1NlFXz3tAcsY9z5NMlWtxMdfTudKrqsvTJj6jP6dbjGTYKeGKaZEemS6vRXkN2Ot4nTwnhheb8YD7rjketL9azCXGh3deQa45KrDXvwA3xUZl-jQ/s1600/Anagallis+alternifolia.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Anagallis alternifolia</i></td></tr>
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<i> </i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpCSuFNXJUr9MzDvYjOxhJ3nJnv8B8q4bQNQXEMHb57sFCOwt8T2HDC48IAxO-Tf8m38cgrtNHzVcYpUJhuC4Qu1xH7SzpTRHtVL4qZVFI16rDg6-YrwFUiawtGnDZGGrHHGddAekrA/s1600/Myriophyllum+quitense.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpCSuFNXJUr9MzDvYjOxhJ3nJnv8B8q4bQNQXEMHb57sFCOwt8T2HDC48IAxO-Tf8m38cgrtNHzVcYpUJhuC4Qu1xH7SzpTRHtVL4qZVFI16rDg6-YrwFUiawtGnDZGGrHHGddAekrA/s1600/Myriophyllum+quitense.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Myriophyllum quitense</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FGbxAKtOmmK9H9zYlWM3wd6db7-1rE4s8VyXFudWlvUUF8BXMB3ImkBbvG966laGmoxQ2IHe9OyBXM_rfXD6VHmvGVlG0deVMwVDyImFFeAYwmo8HbQt6kJSEaGk8TS_Z3Nyjmyo9Q/s1600/Caltha+sagittata.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FGbxAKtOmmK9H9zYlWM3wd6db7-1rE4s8VyXFudWlvUUF8BXMB3ImkBbvG966laGmoxQ2IHe9OyBXM_rfXD6VHmvGVlG0deVMwVDyImFFeAYwmo8HbQt6kJSEaGk8TS_Z3Nyjmyo9Q/s1600/Caltha+sagittata.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> Caltha sagittata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although these wet meadows close to Stanley Airport have an especially rich flora, with several species closely related to European counterparts, the same is true of several other species native to the Falkland Islands found in other locations. On the banks above the marine inlet of Lady Elizabeth Bay, with the shipwreck of Lady Elizabeth that gives it its name, the Falkland species <i>Apium australe</i> which is very similar to our native species, as well as <i>Armeria macloviana</i> are present. The headquarters of diverse species of the genus <i>Armeria </i>are the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula where many species may be found. Throughout Europe close to the sea, and on the tops of relatively high mountains, thrift <i>Armeria maritima</i> is widespread and abundant. <i>Armeria macloviana</i> resembles our thrift more than it does most of the other species of the genus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrDYI7MKgQvGFlf6H4PiBYTgUr-au2TzPEwvBTLI-GEbg__xc8YtIPWEWsplkEbpNxOiYwdkV9H02pprXkwUlRoNxQmoqvNQWW2lcEJcL9fMgE5ZguJ4xz4Jm7J2x-J1RANd9xyrJQQ/s1600/Apium+australe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrDYI7MKgQvGFlf6H4PiBYTgUr-au2TzPEwvBTLI-GEbg__xc8YtIPWEWsplkEbpNxOiYwdkV9H02pprXkwUlRoNxQmoqvNQWW2lcEJcL9fMgE5ZguJ4xz4Jm7J2x-J1RANd9xyrJQQ/s1600/Apium+australe.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Apium australe</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Es9mw1IOGEcwhUMyQIVw39JKqzQ_QaR-dkpSn2SF2X_2m9CPX1Ahj_lCSyJSQBjGrAz-0o1sN5BRTJWDHw_5otgWXgiRPHqTbV4sVZnGjEW2GSwWChfXXQwKSpyuGotAMumK24JAg/s1600/Armeria+macloviana.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2Es9mw1IOGEcwhUMyQIVw39JKqzQ_QaR-dkpSn2SF2X_2m9CPX1Ahj_lCSyJSQBjGrAz-0o1sN5BRTJWDHw_5otgWXgiRPHqTbV4sVZnGjEW2GSwWChfXXQwKSpyuGotAMumK24JAg/s1600/Armeria+macloviana.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Armeria macloviana</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A visit to hills that rise above Stanley support three more species with close European relatives. These are the two pteridophytes <i>Lycopodium magellanicum</i> and <i>Botrychium duscenii</i> both of whom closely resemble their European counterparts. Similarly, the insectivorous <i>Drosera uniflora</i> is present in damp seepages similar to the habitat of its close relatives in Britain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtNQQtzI-yk7qF-LMp4-fuC9JK62X_qR0xLl59n2T2WGrYFnxfmtahCF1SESTC9Fusn4f0hbUXkdK4BYWA_7lK7FiU2i5USc0H1EcVg-7Qpxim180-RShyoBwKERIrLLMcreVE3UauA/s1600/Lycopodium+magellanicum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtNQQtzI-yk7qF-LMp4-fuC9JK62X_qR0xLl59n2T2WGrYFnxfmtahCF1SESTC9Fusn4f0hbUXkdK4BYWA_7lK7FiU2i5USc0H1EcVg-7Qpxim180-RShyoBwKERIrLLMcreVE3UauA/s1600/Lycopodium+magellanicum.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lycopodium magellanicum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KS3XZTOv7rfftW3Lthdt9U16iHnmAJSxbBkhMIKj291JwyMXZEHjiskFI0EByDN_R5TPWuewBj9vlSf7kTAlKUbnGNh_f2UlNJnDZVhpi52o0zDc1QczITs0blvS8BmwNg4p1CFSPA/s1600/Botrychium+duscenii.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KS3XZTOv7rfftW3Lthdt9U16iHnmAJSxbBkhMIKj291JwyMXZEHjiskFI0EByDN_R5TPWuewBj9vlSf7kTAlKUbnGNh_f2UlNJnDZVhpi52o0zDc1QczITs0blvS8BmwNg4p1CFSPA/s1600/Botrychium+duscenii.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Botrychium duscenii</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i> </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp-qN35LgSnq7qorFeX8r0WCagoCA3VCdLsIjajI7NsYasVU1voUCNuXe2zr2hW4o9JgJMiD52oMvRX6wAG2s81gLZ5LuWKDpGXv2wz37sotAYa8VQZfAuGnTWkHfT7BJyRYtNJwN3g/s1600/Drosera+uniflora.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp-qN35LgSnq7qorFeX8r0WCagoCA3VCdLsIjajI7NsYasVU1voUCNuXe2zr2hW4o9JgJMiD52oMvRX6wAG2s81gLZ5LuWKDpGXv2wz37sotAYa8VQZfAuGnTWkHfT7BJyRYtNJwN3g/s1600/Drosera+uniflora.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> Drosera uniflora</i></td></tr>
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One of the most enjoyable experiences of our visit to the Falkland Islands was a three day stay on Bleaker Island down in the south of the archipelago. It is called Bleaker Islands as those who first discovered it found it even bleaker than the island they had just found. It has a permanent population of just two, a farmer and his wife who offer a very pleasant apartment for visitors. The island is ten miles from south to north, and the only other inhabitants which are very abundant, are three species of penguin and a large number of king cormorants. These natives are remarkably friendly if treated with consideration and respect. Although it is extremely remote, two invasive European species were not uncommon. These are <i>Coronopus didymus</i> and<i> Sagina procumbens</i> and it is hard to explain how they became established.<br />
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Experience of the floras of the Canary Islands and of the Falkland Islands has got me thinking, and I have not come up with any sensible conclusions. The presence of close relatives of the temperate flora of the British Isles in the Falkland Islands, and the virtual absence of members of abundant genera such as <i>Gentianella</i>, <i>Euphrasia </i>and <i>Armeria </i>in the Canary Islands, begs a considerable number of questions. The Falkland Islands situation cannot be explained by continental drift, and the slight evolution of members of familiar genera cannot be explained by the arrival by human means; the levels of evolution are too great, and the separation of the Falklands from continental land masses happened much too long ago for species to have evolved so slightly. It is interesting that the short study I have made of the endemic flora of the Galapagos Islands does not come up with similar problems to those I mention above. It might be very instructive to compare the genetic fingerprints of those species that have similar British and Falkland representatives<br />
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This will be the first of a short series of accounts of wildlife in the Falkland Islands. There will be more on the Flora and another full of appreciation of the wonderful, and endearingly charming bird inhabitants.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-13268601536616513922014-07-31T10:06:00.000-07:002014-07-31T10:06:30.490-07:00Gardens in Tenerife in May 2014There are several fascinating gardens in Tenerife. One of the most exciting, enchanting and beautiful to visit is the Orotava Acclimatization Gardens on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz. It was established as a result of the enthusiasm for plants and drive of the Marquis of Villanueva del Prado for species from tropical America in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It reached its heyday in the 19th Century when looked after by the great botanist Hermann Wildpret, after whom the magnificent <i>Echium wildpretii </i>was named. He was also honoured with the name <i>Sonchus wildpretii</i>, a particularly rare endemic species from La Gomera. Although the 19th century is reckoned to have been the zenith of the gardens, they are nonetheless a most important, and impressive place to visit today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILGDUVMJjfFWU7IuiXT2f3CZR6N8pE179BXn2E8Kl1RfmGmjt7c46TN87MNM84-slWeUPe_wuu286oXLarLF7wk188wqzee-k1-a13PiczTv73DRGgSnVDCKrWiDirYBacY0lhEtwcg/s1600/DSC_0292.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILGDUVMJjfFWU7IuiXT2f3CZR6N8pE179BXn2E8Kl1RfmGmjt7c46TN87MNM84-slWeUPe_wuu286oXLarLF7wk188wqzee-k1-a13PiczTv73DRGgSnVDCKrWiDirYBacY0lhEtwcg/s1600/DSC_0292.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gates at the old entrance to the Garden of Acclimatisation</td></tr>
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The gardens are set in Orotava, which is a suburb of Puerto de la Cruz, the second most major town in Tenerife. An impressive gateway leads the visitor into the gardens, and immediately they must be impressed by a mature tree liberally festooned with Spanish Moss, <i>Tillandsia usneoides</i>. This is not a moss or a lichen, in spite of its close resemblance to lichens of the genus <i>Usnea</i>. It is in fact a bromeliad and occasionally will develop tiny green flowers. Beyond the<i> Tillandsia usneoides</i>, a series of paths passing through gardens shaded by magnificent trees beckons. The plants in the gardens are well labelled, and range from Canarian endemic species, to New World plants that have survived since the time the gardens were first established.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqUJ7qVB7dLhmashZ3QsGPdx9F3V22Z18VQ2YxY5zxwUtRXeUIYjbRBU9HMWYWe1trzDKQrR2kdn9QjWSD7uOyYf3cvnhulTBZlCR_Df1X7S49LHVJMHPqFkNuZIawI_kDADEjMB40A/s1600/DSC_0102_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqUJ7qVB7dLhmashZ3QsGPdx9F3V22Z18VQ2YxY5zxwUtRXeUIYjbRBU9HMWYWe1trzDKQrR2kdn9QjWSD7uOyYf3cvnhulTBZlCR_Df1X7S49LHVJMHPqFkNuZIawI_kDADEjMB40A/s1600/DSC_0102_1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Moss on the entrance tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfrz8txJmMhRBy6Ugv-g3Sgqn9qEbAe7ISmLr_f_d7__UKQixBdzS8PmWxaFPWEbwok5DA_w8oSFm1QAe8Pb3etafjbXxBGUC5zQ-iBYIRitIE2eZpeekkuHp-8v_-lvi2mDXh72vjA/s1600/Tillandsia+usneoides.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfrz8txJmMhRBy6Ugv-g3Sgqn9qEbAe7ISmLr_f_d7__UKQixBdzS8PmWxaFPWEbwok5DA_w8oSFm1QAe8Pb3etafjbXxBGUC5zQ-iBYIRitIE2eZpeekkuHp-8v_-lvi2mDXh72vjA/s1600/Tillandsia+usneoides.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tillandsia usneoides</i> in flower, Wisley Gardens</td></tr>
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A truly impressive specimen tree that cannot possibly be missed is a fine Banyan Tree. This tree is a member of the fig family. Flitting around this, and around many of the trees in the garden, may be seen examples of the several endemic birds that inhabit the Canary Islands. Close to the larger of the two ponds, a particular canary made fairly frequent visits while we were there, to a wall top, enabling some useful photos to be taken. The canary is a species of finch which, as a wild bird, is endemic to the Canary Islands and Madeira. The Canarian Chiffchaff, the Tenerife Kinglet and Afrocanarian Bluetit are special bird species which may also be seen. On the ground, the endemic Canarian Lizard may be seen scuttling to and fro. The males are especially impressive often being puffed up, and having a considerable amount of blue decoration. The endemic Canary Speckled Wood is also easy to see as it flits around the gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9g-CBqzseyKwDr0d-O1xhOLSpjUQUXya2lu5hc-mOUmrHw3oEi3AOVQXoarP3MYmbW4scY147pe5QyfyWOiAVUc7bS-WaElh-L7t0ce3LpLzeF9fXf5izfOlRbiCula-sbSN-nPCIw/s1600/Banyan+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9g-CBqzseyKwDr0d-O1xhOLSpjUQUXya2lu5hc-mOUmrHw3oEi3AOVQXoarP3MYmbW4scY147pe5QyfyWOiAVUc7bS-WaElh-L7t0ce3LpLzeF9fXf5izfOlRbiCula-sbSN-nPCIw/s1600/Banyan+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Banyan Tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl26sjMgy_CD_QEj9qaDOWYTqABXDhcKwBwDGBAxK3dEtNhSiwSEgY8bO9Lv9AJLfuzOG9gyZs7vAakq0DZ6vXLYhJo8IUHkbgatDZk0801DXPxBNfGIm5j-JcMHtOBrNJCguKulfzw/s1600/Canary+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl26sjMgy_CD_QEj9qaDOWYTqABXDhcKwBwDGBAxK3dEtNhSiwSEgY8bO9Lv9AJLfuzOG9gyZs7vAakq0DZ6vXLYhJo8IUHkbgatDZk0801DXPxBNfGIm5j-JcMHtOBrNJCguKulfzw/s1600/Canary+2.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A canary </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofIdzQ_mFJaMStCBvQDVtRX-eGKYB8I-pexX_aNDZ46RLu5qmDzordHfwTxprxlLxwih-PykxHX6khx1IDrIm7DAEsytK50fOxen8_pYdiFQGsFP3r19TuretOyHABkktl4mL8CgK7A/s1600/Canary+Lizard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofIdzQ_mFJaMStCBvQDVtRX-eGKYB8I-pexX_aNDZ46RLu5qmDzordHfwTxprxlLxwih-PykxHX6khx1IDrIm7DAEsytK50fOxen8_pYdiFQGsFP3r19TuretOyHABkktl4mL8CgK7A/s1600/Canary+Lizard.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Lizard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyVdnS5Gshc7YXjyzc47RT24vfvval6IktOicCU59QKEuLJboWXUghxPYMZ1cIuI-3WG8snhQo7Zg4xueqlvUrK-clhNUuhCuBAg5PxyHYV9-jg8AcoGdsWoZQjFlHMwGiutuiD315w/s1600/Canary+Speckled+Wood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyVdnS5Gshc7YXjyzc47RT24vfvval6IktOicCU59QKEuLJboWXUghxPYMZ1cIuI-3WG8snhQo7Zg4xueqlvUrK-clhNUuhCuBAg5PxyHYV9-jg8AcoGdsWoZQjFlHMwGiutuiD315w/s1600/Canary+Speckled+Wood.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Speckled Wood</td></tr>
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It was a little disappointing that a pond which used to support a fine collection of Lotuses…(the “Water lily” rather than the bird’sfoot trefoil) had been dredged. During our most recent visit, a single pink flowered lotus graced the centre of the largest pond, with a terrapin lounging in the sunshine on a nearby leaf. The pond full of lotuses before it was dredged, also attracted a good range of attractive dragonflies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PMNlml9jDLWF9h8uNqmgr2FfYKGdIwqX1knrKX4ZNRi4wPWPpefC3-QmwXmb8S0e0XjWzTWMlvYIaDd5fLph8gDKV7ZR-RP_mEN_FWwhlGF0dhF0DK2084dyyT-2J2FBU6kiSB4Gmg/s1600/Lotus+5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PMNlml9jDLWF9h8uNqmgr2FfYKGdIwqX1knrKX4ZNRi4wPWPpefC3-QmwXmb8S0e0XjWzTWMlvYIaDd5fLph8gDKV7ZR-RP_mEN_FWwhlGF0dhF0DK2084dyyT-2J2FBU6kiSB4Gmg/s1600/Lotus+5.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The single Lotus in the largest pond today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBEnJ8euTU9Ssw1PfXIHTOhr6JZo472GbLMFK7PdBt4yaic_RtqgHOPsKhWUOQGmxs8zEryXeOTAIdeFWi6bviFAg2Vk2gg5UnwUrWb9upOo_odMmjURyAcrjyUvRdUj9-4y5eEJ0iA/s1600/Garden+of+Acclimatisation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBEnJ8euTU9Ssw1PfXIHTOhr6JZo472GbLMFK7PdBt4yaic_RtqgHOPsKhWUOQGmxs8zEryXeOTAIdeFWi6bviFAg2Vk2gg5UnwUrWb9upOo_odMmjURyAcrjyUvRdUj9-4y5eEJ0iA/s1600/Garden+of+Acclimatisation.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden of Acclimatization pond in the past, <br />
as it was before dredging</td></tr>
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The gardens contain all manner of attractive plant species, and while we were there, we enjoyed seeing a pineapple in full flower, amongst other things. Several cheese-plant species may be seen climbing up walls and trees and form a particular collection in the covered walkway near the main entrance. These are often graced with their white flowers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3AnvkU_621RBQenWwNGHVaqMVepObBcu4I8XonRpAiPhw5oBwCwYdDs4Xk_k8H2radv0IiPuNa02aTJcDSPMxblUyFlnGqKmnHWRQi8511U9-TrO7OWdmPpGQpcOfev2lDOuWF4cPQ/s1600/DSC_0170_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3AnvkU_621RBQenWwNGHVaqMVepObBcu4I8XonRpAiPhw5oBwCwYdDs4Xk_k8H2radv0IiPuNa02aTJcDSPMxblUyFlnGqKmnHWRQi8511U9-TrO7OWdmPpGQpcOfev2lDOuWF4cPQ/s1600/DSC_0170_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Garden of Acclimatisation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDJCcY7qWVCM9Mp7Cb9vmRSZ2ruuBkXAe1iitKgsjl49HeVxMv91f6yDR80XZBRoeKZCPOG8UeOb_SCevaSuBBIjBp16Ugvnkm2I7Th-V7bjvF326_xcmKmwGKLcDVkCL-rmYLPcUfQ/s1600/DSC_0174_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDJCcY7qWVCM9Mp7Cb9vmRSZ2ruuBkXAe1iitKgsjl49HeVxMv91f6yDR80XZBRoeKZCPOG8UeOb_SCevaSuBBIjBp16Ugvnkm2I7Th-V7bjvF326_xcmKmwGKLcDVkCL-rmYLPcUfQ/s1600/DSC_0174_1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Garden of Acclimatisation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqvP2xwPrmkW8-in0eYcB-ohhPPDnF-6pR7rW_fC4AOj1_NJS4oZaRIXe7p3jqxi7D1CeuNUkdjb6uC4AQ8k2BLajEsVxt4N6lu2XzeE7wIr6rdVMWKNZQnquNG2riiZItq26RVJISg/s1600/DSC_0107_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqvP2xwPrmkW8-in0eYcB-ohhPPDnF-6pR7rW_fC4AOj1_NJS4oZaRIXe7p3jqxi7D1CeuNUkdjb6uC4AQ8k2BLajEsVxt4N6lu2XzeE7wIr6rdVMWKNZQnquNG2riiZItq26RVJISg/s1600/DSC_0107_1.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Garden of Acclimatisation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqMBhnLrS3b8O5EzH9vkMw3jtC5J7tcnHTLKvCmiJIl2PkgGgQuYCHZQAjXXbYB3HQawGeIflr8KGeWOMMAfVhunMNGIB7XNXu_tXbC7J4VZajtCfe67ZcgGKLMxyQkf1dXf2lxNh9A/s1600/Philodendron+giganteum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqMBhnLrS3b8O5EzH9vkMw3jtC5J7tcnHTLKvCmiJIl2PkgGgQuYCHZQAjXXbYB3HQawGeIflr8KGeWOMMAfVhunMNGIB7XNXu_tXbC7J4VZajtCfe67ZcgGKLMxyQkf1dXf2lxNh9A/s1600/Philodendron+giganteum.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Philodendron giganteum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two important Canary Islands endemics grow in the gardens. The first of these is another species of giant viper’s bugloss, <i>Echium simplex</i>. As a wild species, this is rare in Tenerife, and I have seen it on steep slopes near Chinamada. It is not quite as tall as <i>Echium wildpretii</i>, and has white flowers. Recently, it seems to be grown more frequently in gardens, and notably in company with the giant dragon tree at Icod. As a lichenologist, I carry a sheath knife for collecting specimens. Having seen and photographed <i>Echium simplex</i> at Chinamada, I was stopped, and all but arrested by the Guardia Civil in the Tenerife North Airport while attempting to make my way to Gran Canaria. The film with the <i>Echium </i>photos must have slipped out of my pocket, because I never saw it again. The second is <i>Euphorbia atropurpurea</i>. With its purplish flowers, it is more dramatic than many of the other endemic spurges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL3995yhOvHsvcKrdxwSVg2333xQc9LDy72XagIIM-Q4mA8vEFqzGM4THpLAyx5-JsP5b6yb5WtAQIuuHyBL9EGccjMV49wz5wvAV9IGGXfHZd8YA0PBX62KA9VaIsEkqfNAFeROSbQ/s1600/DSC_0270.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL3995yhOvHsvcKrdxwSVg2333xQc9LDy72XagIIM-Q4mA8vEFqzGM4THpLAyx5-JsP5b6yb5WtAQIuuHyBL9EGccjMV49wz5wvAV9IGGXfHZd8YA0PBX62KA9VaIsEkqfNAFeROSbQ/s1600/DSC_0270.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple plant in flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1kFgUAhmJJCpYrKb83HnPrbdEwF30c3YRUsob131zvhwqYss-zItOgJYPVDbNOYyEkfU7RFIXrG82lxXrJ3h-iH5oc8xwDUoL86ckvNa2xg9m75RLK3idDeR53GlKclZJH6yeGMUkA/s1600/Echium+simplex.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1kFgUAhmJJCpYrKb83HnPrbdEwF30c3YRUsob131zvhwqYss-zItOgJYPVDbNOYyEkfU7RFIXrG82lxXrJ3h-iH5oc8xwDUoL86ckvNa2xg9m75RLK3idDeR53GlKclZJH6yeGMUkA/s1600/Echium+simplex.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echium simplex</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwYvKQqHDU2JyY3u2zfD95uwOtWra7pHNXJYzC-6td9P_-u0KxTseFMrvE8aJM0WqVpwXkyIKYyJN0z_2Nca0B8rpY7dNYtRKOu-zimKAMeB2I-W8O7xYJhcKwpTX8euzJ55JtcUVtQ/s1600/Euphorbia+atropurpurea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwYvKQqHDU2JyY3u2zfD95uwOtWra7pHNXJYzC-6td9P_-u0KxTseFMrvE8aJM0WqVpwXkyIKYyJN0z_2Nca0B8rpY7dNYtRKOu-zimKAMeB2I-W8O7xYJhcKwpTX8euzJ55JtcUVtQ/s1600/Euphorbia+atropurpurea.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Euphorbia atropurpurea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOjV0io9eWix30uy2ftuQTPSYrccmjfylXFmpBwMjkvWGQXe_jZc49d24OFfmfxCKz6k4cOPoo2lOgbc-redModsqHVugZXnIbbU64-BPHAQpL2oDSy5wkaOBBpYoLThwGNj3JnHvCg/s1600/Aloe+castanea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOjV0io9eWix30uy2ftuQTPSYrccmjfylXFmpBwMjkvWGQXe_jZc49d24OFfmfxCKz6k4cOPoo2lOgbc-redModsqHVugZXnIbbU64-BPHAQpL2oDSy5wkaOBBpYoLThwGNj3JnHvCg/s1600/Aloe+castanea.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aloe castanea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdz1xy8FWypGoV237lUrX5mLG8rrmOstRoQyObf4P9twZL5wwAr8_P8A4jZf8x5Bc9rY7r0jr2lDuO_9oJpAmNFoDbcWne-lQmaoPFyvFS7BbjKLHb5gvfB9R2B_kaA7KqtkI1xw3KQ/s1600/Wayfarer's+Tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdz1xy8FWypGoV237lUrX5mLG8rrmOstRoQyObf4P9twZL5wwAr8_P8A4jZf8x5Bc9rY7r0jr2lDuO_9oJpAmNFoDbcWne-lQmaoPFyvFS7BbjKLHb5gvfB9R2B_kaA7KqtkI1xw3KQ/s1600/Wayfarer's+Tree.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strelitzia nicolai</i>, Giant Bird of Paradise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not far away from the Acclimitisation Gardens is an establishment called Bananeria which has also been worth a visit. Here a range of bananas are grown including some non fruit bearing species of <i>Musa</i>. The visitor can also enjoy, and buy liqueurs made from bananas. On this latest visit we were not able to visit and fear that it may have suffered in recent economic conditions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4ASmUY8jSeQ6weHlmTh6ncM003iGZbtar63MNichp7jxn2CE0HWx0XAc5zgUG2J9nZAmZ3bocCQYJscjIH14IhHmgdKKXOh_MIzT_tC5B3DIvsYPK06XzGQADIo4W2YCt8uCQzhLjQ/s1600/DSCN0632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4ASmUY8jSeQ6weHlmTh6ncM003iGZbtar63MNichp7jxn2CE0HWx0XAc5zgUG2J9nZAmZ3bocCQYJscjIH14IhHmgdKKXOh_MIzT_tC5B3DIvsYPK06XzGQADIo4W2YCt8uCQzhLjQ/s1600/DSCN0632.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A banana plant in flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another most exciting visit should be made to Icod de los Vinos, where the largest and currently oldest example of the Dragon Tree, <i>Dracaena draco</i> stands. It is known as El Drago Milanerio, the thousand year old dragon, however estimates of its age put it at around three hundred years and perhaps just a little more. Being a member of the monocotyledons, it does not increase in size by putting on annual rings of growth, so assessing its age is difficult. However, it is unlikely that it really is a thousand years old. To visit the tree closely is an expensive exercise, however close to a church that stands above the tree, fine views may be had of it from above. Of some interest is the presence of mature screwpines, <i>Pandanus utilis</i> some of which produce fruits. Like the dragon tree, it is not a pine, but a monocotyledonous tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3E5osOXf3LEaMId4edMx6VUqz9YDlluwPIugWSfnSqmym7Tc3hBghXN7RHK-gLm1NFBrhz7xutaOBS3QhDP6jUqH-TBJqm4zeiUxQkDYjm4ytQb5Dd4ufakOQvDPNKuSB3Hhjzofaw/s1600/Icod+Dragon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3E5osOXf3LEaMId4edMx6VUqz9YDlluwPIugWSfnSqmym7Tc3hBghXN7RHK-gLm1NFBrhz7xutaOBS3QhDP6jUqH-TBJqm4zeiUxQkDYjm4ytQb5Dd4ufakOQvDPNKuSB3Hhjzofaw/s1600/Icod+Dragon.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icod Dragon Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtIM_otLVAelv_U84jk_31kEJ_H2tXPfu3pKJnnVmBbZ7LaZ87A5wSHqTpgXmRWQ1KWz5NUEpCGNMy8Iit9vUGkVR3HtoBv5y4rezYPCAfWBb78VkmKtTpgu2teQ3niSI1vE4Y0TtWw/s1600/Echium+simplex+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtIM_otLVAelv_U84jk_31kEJ_H2tXPfu3pKJnnVmBbZ7LaZ87A5wSHqTpgXmRWQ1KWz5NUEpCGNMy8Iit9vUGkVR3HtoBv5y4rezYPCAfWBb78VkmKtTpgu2teQ3niSI1vE4Y0TtWw/s1600/Echium+simplex+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echium simplex</i> below the Icod Dragon Tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdDmZxmQczLn927J-Rq1C6hVW8GU-DcPU3N-Cqp5VIim3DinXhGSbrC4ylimqIin1-fV3_H6zu71WMXV7mIWm8Y43z_iyr8Jkl9nJMXC3GAAT9BWJBE1biuf9HTslwVY2iewvNC_niA/s1600/Pandanus+utilis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdDmZxmQczLn927J-Rq1C6hVW8GU-DcPU3N-Cqp5VIim3DinXhGSbrC4ylimqIin1-fV3_H6zu71WMXV7mIWm8Y43z_iyr8Jkl9nJMXC3GAAT9BWJBE1biuf9HTslwVY2iewvNC_niA/s1600/Pandanus+utilis.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Screwpine,<i> Pandanus utilis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANlSG4SRw0rhsQtIByJrWW3OmQuHFeBoARZEGu5qiRZLKfQxONo8CFBHQ_oAsRcbFUycpL2CORaBq-HTpWvu4Y4Ul_OX26nH7r8beN5_jQAhOKJGy6LSc3vrAdwXJVNZkzhKcDUGuFQ/s1600/Pandanus+utilis+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANlSG4SRw0rhsQtIByJrWW3OmQuHFeBoARZEGu5qiRZLKfQxONo8CFBHQ_oAsRcbFUycpL2CORaBq-HTpWvu4Y4Ul_OX26nH7r8beN5_jQAhOKJGy6LSc3vrAdwXJVNZkzhKcDUGuFQ/s1600/Pandanus+utilis+4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screwpine fruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another most important garden which is doing a wonderful job keeping Canarian endemic plants in cultivation is La Tahonilla Environmental Centre situated just outside La Laguna. Although not generally open to the public, we were given a warm welcome when we visit it. In serried ranks, pots of developing endemic plants are the first thing the visitor sees. However beyond these, there are some most attractive gardens on steep banks beneath trees where important Canary Island endemic plants can be seen and admired. I was particularly pleased to see members of the genus <i>Lotus</i><i></i>, and especially the very beautiful <i>Lotus maculatus</i>. Unfortunately well past its best, a few examples of the Canarian Dragon Lily, <i>Dracunculus canariensis</i> may be seen in flower beds close to the entrance. An endemic mallow <i>Lavatera acerifolia</i> near the entrance was another endemic I had never seen before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKlg265RVsuh3lw-PKb0-px4EZlVeCyMi8OOUGuZ6-qfL8BmqAUp4vi_hhfeaMTd94T3A-6vfD9ZlvMwqeULckcpKfIsDiroW-Kxj6-CtgiHbK8USRoVm56PYyYw_zIji50ItNtaxhA/s1600/DSC_0615.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKlg265RVsuh3lw-PKb0-px4EZlVeCyMi8OOUGuZ6-qfL8BmqAUp4vi_hhfeaMTd94T3A-6vfD9ZlvMwqeULckcpKfIsDiroW-Kxj6-CtgiHbK8USRoVm56PYyYw_zIji50ItNtaxhA/s1600/DSC_0615.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Endemic plants being propagated in <br />
La Tahonilla Environmental Centre<br />
near La Laguna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU6ZamalJ5DQSyXEjlyWlF3-nbsFjQpIY-rifd4y5SYXapTr4GdkPvfkB8HAoH8axmGLHpitdB9cp3-mxZrbm791ySRwqS7z2UWftHbgnzmeY2C2B6hbTS7x-J7Cwn8EBibfwkhJIOw/s1600/DSC_0652.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoU6ZamalJ5DQSyXEjlyWlF3-nbsFjQpIY-rifd4y5SYXapTr4GdkPvfkB8HAoH8axmGLHpitdB9cp3-mxZrbm791ySRwqS7z2UWftHbgnzmeY2C2B6hbTS7x-J7Cwn8EBibfwkhJIOw/s1600/DSC_0652.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Tahonilla Environmental Centre gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFsSIG_2NeiL-WNZcAwR763kdPmITM9Q576JUkGwSTjGD_S_JzhixvL8JgW6k1IPWRzK9J8vGr67bzrf-nnC2tgSzYSPw77i58s89SdjejWmjjXWxXmMX8aE0hzMA_cMLQEuY6Z8e5g/s1600/Lavatera+acerifolia+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFsSIG_2NeiL-WNZcAwR763kdPmITM9Q576JUkGwSTjGD_S_JzhixvL8JgW6k1IPWRzK9J8vGr67bzrf-nnC2tgSzYSPw77i58s89SdjejWmjjXWxXmMX8aE0hzMA_cMLQEuY6Z8e5g/s1600/Lavatera+acerifolia+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavatera acerifolia</i>, an endemic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNcceOe88R7twAhKproFjDgazQWXaJuSydVEcPaC67cBXQKaisGm7kJMtbr4xNp9CD19h_X3OpmGTku_g9ZMIc1BP8Lry-93Z8cgNLEb5zL3SH0BYlr2RRkkjk4D72sTiXTNJgUfpQ/s1600/Dracunculus+canariensis+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRNcceOe88R7twAhKproFjDgazQWXaJuSydVEcPaC67cBXQKaisGm7kJMtbr4xNp9CD19h_X3OpmGTku_g9ZMIc1BP8Lry-93Z8cgNLEb5zL3SH0BYlr2RRkkjk4D72sTiXTNJgUfpQ/s1600/Dracunculus+canariensis+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dracunculus canariensis</i><br />
The Canary Dragon Lily, a bit past its best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fine terraced gardens at Vilaflor which are home to fabulous displays of the very rare, and endemic <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> have already been mentioned in a previous blog. In the centre of Puerto de la Cruz, there is another series of terraces supporting some fine gardens which include ponds with lotuses in fine condition. In the past, there were glass houses here, and I took the chance to photograph <i>Aristolochia gigantea </i>which was very impressive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY66AMjnOMPaKucn7einpCTmKVdlsO2-1I1V13TzIHoBoTpX-kHUwFVY-7wCJHACDHSOjFGg92WDOl9l4UWGIgkgoN3XJjS1AMTZ1oNwUIJt0yY5iXptQdRZE2AHd5Vd3Vm57LyRk1g/s1600/DSC_0476.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY66AMjnOMPaKucn7einpCTmKVdlsO2-1I1V13TzIHoBoTpX-kHUwFVY-7wCJHACDHSOjFGg92WDOl9l4UWGIgkgoN3XJjS1AMTZ1oNwUIJt0yY5iXptQdRZE2AHd5Vd3Vm57LyRk1g/s1600/DSC_0476.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gardens at Vilaflor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNERFgIo6Xw-KfOAoCPmh3ulmrYeFzWwEpzgG0BSs0CVsGKovbk5iS0c5esw3vbuJNw6Xc0esN2FSfG6UNhXuICNU7hBWT9n27iTuwfwOIye3coNzsCHpUg_xhf3WmWCZlPcRdb8PPqw/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNERFgIo6Xw-KfOAoCPmh3ulmrYeFzWwEpzgG0BSs0CVsGKovbk5iS0c5esw3vbuJNw6Xc0esN2FSfG6UNhXuICNU7hBWT9n27iTuwfwOIye3coNzsCHpUg_xhf3WmWCZlPcRdb8PPqw/s1600/DSC_0145.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pond with Lotuses in the Puerto de la Cruz terraced gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ4xcrRQGdeFWiOzGDLcI_Fg4NyP9UUCoSgtLEj8LLdLAQ-pm05sCpNv_hQ6Fh6OYC7QfExwndSchCbnYsy8KU3G0qotq4NLmJHyoPxNgt1cWx9OvRklJzaH827Z2QpIIdoM27VMpwA/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ4xcrRQGdeFWiOzGDLcI_Fg4NyP9UUCoSgtLEj8LLdLAQ-pm05sCpNv_hQ6Fh6OYC7QfExwndSchCbnYsy8KU3G0qotq4NLmJHyoPxNgt1cWx9OvRklJzaH827Z2QpIIdoM27VMpwA/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bougainvillaea in the Puerto de la Cruz terraced gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkex7qxMeURdVNWk8aL76THeBeMPtIpiijXeGPgJF0mRY9TbcVOl_w6di9x3UDO3ma2IGcXDNUBW-o1mQAP-WuWAkHfIKinxMV5AhoBYuAC2nnvIbM-oW4eUMD50Ni3VxX8PARvPLg/s1600/Aris-Aristolochia+gigantea+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkex7qxMeURdVNWk8aL76THeBeMPtIpiijXeGPgJF0mRY9TbcVOl_w6di9x3UDO3ma2IGcXDNUBW-o1mQAP-WuWAkHfIKinxMV5AhoBYuAC2nnvIbM-oW4eUMD50Ni3VxX8PARvPLg/s1600/Aris-Aristolochia+gigantea+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aristolochia gigantea</i></td></tr>
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-37757491997087793492014-07-26T08:35:00.000-07:002014-07-27T10:33:29.120-07:00Botanising the Canary Islands – La Palma and La Gomera<br />
<b>La Palma</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iphok5p2GW7JgDM3YGeRw4UhEtHqwVH5461nhcauZumP4C4bR-kPyLw3t2rmGRmIvihJW2kvoBMFyWBsKmjEJt637AUYg3OLyxkPzZi9C65FQ8ZPrSljBeHkPeaOmnR0iXXPxf0IRA/s1600/Euphorbia+canariensis-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iphok5p2GW7JgDM3YGeRw4UhEtHqwVH5461nhcauZumP4C4bR-kPyLw3t2rmGRmIvihJW2kvoBMFyWBsKmjEJt637AUYg3OLyxkPzZi9C65FQ8ZPrSljBeHkPeaOmnR0iXXPxf0IRA/s1600/Euphorbia+canariensis-2.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Euphorbia canariensis</i> - reminiscent of organ pipes</td></tr>
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It gave me a considerable thrill as our plane descended into La Palma to notice the Canary Island Spurge growing on hillsides. It was in December 2002 when my wife and I made our first visit to the Canary Islands. We had been intending to go to India, but a period of intense internal religious conflict made that trip impossible. At very short notice, we needed to find somewhere for a holiday. A stunning photograph in a brochure of the Caldera de Taburiente decided us, we chose La Palma.<br />
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Our first experiences in La Palma were not as happy as they might have been. On the coach taking us to where we were to stay, I asked our tour operations representative about car hire. She gave the opinion that she doubted whether it would be possible. Our spirits took a further dive when the site of the hotel was indicated to us. It was a hotel with a beach, surrounded for miles by acre after acre of banana plantations. Luckily at the hotel reception, car hire presented no problems, so the next morning we had a car to take us around the island.<br />
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In many people’s eyes, looking for roadside plants while driving is far from a good idea, and my wife was strongly of this opinion. Although I was confident that looking out for endemics while negotiating tight, hairpin bends was quite safe, she was not. [She still isn't]<br />
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One species I did spot from the car in some quantity in an area of woodland was the orchid <i>Habenaria tridactylites</i> which was in fine flower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi1z1AxMZ1ozII5WaKUJctAkNq581xJaNlg0gGsYek4HDnlw8TIqb1CGjQ4BFUFFPZg5PG9_wmsvKl7uWXElQNjw5GsIxrhFmHt2FBRqTCbQ4jYQ_RKhv-g8MZ5XelCYAlPRP6c-zRQ/s1600/Orch-Habenaria+tridactylites+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzi1z1AxMZ1ozII5WaKUJctAkNq581xJaNlg0gGsYek4HDnlw8TIqb1CGjQ4BFUFFPZg5PG9_wmsvKl7uWXElQNjw5GsIxrhFmHt2FBRqTCbQ4jYQ_RKhv-g8MZ5XelCYAlPRP6c-zRQ/s1600/Orch-Habenaria+tridactylites+1.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Habenaria tridactylites</i></td></tr>
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After I had taken a good series of photos, we drove towards the southern end, where the most recent volcanic activity on the island had taken place. The vegetation was just recovering on the black volcanic ash, and a plant I was particularly pleased to see was <i>Ceropegia hians</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyCmvwuTl950WyumAF2RwCAxJSp8xWoJ_rJuTFyyG8KCUeVO4-7x_INPb7WBkZpoQgbGkHkrHi11RXR9X7DllI9GYC45ijftNAV3dsbENJ0xrAJdHh2TmSyW3pa_CLKXEmiYMtkl-xQ/s1600/Fuecaliente+Vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyCmvwuTl950WyumAF2RwCAxJSp8xWoJ_rJuTFyyG8KCUeVO4-7x_INPb7WBkZpoQgbGkHkrHi11RXR9X7DllI9GYC45ijftNAV3dsbENJ0xrAJdHh2TmSyW3pa_CLKXEmiYMtkl-xQ/s1600/Fuecaliente+Vegetation.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetation developing on volcanic ash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7uDx5Ydls-EMXqi-tuMDJ93V19MzgpxqfBWx-lL6ugUdeSI0DFFj3wqRydu8G40jgSYkReVH9PG1q8BSn8ew0GhJb8iYao8xkXpl7qu4oqCAQWI842pRYLCzX3kXEtBhLyzJsfUznw/s1600/Fuencaliente+Vegetation+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7uDx5Ydls-EMXqi-tuMDJ93V19MzgpxqfBWx-lL6ugUdeSI0DFFj3wqRydu8G40jgSYkReVH9PG1q8BSn8ew0GhJb8iYao8xkXpl7qu4oqCAQWI842pRYLCzX3kXEtBhLyzJsfUznw/s1600/Fuencaliente+Vegetation+2.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetation beginning to develop on ash following the most <br />
recent eruption of 1971</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0UQ5yD61x9osRq0DkIgqKTl5EQ-6WDWPeBKQtXSS_DP82qotTEghWr0KEOsMHXVlL5OqjWOgaaTbkKCkuXHDkcDmgPbAVP27iCqY_6ti0D1BaC25jud-b2cyMbYypNhRwX8rBbsr6g/s1600/Ascl-Ceropegia+hians+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0UQ5yD61x9osRq0DkIgqKTl5EQ-6WDWPeBKQtXSS_DP82qotTEghWr0KEOsMHXVlL5OqjWOgaaTbkKCkuXHDkcDmgPbAVP27iCqY_6ti0D1BaC25jud-b2cyMbYypNhRwX8rBbsr6g/s1600/Ascl-Ceropegia+hians+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ceropegia hians</i></td></tr>
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As we drove around the island, we began to spot fascinating species. One of the most exciting genera in the Canary Islands is <i>Sonchus </i>- a bit of a surprise to many people. Luckily, La Palma is not highly populated, so stopping for roadside plants was not too dangerous. Plants photographed as we drove around included <i>Sonchus palmensis, </i>unfortunately not in flower, and <i>Spartocytisus supranubius</i>, both confined to La Palma in the Canaries.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_xYYDlptzI1zSxlZLD1cPfy_kOSkNME9lPYJxWD-WYA5Ywz_3W1DVMHFxX06yhGdE5laqhHZL74Chs91V7vgzddMGhVPQKiBi4SpCd1_jsB8hDpSwigeLNHTPhEBLGdToaWAjJXSxA/s1600/Comp-Sonchus+palmensis+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_xYYDlptzI1zSxlZLD1cPfy_kOSkNME9lPYJxWD-WYA5Ywz_3W1DVMHFxX06yhGdE5laqhHZL74Chs91V7vgzddMGhVPQKiBi4SpCd1_jsB8hDpSwigeLNHTPhEBLGdToaWAjJXSxA/s1600/Comp-Sonchus+palmensis+1.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sonchus palmensis</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FcOfhzhW5MCaL4FZ6l1i417epQMF2R9AVwRwy-7NMBSvCxInGJgYMAnZit09HxOAiaFp0wmni4tzxYDnRmimToyct2Y_oc2AtsWiNzHS-qM1xTfX0EJvRqE1guV_lj-n0MlHs9lBjQ/s1600/Spartocytisus+supranubius+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FcOfhzhW5MCaL4FZ6l1i417epQMF2R9AVwRwy-7NMBSvCxInGJgYMAnZit09HxOAiaFp0wmni4tzxYDnRmimToyct2Y_oc2AtsWiNzHS-qM1xTfX0EJvRqE1guV_lj-n0MlHs9lBjQ/s1600/Spartocytisus+supranubius+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spartocytisus supranubius </i></td></tr>
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One day, we made a visit to the north of the island to pay our respects to a very important species. This was the Dragon Tree,<i> Dracaena draco</i>. Although easy enough to see planted in parks and gardens, it is very rare as a truly wild plant, and on this day we saw one or two genuinely wild trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnb6RqQbNwi4smcygULOWBLPbnCyjsUxIwCmtCXk2GrnbSNfeyA90B4OpjMuqwHsN3DSNjk09FCKufhv6tWyH7fG1rJelLBGW9FP3GymcI4F5HMfDLwUZEyN0cEeaW1tt4pzuX8J1Ng/s1600/Lil-Dracaena+draco+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnb6RqQbNwi4smcygULOWBLPbnCyjsUxIwCmtCXk2GrnbSNfeyA90B4OpjMuqwHsN3DSNjk09FCKufhv6tWyH7fG1rJelLBGW9FP3GymcI4F5HMfDLwUZEyN0cEeaW1tt4pzuX8J1Ng/s1600/Lil-Dracaena+draco+1.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Dragon Tree</td></tr>
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Another extremely rare plant in La Palma, and confined to it as a wild species, is <i>Echium pininan</i>a. I have been to the valley in which it grows wild, but failed to see it. It grows extremely well in the Channel Islands, and is an escape from cultivation throughout the Isles of Scilly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfFZN9cMwoEXTzE6Yh1TizLHsRIbcreWEHo9xvOdBhhcfVsSWRsRKweHSxj6Isgllx618q6JohqukNFGFcxHZ8J9-L4A-tuABjukRgFb1GlTTMbo-_uDWyGBFomYT9YTuXlpu5F4PMg/s1600/Echium+pininana-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfFZN9cMwoEXTzE6Yh1TizLHsRIbcreWEHo9xvOdBhhcfVsSWRsRKweHSxj6Isgllx618q6JohqukNFGFcxHZ8J9-L4A-tuABjukRgFb1GlTTMbo-_uDWyGBFomYT9YTuXlpu5F4PMg/s1600/Echium+pininana-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echium pininana</i> in a garden in Jersey, Channel Islands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP7z-OK1R06P9sQJMWOGAdA1DcW5Nb6LhONuHfmkzg-_ewIFf5lIkR2tG5lcpacmAJ1XbysnGrSEv2Lo6WTGjQERPdRvGUJxBt-33ww-Bk3g2WU4Pza-cv-qmLVgLyQW6qRtec3BbTg/s1600/Echium+pininana+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP7z-OK1R06P9sQJMWOGAdA1DcW5Nb6LhONuHfmkzg-_ewIFf5lIkR2tG5lcpacmAJ1XbysnGrSEv2Lo6WTGjQERPdRvGUJxBt-33ww-Bk3g2WU4Pza-cv-qmLVgLyQW6qRtec3BbTg/s1600/Echium+pininana+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echium pininana </i>flowers closely resemble<br />
those of UK native Viper's Bugloss</td></tr>
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We only saw one species of the important genus <i>Aeonium </i>that was in flower. This was <i>Aeonium holochrysum</i> which was particularly frequent on the roofs of houses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcotAruAjPljkIAicjhlnprYUrctm4-TyTwaUA_LYKkhD0PMCXGEM-cJpniqKJ0bONBjClNh5lHrmgHcXzldrJ6xiGo3HSYrxUSU4Y08SYwAWPRa-7QLPN5VIJaGdopWF61iOiktEoAQ/s1600/Aeonium+holochrysum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcotAruAjPljkIAicjhlnprYUrctm4-TyTwaUA_LYKkhD0PMCXGEM-cJpniqKJ0bONBjClNh5lHrmgHcXzldrJ6xiGo3HSYrxUSU4Y08SYwAWPRa-7QLPN5VIJaGdopWF61iOiktEoAQ/s1600/Aeonium+holochrysum.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium helichrysum</i></td></tr>
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We did not find too many plant species when we visited the Caldera de Taburiente, but the landscape and views were spectacular. Although not strictly a volcanic crater as it was formed by the erosion of a volcanic crater rather than through an eruption, it is enormous. On the edge is a magnificent tower of rock, and on a promontory on its rim, there is Roque de los Muchachos. On it is an astronomic observatory, and the top is 7949 feet above sea level. It was warm and muggy in the Valley below when we visited it by car, but snowing hard with drifts when we reached the observatory.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBUJQKNJjWc6rvBDW3EakWn5wxpo5sIu8OF1QjSgsGJRxAhEA-s6MpclRwFf5xNV_6P40fyPWErzoJQlusWCglJJqtTH2T5HVTMSzjxpEK61Wcj5NvWOFGtn2Yz8wUsrjXZR5097ljQ/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBUJQKNJjWc6rvBDW3EakWn5wxpo5sIu8OF1QjSgsGJRxAhEA-s6MpclRwFf5xNV_6P40fyPWErzoJQlusWCglJJqtTH2T5HVTMSzjxpEK61Wcj5NvWOFGtn2Yz8wUsrjXZR5097ljQ/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente+2.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caldera de Taburiente</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgvkVfrw6V_bf8Vj1DBI84PaeGUcZdauhz4rzcAJSBEVbGos9Jnj47a3yegLWccw_MAUycK8toxXwi0IiGUH_XZxEdBziXxWGusoa_W3ZTN9w0W7JBwFOgKMg8xIAAjYzsFAIe8F01g/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgvkVfrw6V_bf8Vj1DBI84PaeGUcZdauhz4rzcAJSBEVbGos9Jnj47a3yegLWccw_MAUycK8toxXwi0IiGUH_XZxEdBziXxWGusoa_W3ZTN9w0W7JBwFOgKMg8xIAAjYzsFAIe8F01g/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigantic Rock Pinnacle on the edge of <br />
Caldera de Taburiente</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yS3FMk9Z1POA1VJ-OhZNo4BGnxKcenGZsqeaLFUFS_Ml80VO2Ms4sLcJ3jp9cNp_CWjeG-_FY9vzjCLnfrbxvHrC3h1cr8jgo129foojcK0YLNj28Jsnw9ECCGE_14Zw19QrBDrtww/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente+with+Rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yS3FMk9Z1POA1VJ-OhZNo4BGnxKcenGZsqeaLFUFS_Ml80VO2Ms4sLcJ3jp9cNp_CWjeG-_FY9vzjCLnfrbxvHrC3h1cr8jgo129foojcK0YLNj28Jsnw9ECCGE_14Zw19QrBDrtww/s1600/Caldera+de+Tabouriente+with+Rainbow.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caldera de Taburiente with rainbow</td></tr>
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It would be interesting to know whether Mount Teide can be seen from all the Canary Islands. Certainly distant views may be had of it, usually rising above a cloud bank from La Palma.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY10kCxybL2RuvtjCMeyWZECA57rJI4Kd0gLS9l5rEIu2QxyPNOEDLEGnCrgRMvh1iwEKuD2XI1sErg9awaVzKykU5fXNPzK-czU0d7DrDfTVlIYVHiNgRCudXASVgh3Eeq4hrcUnrQ/s1600/Teide+from+La+Palma.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAY10kCxybL2RuvtjCMeyWZECA57rJI4Kd0gLS9l5rEIu2QxyPNOEDLEGnCrgRMvh1iwEKuD2XI1sErg9awaVzKykU5fXNPzK-czU0d7DrDfTVlIYVHiNgRCudXASVgh3Eeq4hrcUnrQ/s1600/Teide+from+La+Palma.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Teide in the distance from La Palma</td></tr>
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<b>La Gomera</b><br />
<br />
Another island well worth a visit by botanists visiting the Canary Islands is La Gomera. From Tenerife it is reached by ferry from Los Cristianos arriving in San Sebastian. En route, it is not unusual to see a pod of pilot whales, or the tiny sea bird, the Little Shearwater so rarely seen off Britain.<br />
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I have been to La Gomera twice, once when leading a party of naturalists, and once on holiday. On the second occasion, we took our hire car across on the ferry. From San Sebastian, a road takes the visitor up to the Garajonay National Park which is a World Heritage Site because of its ecology and endemic wild plants. Unlike Tenerife, it is wonderfully peaceful, and the roads are never crowded with cars. The roads passing through Garajonay go through woodland, but the road banks supply just the right conditions for many of the species endemic to the island. In other parts, the habitat is more open, and the countryside is dotted with the Canarian endemic palm, <i>Phoenix canariensis</i> along with a confusing array of bushy spurges, many of which grow in the island. I believe I saw the rare <i>Euphorbia lambii</i>, but only through binoculars, so I was unable to photograph it. <br />
<br />
One great surprise after seeing the almost tree sized <i>Sonchus </i>species elsewhere on the islands is to find <i>Sonchus wildpretii </i>with its linear leaves. Unfortunately I have never seen it in flower, however I was lucky to see it at all as it is very rare. The genus <i>Pericallis </i>has many very beautiful Canarian members, but I personally prefer <i>Pericallis steetzii</i> as my favourite, seen occasionally on road banks in Garajonay. Two important endemics were seen on rocky ground with San Sebastian in the distance. These were <i>Aeonium decorum</i> with its purple tinted leaves, and <i>Sideritis lotsyi</i>, similar in many ways to other endemic <i>Sideritis </i>species seen throughout the islands.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_57oYE7Qeu9xG7zqu6pZ6nmsxvqZ3lCyBkegGxtTLoZC1KvqlPd-RvrQlI6M31_rJGH9FvQ_ewTIEyE9YMaJGA8KqkohABymIOPTd2ctZ7geQMB6ZOrXrxrqCkdAUXMS29gPU6lNDbQ/s1600/Soncus+wildpretii.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_57oYE7Qeu9xG7zqu6pZ6nmsxvqZ3lCyBkegGxtTLoZC1KvqlPd-RvrQlI6M31_rJGH9FvQ_ewTIEyE9YMaJGA8KqkohABymIOPTd2ctZ7geQMB6ZOrXrxrqCkdAUXMS29gPU6lNDbQ/s1600/Soncus+wildpretii.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sonchus wildpretii</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKk2TuUdCThNL86XxpgeU4HjHktZzmnu6bSu8LVz0RfTs7PkkirkvVB86bxjl3tHziRgbocD8ozD6IGvW3A5izqjAi2llaaTxk8vE_PHEZYj8NwJgiKuHywgQWJ4-33CKOco0kjsnEA/s1600/Comp-Pericallis+cruenta+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKk2TuUdCThNL86XxpgeU4HjHktZzmnu6bSu8LVz0RfTs7PkkirkvVB86bxjl3tHziRgbocD8ozD6IGvW3A5izqjAi2llaaTxk8vE_PHEZYj8NwJgiKuHywgQWJ4-33CKOco0kjsnEA/s1600/Comp-Pericallis+cruenta+1.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pericallis steetzii</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgbQX8vpgOmj2nQ8bWyVRnj6PDsK_IHAdgD0zZMt8mjOkDgfMK0fGM-wkD3b3TVMW24brwCAst465ADC9oYUbwhy3MDsJYbIkurPrTd0ML94FmfPqQCEOM9xazTsxHSByhXNs00g0lg/s1600/Aeonium+decorum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgbQX8vpgOmj2nQ8bWyVRnj6PDsK_IHAdgD0zZMt8mjOkDgfMK0fGM-wkD3b3TVMW24brwCAst465ADC9oYUbwhy3MDsJYbIkurPrTd0ML94FmfPqQCEOM9xazTsxHSByhXNs00g0lg/s1600/Aeonium+decorum.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium decorum</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxFfV03-BHRZ3cIROq9M2EwA5du7-vHJA0bKJm9FSQ4dm1cIhWa19mwX5A9a2L0GMEwI_EqA4doinXBTzI94teZzikXq6YCJiA5bp7-IAi9MEGuHmAlVVdiVyo47LqctdroKG26y9Yg/s1600/Lab-Sideritis+lotsyi+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxFfV03-BHRZ3cIROq9M2EwA5du7-vHJA0bKJm9FSQ4dm1cIhWa19mwX5A9a2L0GMEwI_EqA4doinXBTzI94teZzikXq6YCJiA5bp7-IAi9MEGuHmAlVVdiVyo47LqctdroKG26y9Yg/s1600/Lab-Sideritis+lotsyi+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sideritis lotsyi</i></td></tr>
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In shady places on the island where this photograph was taken, may be seen the quite harmless, but robust member of the nettle family <i>Gesnouinia arborea</i>. It also occurs on the other western Canary Islands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv3PC3Qc2r0TSLZizVqyxkR0pIug6_pZvtePs_ev-yI4ARSUB6kXBtopwf8-_EADoXCCp4fQNXRxSuV92HjXP7Aso9Wy3aLtWkZn2LdfIDcPKjQ2CGQbNNtPeqO3idO8M-QUF02tvVw/s1600/Urt-Gesnouinia+arborea+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv3PC3Qc2r0TSLZizVqyxkR0pIug6_pZvtePs_ev-yI4ARSUB6kXBtopwf8-_EADoXCCp4fQNXRxSuV92HjXP7Aso9Wy3aLtWkZn2LdfIDcPKjQ2CGQbNNtPeqO3idO8M-QUF02tvVw/s1600/Urt-Gesnouinia+arborea+1.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gesnouinia arborea</i></td></tr>
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Three genera belonging to the stonecrop family are well represented in La Gomera. There are two species of <i>Greenovia </i>on La Gomera, one which is the common <i>Greenovia aurea</i>, the photo here was taken in Tenerife; the other is <i>Greenovia diplocycla</i> of which I am afraid I have no photograph. The genus <i>Aichryson </i>has rather delicate members, and several are present in La Gomera. Seen here is <i>Aichryson laxum</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Pkjkq2sHDksQIWQXctZxgoIBiHTYI8hzIizLtwmPPgw48eQsKLKTWXnaqbva8E19KaMhC3LDfkrpu-DL6QhL7KSprfznfKVfB5n4M05sjF5Cn1ybNa1xhNHMptDJNqsqCH0NTi9Ig/s1600/Greenovia+aurea+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Pkjkq2sHDksQIWQXctZxgoIBiHTYI8hzIizLtwmPPgw48eQsKLKTWXnaqbva8E19KaMhC3LDfkrpu-DL6QhL7KSprfznfKVfB5n4M05sjF5Cn1ybNa1xhNHMptDJNqsqCH0NTi9Ig/s1600/Greenovia+aurea+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Greenovia aurea</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz58kmfRuVRHoaPu2g_hFEquM1t7I8HaY3XrKnlk_jLTPlOZiVtMdkmcvmvsggbw8TLPQPxPyOuTRJWsizXvgvyrr5eqSdZMfWYU3epsijOU4-yI04vFD7GvSJ6vwTFsQ2g45MpqmM1A/s1600/Crass-Aichryson+laxum+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz58kmfRuVRHoaPu2g_hFEquM1t7I8HaY3XrKnlk_jLTPlOZiVtMdkmcvmvsggbw8TLPQPxPyOuTRJWsizXvgvyrr5eqSdZMfWYU3epsijOU4-yI04vFD7GvSJ6vwTFsQ2g45MpqmM1A/s1600/Crass-Aichryson+laxum+1.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aichryson laxum</i></td></tr>
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A strange little genus is <i>Monanthes</i>, which frequently has very swollen, and tinted leaves. Photographed here on La Gomera is one of the commonest species <i>Monanthes laxiflora</i>. I have few photographs of members of this genus, and believe they are either shy of flowering, or have a short flowering season. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN06qrjiU0jY3leAh8lWXHBQW8ho5pnLOaM1ouwKDTa7E95ACXBYTHumPAiFwb-SCky2jXFvHOJnS6tG0PBhm6fDSuwQuW4V54eBWjL7ztQIcV7t9R89ZFGdwcckTdQ2xTlEYm5T037A/s1600/Monanthes+laxiflora.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN06qrjiU0jY3leAh8lWXHBQW8ho5pnLOaM1ouwKDTa7E95ACXBYTHumPAiFwb-SCky2jXFvHOJnS6tG0PBhm6fDSuwQuW4V54eBWjL7ztQIcV7t9R89ZFGdwcckTdQ2xTlEYm5T037A/s1600/Monanthes+laxiflora.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monanthes laxiflora</i></td></tr>
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At the far end of the Island from San Sebastian is a garden associated with the park visitor centre that contains many of the La Gomera endemics. These include the La Gomera endemic <i>Cheirolophus sataratensis</i>. I did not see this in the wild, but I was able to photograph it in the grounds of the centre.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eHKwR_mfkQ3vsQ-ikkKFOeXhn1uC74CiQQtCmveRtPilu0tmvGTDapvl1dfTuM9feuHziNDtuP_o2QKcgXenLO8ZDn5kgT-CTtLnBbznK2QnT3MvkaEb77Na9jn-wxvM6wJPoa9Xsg/s1600/Comp-Cheirolophus+satarataensis+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eHKwR_mfkQ3vsQ-ikkKFOeXhn1uC74CiQQtCmveRtPilu0tmvGTDapvl1dfTuM9feuHziNDtuP_o2QKcgXenLO8ZDn5kgT-CTtLnBbznK2QnT3MvkaEb77Na9jn-wxvM6wJPoa9Xsg/s1600/Comp-Cheirolophus+satarataensis+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheirolophus sataratensis</i></td></tr>
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-87162205366303140982014-07-22T10:17:00.000-07:002014-07-22T10:17:20.815-07:00Tenerife: Visit to Las Canadas National ParkOne of the most dramatic and rewarding experiences in Tenerife is a visit to Las Canadas National Park. This wonderful area is designated as a World Heritage Site. The whole park is a caldera that consists of the remains of a super volcano that collapsed nearly two hundred thousand years ago. Today, we think of the massive volcanic cone of Teide as being impressive; it is the highest mountain in Spain, but it is nothing compared to the original volcano that stood on this site. <br />
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A visit to Las Canadas National Park from Puerto de la Cruz starts with a drive through a large amount of suburbia. However, this can be interesting for the botanist. On a wall beside a suburban road, we found the Canarian endemic member of the stonecrop family, <i>Aichryson parlatorei</i> in excellent flower. Entering the edges of Aguamanza, and before reaching the pine forest, on the roadside verge were fine examples of the beautiful, purple flowered endemic <i>Pericallis echinata</i> and on the same verge was the endemic figwort, <i>Scrophularia smithii</i>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittAlBRArj58iwqObf45ZmXmCbps1yjbBMNsWmHt72OMeXWzeDBfDtfnLuvGDWJdRZiDzk-loKZUw5GPytOVtHN7sgpScKFbqEnxRRNS4baudBfnPxT-jZCKG3ajhxokd9p-i2xWudKA/s1600/Aichryson+parlatorei.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittAlBRArj58iwqObf45ZmXmCbps1yjbBMNsWmHt72OMeXWzeDBfDtfnLuvGDWJdRZiDzk-loKZUw5GPytOVtHN7sgpScKFbqEnxRRNS4baudBfnPxT-jZCKG3ajhxokd9p-i2xWudKA/s1600/Aichryson+parlatorei.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aichryson parlatorei</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtD1tUfjX_PTrqAW7StoBjdjZlIWLvCwERUNajFfRTxiqzoa975UyDmriK_LpbftN4PAsbohmCxpC5yi7QhiSPtgXgIKc8HrMcFoNAub0BGhwPpiV3OA79cXrOXuLEdQoeYLSXAsi7Q/s1600/Perocallis+echinata.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtD1tUfjX_PTrqAW7StoBjdjZlIWLvCwERUNajFfRTxiqzoa975UyDmriK_LpbftN4PAsbohmCxpC5yi7QhiSPtgXgIKc8HrMcFoNAub0BGhwPpiV3OA79cXrOXuLEdQoeYLSXAsi7Q/s1600/Perocallis+echinata.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pericallis echinata</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On leaving the suburbs, the terrain begins to rise up towards the caldera through a zone of Canarian Pine Forest. The species of pine making up the woodland is <i>Pinus canariensis </i>and is endemic to the Canary Islands. Especially on Tenerife, it produces large areas of forest. Amongst other things, this habitat is home to the delightful and endemic Blue Chaffinch. As lichens are a group that I am particularly interested in, I was delighted to see a range of species that would never grow on pine in Britain, but are doing exceptionally well on the trees here. Species included the hairlike <i>Alectoria sarmentosa</i> and <i>Usnea articulata</i> which were surprisingly difficult to separate when growing together in Tenerife. Perhaps the greatest surprises were great cabbage-like bushes of Common Lungwort <i>Lobaria pulmonaria</i> and the delightful, bright yellow lichen <i>Teloschistes flavicans</i>. This latter is particularly rare in Britain, and is particularly pollution sensitive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iDxzB7eG1xIR1ZYe7kZahMuro4jWbD-FKuaUxxK0LCZP5fnqUco5BfIoPTW0IeK_uThtblsz-poOEgGG4MJf0RTfSa91CTRnp1xQl9QGUsKUDmE4de1x0d9nMp6nRemtSYq97XJiEA/s1600/Canary+Pine+Forest+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9iDxzB7eG1xIR1ZYe7kZahMuro4jWbD-FKuaUxxK0LCZP5fnqUco5BfIoPTW0IeK_uThtblsz-poOEgGG4MJf0RTfSa91CTRnp1xQl9QGUsKUDmE4de1x0d9nMp6nRemtSYq97XJiEA/s1600/Canary+Pine+Forest+2.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Island Pine Forest<br />(Photograph: Amanda Davey)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5tOV92mnAkOuE_P7w-eWlUq9OBQt_dyVKMxglAtmEFJ8kHvtqqi_FseNdm99CTC89zf24cZRHh6oL6b7qSWjzc7mnZ38BIJCd3mc2jV-vSupX_ozGyBXGhWweCviX-R3d6-7KIxL6g/s1600/DSC_0711.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5tOV92mnAkOuE_P7w-eWlUq9OBQt_dyVKMxglAtmEFJ8kHvtqqi_FseNdm99CTC89zf24cZRHh6oL6b7qSWjzc7mnZ38BIJCd3mc2jV-vSupX_ozGyBXGhWweCviX-R3d6-7KIxL6g/s1600/DSC_0711.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lobaria pulmonaria</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ3cQnLyBQm_fQojQt-UsP89xp-UoZAe9woS0b-l7AY5I_drkV4JHTDeuyJt6Ns4cthy1E6pjvxn8LrsZ-RlqPJfejg05H21eTd3FrfqvzVfelBg8xODTPQxmSLXHN9eAdorSVpPzhQ/s1600/Teloschistes+flavicans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ3cQnLyBQm_fQojQt-UsP89xp-UoZAe9woS0b-l7AY5I_drkV4JHTDeuyJt6Ns4cthy1E6pjvxn8LrsZ-RlqPJfejg05H21eTd3FrfqvzVfelBg8xODTPQxmSLXHN9eAdorSVpPzhQ/s1600/Teloschistes+flavicans.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teloschistes flavicans</i> – photographed on the Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At lower levels, the flowering plant flora of the woodland is not rich, but as it opens out higher up, the verges especially support a wide range of species. These include the almost white endemic <i>Sideritis oroteneriffae</i> which seems to be restricted to a particular altitude zone in the higher part of the forest. <i>Sideritis </i>is another of those genera that has many endemic relatives in the Canary islands. Also seen here are <i>Aeonium sedifolium</i> and areas where the beautiful, if introduced, Californian Poppy makes a striking show. Another rather scarce little plant from this zone is <i>Helianthemum juliae</i>. The distinctive black triangular shapes at the base of the petals help to distinguish it from other rock roses. It grows amongst its much taller relative <i>Cistus symphytifolius</i> with its large pink flowers. In this same area, the close relative of<i> Cistus symphytifolius</i> occurs, but is rare and differs only slightly. This is<i> Cistus osbeckifolius</i>, a species that I looked out for hard, but failed to find.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq0WhyB7sHNCBK5ZI9Rp4VHZQh6y4o_MamuuYmCHSrZc0XCd1Kci72SxUyOGuqUw83J-sRUmeTgjDthO-rsbdnSu4Ae_7bhHJrhvJLzk7-2kUR_u_DuE3Eq3ZDKNdfTtnklcR0ux1IQ/s1600/Sideritis+oroteneriffae+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivq0WhyB7sHNCBK5ZI9Rp4VHZQh6y4o_MamuuYmCHSrZc0XCd1Kci72SxUyOGuqUw83J-sRUmeTgjDthO-rsbdnSu4Ae_7bhHJrhvJLzk7-2kUR_u_DuE3Eq3ZDKNdfTtnklcR0ux1IQ/s1600/Sideritis+oroteneriffae+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sideritis oroteneriffae</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYaX4SG5cYdPQ6XO6AQJJDWf8aa4xpfute5B61t_i26knQ_NZqciv4n0xk8H8bS0WFnXAAOpCdjtbIVtCbaoxUDCBYgCo8Cr0z0yDAWgFWJiWdUFQpA3uOxMmdRjOFZhyfgSOm591Ng/s1600/Aeonium+spathulatum+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYaX4SG5cYdPQ6XO6AQJJDWf8aa4xpfute5B61t_i26knQ_NZqciv4n0xk8H8bS0WFnXAAOpCdjtbIVtCbaoxUDCBYgCo8Cr0z0yDAWgFWJiWdUFQpA3uOxMmdRjOFZhyfgSOm591Ng/s1600/Aeonium+spathulatum+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium spathulatum</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1m6wAKb3KPuIerGboVqHAzZy5tjBflJwcJ64Nmn0-P5dLxk6QEh60pzyUTZNjbmMK9H4zCbhkZIPunQhRiYNektcMexkMsyxOBXhbdn6N-CBOVXS-wguGloYG1F-4iltMvGZrAo2uA/s1600/Helianthemum+juliae.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1m6wAKb3KPuIerGboVqHAzZy5tjBflJwcJ64Nmn0-P5dLxk6QEh60pzyUTZNjbmMK9H4zCbhkZIPunQhRiYNektcMexkMsyxOBXhbdn6N-CBOVXS-wguGloYG1F-4iltMvGZrAo2uA/s1600/Helianthemum+juliae.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Helianthemum juliae</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0mO5JGfNAUc7OWNnkd9rrBZz3uCswoC2B1vRqJ0mC5Rd7tepazymX-0rnQLNlsflCWPnsKx-qv2dfesmGbEeCZV86Upw6BZoHNmL9RUEei7f-3Z28_iUanFnh2KXOIGYOsZ5oSc-eg/s1600/Cistus+symphytifolius+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0mO5JGfNAUc7OWNnkd9rrBZz3uCswoC2B1vRqJ0mC5Rd7tepazymX-0rnQLNlsflCWPnsKx-qv2dfesmGbEeCZV86Upw6BZoHNmL9RUEei7f-3Z28_iUanFnh2KXOIGYOsZ5oSc-eg/s1600/Cistus+symphytifolius+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cistus symphytifolius</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once out into the open and arid countryside of Las Canadas Country Park, the main features are the dotted, bushy clumps of species such as the white <i>Spartocytisus supranubius</i>, the yellow <i>Tolpis webbii </i>and <i>Adenocarpus viscosus</i>. The white flowered <i>Argyranthemum teneriffae</i> is abundant, especially by the road, as is the scabious relative <i>Pterocephalus lasiospermus</i>. These are the main components of much of the flora of Las Canadas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJxOeaM7_od5sqsYbciuB5Oe72FEgOyF7oXd4yQFfkuhPZH0hMCe85u82flhqFUi4AU2GbK1n4NAhCCzBUxuUsPMJa7DgcjuBI3Qfk3KIjaEDyEeXvAOzvjjQrPcaJHEewJqU7l9Fnw/s1600/Teide+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJxOeaM7_od5sqsYbciuB5Oe72FEgOyF7oXd4yQFfkuhPZH0hMCe85u82flhqFUi4AU2GbK1n4NAhCCzBUxuUsPMJa7DgcjuBI3Qfk3KIjaEDyEeXvAOzvjjQrPcaJHEewJqU7l9Fnw/s1600/Teide+6.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPR5xPvKMQ20OEHs-giEnYtPOqil7MXVmSXxBErn-ex0RoHor4I9TQU4cAtg-St6DEj_7iKPHnMlA-_XzK6MABWk4q1f3R8GAXFG3td1WqoEfyrHAYCQBJ67xJ1nNhnLwftoV_Qqg1Q/s1600/Road+through+Las+Canadas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPR5xPvKMQ20OEHs-giEnYtPOqil7MXVmSXxBErn-ex0RoHor4I9TQU4cAtg-St6DEj_7iKPHnMlA-_XzK6MABWk4q1f3R8GAXFG3td1WqoEfyrHAYCQBJ67xJ1nNhnLwftoV_Qqg1Q/s1600/Road+through+Las+Canadas.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road through Las Canadas<br />(Photograph: Amanda Davey)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1bagydaMOJeypBMfujdtnGjphNZp_ZyxGcsGGwumFT-hbFRlAPVedEkWKrxcyZ7AeeMaI8xXM5-xKsaG95ZtygxKxNCazdTbx76MAHkrbpSRbnXPcBKuEMrKX0QgygKUjoYmJnj9MA/s1600/Las+Canadas+Vegetation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1bagydaMOJeypBMfujdtnGjphNZp_ZyxGcsGGwumFT-hbFRlAPVedEkWKrxcyZ7AeeMaI8xXM5-xKsaG95ZtygxKxNCazdTbx76MAHkrbpSRbnXPcBKuEMrKX0QgygKUjoYmJnj9MA/s1600/Las+Canadas+Vegetation.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Las Canadas Vegetation<br />(Photograph: Amanda Davey)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8whxpcqY7AXAYvRMJgCDBKGm4l9yb_ZflmGyoB-fLKVMed47WCkkwcnWVtrX0fo6JobB3ljpRtI4pYcPusy08RbrZK530jcSiGae3BxdLBia4P5GBEhvFe5v9CJEUQAmbYm8tHSR5w/s1600/Comp-Argyranthemum+teneriffae+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8whxpcqY7AXAYvRMJgCDBKGm4l9yb_ZflmGyoB-fLKVMed47WCkkwcnWVtrX0fo6JobB3ljpRtI4pYcPusy08RbrZK530jcSiGae3BxdLBia4P5GBEhvFe5v9CJEUQAmbYm8tHSR5w/s1600/Comp-Argyranthemum+teneriffae+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Argyranthemum teneriffae</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx4Zg5GV5xwPUXAMjVOgkr78ULdI_SzkprItzZ3LwpvUqeUwuOTuTPCO-g10MrJ7Ggnj_LctzH5zcdMjcJbQefBw2JrIrQJFggZ929CGbNqlYcR6fTlggSwxaMSRK0_LcbGNY3pgD_g/s1600/Pterocephalus+lasiospermus+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQx4Zg5GV5xwPUXAMjVOgkr78ULdI_SzkprItzZ3LwpvUqeUwuOTuTPCO-g10MrJ7Ggnj_LctzH5zcdMjcJbQefBw2JrIrQJFggZ929CGbNqlYcR6fTlggSwxaMSRK0_LcbGNY3pgD_g/s1600/Pterocephalus+lasiospermus+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pterocephalus lasiospermus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJs3VgPWj6lTym_0MmqF3xPTIK6bPHZ-X2WXfvOToX-8NTC_XQkhnonvFB1JF06x_F1VjqayF-UFmngTH-pq6bUabqtPCU1GtgWkTV62CwP03N3UB17MubhtdE_wQg2jCaQQYZ2ybaQ/s1600/Spartocytisus+supranubius+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJs3VgPWj6lTym_0MmqF3xPTIK6bPHZ-X2WXfvOToX-8NTC_XQkhnonvFB1JF06x_F1VjqayF-UFmngTH-pq6bUabqtPCU1GtgWkTV62CwP03N3UB17MubhtdE_wQg2jCaQQYZ2ybaQ/s1600/Spartocytisus+supranubius+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Spartocytisus supranubius</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is on approaching the base of Teide and the Parador that the most dramatic species of the area becomes such a feature. This is the endemic bugloss <i>Echium wildpretii</i> that is virtually restricted to Las Canadas in the world. Outside Las Canadas, and entering it from the south, it can be encountered just above Viraflor where <i>Lotus bertelotii</i> can be seen so well. Close to the base of Teide is the real home of <i>Echium wildpretii</i>, where its tall spikes can dominate the arid volcanic landscape.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLPeOtocM0DEmfiZnBaNBSdkc5QmL-hBIfaxESY1__tAECdUPfkp0mZIuT3bAoBQZybW-BFtnGv9kkKTGjK-TlgsWPIyUHKtpKIu-mVY_YlGKcBzVXk9zj5yHfB9cf34wHsHNglF5hg/s1600/Echium+wildpretii+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLPeOtocM0DEmfiZnBaNBSdkc5QmL-hBIfaxESY1__tAECdUPfkp0mZIuT3bAoBQZybW-BFtnGv9kkKTGjK-TlgsWPIyUHKtpKIu-mVY_YlGKcBzVXk9zj5yHfB9cf34wHsHNglF5hg/s1600/Echium+wildpretii+4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Echium wildpretii </i><br />(Photograph: Amanda Davey)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One species I had particularly hoped to find is the endemic <i>Viola cheiranthifolia</i>. This delightful little plant grows amongst stones on the slopes of Mount Teide itself. Although I was given directions to a relatively low altitude spot where it was supposed to be, even scanning with binoculars I failed to find it. I had also hoped perhaps to see it in one of the gardens I visited, but this plant eluded me. Perhaps May is the wrong time of year for it.<br />
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In the past, there were gardens surrounding the Park Visitor Centre, where a number of the endemic species of Las Canadas could be seen. This included the rare <i>Cheirolophus teydis</i> with its pale yellow flowers. <i>Cheirolophus </i>is another important genus with several Canarian endemic species, and most are rather rare, and restricted in range. I have only ever seen this one in flower in September and October. This time I could not even see it in seed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9e1SlsQoF-59vY-euA8tsplh6YvBLMnRhUh-nQDeS7BI6uG7GT9iHWAUYNBbPspEOKlGWZYN59P1U0_FcuYbjQH4da5l61KjutzlHQPd1_LUmXMQiWNbxD0LvUk34gsL3qnCacDjTw/s1600/Comp-Cheirolophus+teydis+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9e1SlsQoF-59vY-euA8tsplh6YvBLMnRhUh-nQDeS7BI6uG7GT9iHWAUYNBbPspEOKlGWZYN59P1U0_FcuYbjQH4da5l61KjutzlHQPd1_LUmXMQiWNbxD0LvUk34gsL3qnCacDjTw/s1600/Comp-Cheirolophus+teydis+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheirolophus teydis</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another blue flowered endemic with a very restricted range is <i>Nepeta teydea</i>. My experience is that it is restricted to a small area to the south west of Teide itself where it is easy to see on the roadside verge. Also growing in this area is the ordinary, but endemic <i>Arrhenatherum calderae</i>, a relative of our very common false oat grass. This one, however is extremely restricted in occurrence.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgGjoSg9bfWVGSL52s9CijURpxOZi3EOaMM0H_V4z25oXOblVdopL1Fe8XiL5tpMZmTHtM0bHa0PztqjC6bym7__YlLd65vyxIF07nxGrx1-1UYMJpezXE4I1nrxG5tprlRgcYElEHQ/s1600/Nepeta+teydea+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgGjoSg9bfWVGSL52s9CijURpxOZi3EOaMM0H_V4z25oXOblVdopL1Fe8XiL5tpMZmTHtM0bHa0PztqjC6bym7__YlLd65vyxIF07nxGrx1-1UYMJpezXE4I1nrxG5tprlRgcYElEHQ/s1600/Nepeta+teydea+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nepeta teydea</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM7OGUgXgaGBBqp3x65QpQrsNdxtExre7q8jk2cX-3FHwrfHT8AOn-AjIf1p-C7D1DMH8pvInq8J9X8d3k_q9CsKdbrU_rIpj-qBoP9I0xL1Wq2TMnEMponVsrtYJdz55Ky0z0KW9Cw/s1600/Arrhenatherum+calderae+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidM7OGUgXgaGBBqp3x65QpQrsNdxtExre7q8jk2cX-3FHwrfHT8AOn-AjIf1p-C7D1DMH8pvInq8J9X8d3k_q9CsKdbrU_rIpj-qBoP9I0xL1Wq2TMnEMponVsrtYJdz55Ky0z0KW9Cw/s1600/Arrhenatherum+calderae+4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Arrhenatherum calderae</i></td></tr>
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No visit to Las Canadas would be complete without a chance to marvel at its volcanic splendour. At 3718 metres (12198 feet) Mount Teide is a high, and impressive mountain. At this altitude, it frequently retains snow on its upper reaches well into May. It is possible to ascend the mountain by cable car. More often than not, the view, although majestic, is a sea of white cloud far below, out of which emerge other members of the Canarian archipelago. Beneath the summit can be seen Teide’s Nostrils. These are the result of an eruption that was witnessed by Columbus as he sailed past Tenerife in the 16th century. The last eruption took place in 1909, and during one eighteenth-century eruption, the harbour of a fishing village (Garachico) on the north coast was dramatically filled with larva.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ-cyG4cM_IMk7q9uAN_Nnq6wa4SvvMF3nj1ap3xF_i-GOu0yOg7YNhm36Zoal2hBjf0YYv6ilzj6LxbBp-TvHuxY9vo2K7cC0s_HY1Y638O0t6X024Qn64N4aG1Bbr-LpOOv9EN0Yw/s1600/Teide's+Nostrils+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJ-cyG4cM_IMk7q9uAN_Nnq6wa4SvvMF3nj1ap3xF_i-GOu0yOg7YNhm36Zoal2hBjf0YYv6ilzj6LxbBp-TvHuxY9vo2K7cC0s_HY1Y638O0t6X024Qn64N4aG1Bbr-LpOOv9EN0Yw/s1600/Teide's+Nostrils+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teide’s Nostrils</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBpjPCQjm9y_kRVOcQ3Q-BujMdVXNXWqN3-KAXAFiwGUkJpqM-wXVGcvtKuElk5CqlDol3-PQonvApkxLoISkOlXJ2FzlFVLIPU7G1oGV3O3q6ElG3IgXpqP23G_H4voPYgife1y8fA/s1600/Las+Canadas+Volcanic+Landscape.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBpjPCQjm9y_kRVOcQ3Q-BujMdVXNXWqN3-KAXAFiwGUkJpqM-wXVGcvtKuElk5CqlDol3-PQonvApkxLoISkOlXJ2FzlFVLIPU7G1oGV3O3q6ElG3IgXpqP23G_H4voPYgife1y8fA/s1600/Las+Canadas+Volcanic+Landscape.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape dominated by volcanic lava <br />(Photograph: Amanda Davey)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaDTW4Tpd5bZ6x1qgKYvsVVnTBRPr_WJF7NK6l57W4iK2dx8xmlLCvU7Qvqeahb-r8O8fYxa0_JMj8vqkaKzKYdUysbr82_rVCkPXafXtVOn1D-NHZiCtHFts780tNnWpXcnr1MVymQ/s1600/Lava+flow+Las+Canadas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaDTW4Tpd5bZ6x1qgKYvsVVnTBRPr_WJF7NK6l57W4iK2dx8xmlLCvU7Qvqeahb-r8O8fYxa0_JMj8vqkaKzKYdUysbr82_rVCkPXafXtVOn1D-NHZiCtHFts780tNnWpXcnr1MVymQ/s1600/Lava+flow+Las+Canadas.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solidified lava flow near the base of Mount Teide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbeF9er6fnpBhhvBLpfzVvcPT0YV-ZjvXCXa8_91eYmqyzaInDlPJdE5PsxrUa_9eh0XzuX5BTKM_UWN5MF5m7n6VCM6uvMNKT64LRfWqjxIkT2YMegZ_e7we_4PGaspcKI6-15bgZQ/s1600/Las+Canadas+Ash+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbeF9er6fnpBhhvBLpfzVvcPT0YV-ZjvXCXa8_91eYmqyzaInDlPJdE5PsxrUa_9eh0XzuX5BTKM_UWN5MF5m7n6VCM6uvMNKT64LRfWqjxIkT2YMegZ_e7we_4PGaspcKI6-15bgZQ/s1600/Las+Canadas+Ash+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banded volcanic ash near the edge of Las Canadas National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3X4Umm4tj5vTrPK8Bd9JsDBWXxehJqdPcxan1gKfxxeiE3svLBWoU9_Gt-sswUmufQ5ZNXvXZCrV4CL1dYt9htVvLpvq5JA09QuYv765fZkBfyKInwftmOnoVAbmmSv5r_wzp8byBaw/s1600/La+Palma+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3X4Umm4tj5vTrPK8Bd9JsDBWXxehJqdPcxan1gKfxxeiE3svLBWoU9_Gt-sswUmufQ5ZNXvXZCrV4CL1dYt9htVvLpvq5JA09QuYv765fZkBfyKInwftmOnoVAbmmSv5r_wzp8byBaw/s1600/La+Palma+4.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Palma rising above surrounding cloud</td></tr>
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Two features of particular importance are the dramatic lava flow that can be seen from the road close to the base of Mount Teide. A convenient car park allows the visitor to enjoy fine views of it. On leaving Las Canadas on one of the major access roads that heads to La Laguna, the road passes by a spectacular series of layers of ash ranging from white to almost black. Once again, there is a convenient car park here, and in suitable weather, which is frequent, the island of La Palma to the west can be seen rising from the surrounding cloud bank. One feature of Canarian weather seems to be that the Anaga Ridge, and Puerto de la Cruz are frequently smothered in cloud while Las Canadas National Park rises majestically above it.<br />
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-55801956528978484902014-07-17T10:33:00.001-07:002014-07-17T10:36:51.929-07:00Paying Homage to Lotus berthelotii<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KBTWrr4YbHI5ywvbEVfoPzFnk4b2hWxgRIvfU1h0iEWGpqVjX_1WvrdlFW-5t0myrFZDbPystNJjGwJZv4mhAY9piByUiu-q6vroglyskjuH7VZtfg4jsQzdBxw2Iq1zBpNMG1d9BA/s1600/San+Isidro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KBTWrr4YbHI5ywvbEVfoPzFnk4b2hWxgRIvfU1h0iEWGpqVjX_1WvrdlFW-5t0myrFZDbPystNJjGwJZv4mhAY9piByUiu-q6vroglyskjuH7VZtfg4jsQzdBxw2Iq1zBpNMG1d9BA/s1600/San+Isidro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arid habitat above the sea near San Isidro</td></tr>
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<i></i>It was fairly early in our holiday in Tenerife that my wife and I decided we should go and visit Vilaflor to try and see <i>Lotus berthelotii</i>. I say try to see, since I did not know whether the time we were there was its flowering season, and the information we had received might not have been taking this into account. The first part of the journey was along the motorway that connects Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz de Tenerife with the airport and the south east of the island. My wife Amanda was map reading, and indicated where we should leave the motorway, and strike up into the hills.<br />
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The road we took was not busy and soon after we had started climbing, we passed through some interesting, dry habitat where there was a very convenient parking place. The area was close to the sea, and as well as being arid, had a considerable maritime influence. The first species I found belonged to Lotus, a genus I am particularly interested in. Although common and usually in maritime habitats, it was nonetheless good to find <i>Lotus glaucus</i> in reasonable quantities. <i>Frankenia capitata</i> also added to maritime species as did <i>Aizoon canariense</i>, a maritime species that is not typical of its family <i>Aizoaceae</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1EgP6FR1drUqho-IrtRAJDvvjucy7B9kSAcHLxOEo3tPffruFANK1AuqScP7o2YeJvcJz2mTY8q2w-lLdM0We41pWzfhNl5A8KS9IDOEX7P96qRUvjKGbJH0Txb4OYgtrmsjJYoP0g/s1600/Lotus+glaucus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1EgP6FR1drUqho-IrtRAJDvvjucy7B9kSAcHLxOEo3tPffruFANK1AuqScP7o2YeJvcJz2mTY8q2w-lLdM0We41pWzfhNl5A8KS9IDOEX7P96qRUvjKGbJH0Txb4OYgtrmsjJYoP0g/s1600/Lotus+glaucus.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus glaucus</i>. Near the village of San Isidro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwXk0rkGLX1gIJG2kfldv2VQYtV6e_clGU6hMq03Z28KAt4LTO3fEDkp3Ne_WOwoV1jK8rE1PNX7Tdw_KiIw6qluv7E3ygLqpItDoreS9dDrW54RUkh9g79IynuCR6pjdJ0vQ9Zng1A/s1600/Frankenia+capitata.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwXk0rkGLX1gIJG2kfldv2VQYtV6e_clGU6hMq03Z28KAt4LTO3fEDkp3Ne_WOwoV1jK8rE1PNX7Tdw_KiIw6qluv7E3ygLqpItDoreS9dDrW54RUkh9g79IynuCR6pjdJ0vQ9Zng1A/s1600/Frankenia+capitata.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Frankenia capitata.</i> Coastal species from near San Isidro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjvj_waW6crYF35F6EJaif-TSZAZTkNzxQPhX_QxsI5E8ySIaNqsY5yKCIXrN3msoXgqfBG_uZWc4GVvKi4ExiUcRT_Ybc-CjtUuS5wQFIFRYQ2g-ZlVycS6rPk7HuKbXLsOSr0IqSQ/s1600/Aizoon+canariense.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjvj_waW6crYF35F6EJaif-TSZAZTkNzxQPhX_QxsI5E8ySIaNqsY5yKCIXrN3msoXgqfBG_uZWc4GVvKi4ExiUcRT_Ybc-CjtUuS5wQFIFRYQ2g-ZlVycS6rPk7HuKbXLsOSr0IqSQ/s1600/Aizoon+canariense.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aizoon canariense</i>. Canary Islands, coastal endemic</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>In hollows dotted around the site, two more typical members of that family growing together were dominant, giving them a different appearance. These species were<i> Mezembryanthemu crystallinum</i> and the smaller flowered <i>Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzTmk9NtAdF-NHdlqgkt7bK8Wkrcd47VS6nwZkMi-9RYl5GTHq53Sk9CEhPr6BtuZqeGzKAu7wWYGD6gSb6LB6QXqJIemmrXuMmbj3yzDHh_Vp6PHCZPf8RETek1OVGAlyoXK10OFqQ/s1600/Mesembryanthemum+nodiflorum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzTmk9NtAdF-NHdlqgkt7bK8Wkrcd47VS6nwZkMi-9RYl5GTHq53Sk9CEhPr6BtuZqeGzKAu7wWYGD6gSb6LB6QXqJIemmrXuMmbj3yzDHh_Vp6PHCZPf8RETek1OVGAlyoXK10OFqQ/s1600/Mesembryanthemum+nodiflorum.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum.</i> Near San Isisdro</td></tr>
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We then drove on through the small town of San Isidro. On each side of the road, in rather dry habitat, the magnificent <i>Aeonium urbicum</i> was abundant. This is one of the largest of the <i>Aeonium </i>species, being tall, with a triangular, pink flower head on top of a tall stalk. It is very similar to <i>Aeonium</i> <i>pseudourbicum</i> that grows in the same area and habitat. <i>A. pseudourbicum</i>, however has pubescent flowers. Although to approach most of the plants meant climbing over walls, and across private ground, there was one I got really close to, and I was able to photograph the flowers closely, showing they were not pubescent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtWo-Rln4brE8y5o7g3mBQgdnRTiAZ9YgfIblVrmQH2MfBSj0WJyk6LyQG9_vfXgxZgS8Uu7sYexfHKmD9ydNp4DutPRWcUEcttOJP6c4vPigR50ligNQpAu7tPjzqlo6NW5zlFbAfg/s1600/Aeonium+urbicum+6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtWo-Rln4brE8y5o7g3mBQgdnRTiAZ9YgfIblVrmQH2MfBSj0WJyk6LyQG9_vfXgxZgS8Uu7sYexfHKmD9ydNp4DutPRWcUEcttOJP6c4vPigR50ligNQpAu7tPjzqlo6NW5zlFbAfg/s1600/Aeonium+urbicum+6.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium urbicum</i>. Near the village of San Isidro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImYy4McC24t86Dv7vpLFK1X_KjMDmqxqdm7aNjvDLzR9oiu9X9cRmMHtUi1OtXoRyazUvQyNyVTjnA-DUGrKxM77Rh0XDsjhBZmtzlPlbN7u-VHy5OGmyEUl3JqJrHplyl2fkAZDBFw/s1600/Aeonium+urbicum+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImYy4McC24t86Dv7vpLFK1X_KjMDmqxqdm7aNjvDLzR9oiu9X9cRmMHtUi1OtXoRyazUvQyNyVTjnA-DUGrKxM77Rh0XDsjhBZmtzlPlbN7u-VHy5OGmyEUl3JqJrHplyl2fkAZDBFw/s1600/Aeonium+urbicum+7.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium urbicum</i>. Close up showing detail of flowers</td></tr>
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Between San Isidro, and Vilaflor, we stopped briefly in an area of scrub where <i>Cistus monspeliensis</i>, and the common Canarian endemic <i>Cistus symphytifolius</i> were abundant. One reason for stopping was to look at a rampant <i>Convolvulus</i> that turned out to be a form of <i>Convolvulus aethioides</i>. This is not a Canarian native. In fact, there is a large range of sometimes unfamiliar non native species that are abundant, and these do not appear in the literature. This can be very confusing. Also at this stop, there was another <i>Aeonium</i>, this time past flowering, and having tinted leaves. This I believe is <i>Aeonium sedifolium</i>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY8nDuXIEei3ivKChyphenhyphen82wniP8VnvsQlNyjeU8UbTamqlcNNWjPK4UaPIEdVrIUSgJzqBQ20kIn0SR0F8Ur-Yisv0Flr2LpQaZNBFGulUZxu_Hv90zoBaJMdHXhb9SWisrTn1TVViKUQ/s1600/Aeonium+sedifolium.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY8nDuXIEei3ivKChyphenhyphen82wniP8VnvsQlNyjeU8UbTamqlcNNWjPK4UaPIEdVrIUSgJzqBQ20kIn0SR0F8Ur-Yisv0Flr2LpQaZNBFGulUZxu_Hv90zoBaJMdHXhb9SWisrTn1TVViKUQ/s1600/Aeonium+sedifolium.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aeonium sedifolium</i>. Near Vilaflor</td></tr>
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We then continued on to Vilaflor. The village is a bit away from the road that continues on to the Teide National Park, however we found two churches, and reckoned that the gardens we wanted would be those close by. The garden layout was a series of terraces, and to our great delight they were full of fine examples of <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> in perfect flower. There were also a number of other Canarian wildflowers present in the flower beds. Soon, we were taking a series of photographs of this little gem, so rare in the wild, and possibly confined to a single plant. I have heard that the reason it, and similar species have become so close to extinction is that they were pollinated by the long extinct Canary Sunbird. On blossoms in the garden, we were particularly pleased to see endemic Canarian Red Admirals that used to be included under Indian Red Admiral. They behaved beautifully allowing us to take several photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3aQr4m2aiV-EMcx8nN_Z9P586mqMs67HlPNcX9xZGOjspefuf0OpaLrRZyUqqb9SVEYtvWqqR7M0i9QYUxaLRa-GwYt4BU3M1EkjTBU-zZXNT4hre3ka3xObMre5XLCJTGygjyC-mQ/s1600/Vilaflor+Gardens.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3aQr4m2aiV-EMcx8nN_Z9P586mqMs67HlPNcX9xZGOjspefuf0OpaLrRZyUqqb9SVEYtvWqqR7M0i9QYUxaLRa-GwYt4BU3M1EkjTBU-zZXNT4hre3ka3xObMre5XLCJTGygjyC-mQ/s1600/Vilaflor+Gardens.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens at Vilaflor with a bed of <i>Lotus berthelotii</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVkXbIqzTv3U5i8VMy_eYVgEv8AvLVBuUOa3t0eOpr8Bl6xjjLGtP5Lk0CbRMqZwdQTqYWLhy5GAwAq_i6LznOjuqqdpX_RSaSFfTvpmP52nbzlUusWum5sp8JHqrn0FE6_lv62jxlw/s1600/Lotus+bertholotii.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVkXbIqzTv3U5i8VMy_eYVgEv8AvLVBuUOa3t0eOpr8Bl6xjjLGtP5Lk0CbRMqZwdQTqYWLhy5GAwAq_i6LznOjuqqdpX_RSaSFfTvpmP52nbzlUusWum5sp8JHqrn0FE6_lv62jxlw/s1600/Lotus+bertholotii.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus berthelotii.</i> In the gardens at Vilaflor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB47F8zkVqIpEQ5ar448c7b_V3uR7uUrPUaStaoa-scr1wts0P-J7Zf4OI0wm92cZCTbPwONFw-f0bn93xPuq0B33-tXP-qG54c9EAFXs7jfNPLt2bUy184jrG8eXZ-tPZQEEirl4cA/s1600/Canary+Red+Admiral.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwB47F8zkVqIpEQ5ar448c7b_V3uR7uUrPUaStaoa-scr1wts0P-J7Zf4OI0wm92cZCTbPwONFw-f0bn93xPuq0B33-tXP-qG54c9EAFXs7jfNPLt2bUy184jrG8eXZ-tPZQEEirl4cA/s1600/Canary+Red+Admiral.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canary Red Admiral. Endemic butterfly, Vilaflor Gardens</td></tr>
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It was a day or two later that we visited the La Tahonilla Environmental Centre just outside La Laguna where we had been told that many Canarian endemic plant species were cultivated, and sold. Soon after entering the gardens, I was totally delighted to see, under a palm tree, a few plants of the close relative of <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> which is <i>Lotus maculatus</i>. In fact there were a number of plants growing in another area of the gardens. This is an equally rare species in the wild, confined to a small area of coastal cliffs on the Anaga Peninsular. I was also totally delighted to find examples of <i>Lotus mascaensis</i>, an endemic that is confined to the Masca Valley, where it is not too uncommon. It is certainly a species I have never been able to find in the wild.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM-VcdkGt_n8tugT-imYPQJfqMXCBdANtOfSiFqBpFmd8QoYi8b9X6sZxIzA2lVurPNJ7unW-RHCXR-IOmvus0XGlnTU9aUUKFpEm7G7hIrynZsQS31qqzCntbFV4MDkTWp9Af6xy4w/s1600/Lotus+maculatus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM-VcdkGt_n8tugT-imYPQJfqMXCBdANtOfSiFqBpFmd8QoYi8b9X6sZxIzA2lVurPNJ7unW-RHCXR-IOmvus0XGlnTU9aUUKFpEm7G7hIrynZsQS31qqzCntbFV4MDkTWp9Af6xy4w/s1600/Lotus+maculatus.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus maculatus.</i> In La Tahonilla gardens near La Laguna</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxl0561yGfxTAkJU-cYo5Mow4c5INvfgGZNsiQdTsUgOb8_MyY6WTqBBmtgbFJZskVBAJGVmS30hW6ojOzJRJerdDLREXEe3nhT2vKz5ulPsgzpQ6zCESH40rqFH3xCPBmwKERKzOgg/s1600/Lotus+mascaensis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxl0561yGfxTAkJU-cYo5Mow4c5INvfgGZNsiQdTsUgOb8_MyY6WTqBBmtgbFJZskVBAJGVmS30hW6ojOzJRJerdDLREXEe3nhT2vKz5ulPsgzpQ6zCESH40rqFH3xCPBmwKERKzOgg/s1600/Lotus+mascaensis.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus mascaensis</i>. In gardens near La Laguna</td></tr>
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One of the very greatest surprises of the trip was to find <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> growing in soil surrounding a pavement tree in the centre of Puerto de la Cruz. I had my camera with me, and on closer inspection, the plants do not look quite right. They are intermediate between <i>Lotus berthelotii </i>and <i>maculatus </i>and I suspect they are of hybrid origin. This is mildly alarming, as it is possible that the plants that are relatively freely available commercially, are equally lacking in species purity. Looking at the illustrations in David Bramwell’s book on the Canarian flora, it is just possible but unlikely, that these intermediate plants are actually <i>Lotus pyranthus</i>, a species closely related to <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> that occurs on cliffs in pine forests on La Palma. This is unlikely, however as this species has larger flowers than <i>Lotus berthelotii</i> , and in <i>Lotus pyranthus</i> the flowers are more erect. There is a fourth species related to this group <i>Lotus emeriticus</i> that is confined to a single site in La Palma. Unfortunately, I have no personal knowledge of any of these La Palma Lotuses that clearly belong to the same group either in gardens, or in the wild.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmDXDHQr5PV2q8QQs6B2H8_f0Ff_0kWqqtgPh1ihfNntI2CY4QfFwkDQeFoe7VcOEx4RHhw5IgHPjBthlFFxM_Hko9agFHi31oecoaA1TFyx_4uNKVuVQ8-297kmJMdJEApWxAmuCTw/s1600/Lotus+berthelotii+in+Puerto+de+la+Cruz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmDXDHQr5PV2q8QQs6B2H8_f0Ff_0kWqqtgPh1ihfNntI2CY4QfFwkDQeFoe7VcOEx4RHhw5IgHPjBthlFFxM_Hko9agFHi31oecoaA1TFyx_4uNKVuVQ8-297kmJMdJEApWxAmuCTw/s1600/Lotus+berthelotii+in+Puerto+de+la+Cruz.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus</i> aff.<i> berthelotii</i>. In a street in central Puerto de la Cruz</td></tr>
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Lotus is a very important genus in the Canary Islands and contains several Canarian endemics including <i>Lotus campyloclados</i> that I have found on the edge of the Las Canadas caldera close to the base of Mount Teide. Visiting La Palma several years ago, I saw <i>Lotus hillebrandii</i> and two rather distinctive species<i> Lotus glinoides</i> with its mauve flowers, and <i>Lotus lancerottensis</i> on the eastern island of Fuertaventura.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G11-Rn4jMt4S-aYHq6KPZZKsvRdzDBIBbI1CrLUX1lI0sUElCQAtqwfVtNCDSKtrXB_mlo9C7Eom8GVAWj0lEcZDKsirWgFnTHihM-_QStSeADRSiKCoyS3mjujH8X7Hgb2O5Wq_PA/s1600/Lotus+campyloclados.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G11-Rn4jMt4S-aYHq6KPZZKsvRdzDBIBbI1CrLUX1lI0sUElCQAtqwfVtNCDSKtrXB_mlo9C7Eom8GVAWj0lEcZDKsirWgFnTHihM-_QStSeADRSiKCoyS3mjujH8X7Hgb2O5Wq_PA/s1600/Lotus+campyloclados.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus campyloclados</i>. In Las Canadas close to Mount Teide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dztnZhBT2DZQfdOSfudffEqFQN3GPcXEwVDjwkbU0rnU8q3SJoFcPezkqbSvLnvGWQUipg-Uzb3WP4-S1TKVxgQQo7AUKfirhYo3VKpdUByAwCwW-y2JrYc8CYnxPG_xyeSSb_l_bA/s1600/Lotus+glinoides.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dztnZhBT2DZQfdOSfudffEqFQN3GPcXEwVDjwkbU0rnU8q3SJoFcPezkqbSvLnvGWQUipg-Uzb3WP4-S1TKVxgQQo7AUKfirhYo3VKpdUByAwCwW-y2JrYc8CYnxPG_xyeSSb_l_bA/s1600/Lotus+glinoides.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus glinoides</i>. In Fuertaventura</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVJFnirieLEEJ-NsUfR-pv0H7GxMXccKcQkcBqLjLy2ZavteQPgoNGpH-o8KpfvxRKXjkXzpOzK2B7jDFdc_ObH5idL_Gg0DJhMTqyWrlIM8KM7Y7j-ndqQqyTR_kSzic-QzS4vMP5A/s1600/Lotus+lancerottensis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVJFnirieLEEJ-NsUfR-pv0H7GxMXccKcQkcBqLjLy2ZavteQPgoNGpH-o8KpfvxRKXjkXzpOzK2B7jDFdc_ObH5idL_Gg0DJhMTqyWrlIM8KM7Y7j-ndqQqyTR_kSzic-QzS4vMP5A/s1600/Lotus+lancerottensis.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lotus lancerottensis</i>. In Fuertaventura</td></tr>
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-70867773507424308232014-07-14T11:09:00.000-07:002014-07-14T11:09:21.092-07:00Tenerife, the Jewel in a botanical crown<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Na3JTHQfFRPWSC5rbOhOSDPQY-R3QpLDk7FHRsXO3Y8KTRmxDQdbD4ow8JIQTMIL_DJH9KGlJ6nnDKWgOeYN36ck0PuebYrJ_rnMsWNVpNlqBcCdnoJgHIAVqTrk5eFBNtNPRfrr4Q/s1600/Isoplexis+canariensis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Na3JTHQfFRPWSC5rbOhOSDPQY-R3QpLDk7FHRsXO3Y8KTRmxDQdbD4ow8JIQTMIL_DJH9KGlJ6nnDKWgOeYN36ck0PuebYrJ_rnMsWNVpNlqBcCdnoJgHIAVqTrk5eFBNtNPRfrr4Q/s1600/Isoplexis+canariensis.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i>Isoplexis canariensis</i> A beautiful endemic <br />
on the roadside, Anaga Ridge. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
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The endemic flora of the Canary Islands is incredible, and Tenerife is arguably the most exciting island in the archipelago for its plants. The Canary Islands sit out in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, and have a very variable climate, ranging from the wet, warm and temperate island of La Palma in the west, to the hot, arid island of Lanzarote in the east. The flora of the Canary Islands is dominated by a number of genera such as <i>Echium</i>, <i>Aeonium</i>, <i>Sonchus</i>, <i>Pericallis </i>and <i>Euphorbia</i>. One or two endemic members of genera such as <i>Lotus </i>and <i>Limonium </i>are also a fascinating feature; in fact the flora is so rich, it is difficult to summarise it by mentioning its important genera. <br />
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Looking at the flora of other Atlantic Islands, they are not as rich. Madeira has a few members of the Canarian genera, while the Azores and the flora of the Cape Verde Islands share little in common with the Canarian flora. A question that has been asked many times is; ‘where did this flora come from?’ One answer is that it is a remaining fragment of the flora of the African Sahara before it became a desert. However, the fringes of coastal, Mediterranean Africa and the mountains of Morocco, which have a relatively similar climate, bear little resemblance to the current endemic flora of the Canary Islands. There are also one or two genera with a beautiful single species in the Canary Islands that have no close relatives elsewhere. These include the beautiful bellflower <i>Canarina canariensis </i>and the member of <i>Scrophulariaceae</i>,<i> Isoplexis canariensis.</i> <i>Limonium sinuatum </i>in Gibraltar is similar to the endemic <i>Limonium </i>species of the Canaries, but Europe has none of the extreme <i>Echium </i>species such as <i>Echium wildpretii,</i> simplex and pininana of the Canaries, neither are there any <i>Aeoniums </i>or the wonderful member of <i>Sonchus </i>that grace the Canarian flora. Even the far out possibility that the Canarian Flora is botanical proof of the existence of Atlantis has been aired.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It was in May this year that my wife and I spent ten days in Tenerife. It was primarily a relaxing holiday, but nonetheless, we had a chance on several occasions to botanise in the Island. The main botanical areas of Tenerife are very different from each other in character, ranging from wet and frequently fog-bound on the Anaga Ridge in the North West, to the high mountains and the Teide Volcano in the centre, to the semi desert of the south east. The sea cliffs of Teno and the rugged countryside in the Masca area also are a must for any visiting botanist.<br />
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Before leaving for Tenerife, I had heard that the extremely rare <i>Lotus berthelotii</i>, now confined possibly to a single wild plant, was not infrequently grown in private as well as public gardens. Although expecting little help, our first port of call on arrival was to the Tourist Information Centre in Puerto de la Cruz. To our delight and surprise, the members of staff on duty had a considerable knowledge of the flora of Tenerife, and shared with us some vital information, one man in particular. He told us of a collection of Canarian endemic plants to be found close to La Laguna, a city whose centre is a World Heritage Site, and is between Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital and Puerto de la Cruz where we were staying. This was somewhere we determined to go and see. Secondly, we were told that a terraced garden in Vilaflor to the south of the Canadas and Teide contained a fine collection of <i>Lotus berthelotii</i>. In fact a young female assistant told us that she had it growing in her own garden! He also told us of a place where we could see the endemic <i>Viola anagae</i> easily on the Anaga peninsular.<br />
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Our first task was to collect our hire car. This proved to be a Volkswagen which had obviously been mishandled by previous hirers as its performance was very slugging. I was the driver, and in order to get used to the car, I decided that we could visit the relatively close Anaga Ridge where I could get used to driving on the right, and to the car. Since our last visit, the population of Tenerife has grown astronomically, and we had to pass through area of suburb after area of suburb. Eventually we managed to stop at a viewpoint where I was delighted to find <i>Lotus dumetorum</i>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUmzgTIJfUlWKZKDcL-2TFP4dO7r3cFDIOVypH9O7JPd56OEZorZgt0y_QlfgKC7iFC_DUhXKlcKDab6kHJ0S5xvHnLi6VVRW6DH9ijGl1Itev-QPFBrk80unvDvgHIQ77tSVylrG5A/s1600/Lotus+dumetorum+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUmzgTIJfUlWKZKDcL-2TFP4dO7r3cFDIOVypH9O7JPd56OEZorZgt0y_QlfgKC7iFC_DUhXKlcKDab6kHJ0S5xvHnLi6VVRW6DH9ijGl1Itev-QPFBrk80unvDvgHIQ77tSVylrG5A/s1600/Lotus+dumetorum+2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Lotus dumetorum</i> at a viewpoint, Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
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Although not a distinctive species, it is nevertheless endemic to the Anaga Ridge. We then found a place for lunch, and on the edge of woodland close to a fine restaurant, I found <i>Viola anagae</i> very easily. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_er_uudQMpmPb1J4G7otN2NUVyHDYfPaNidqO02CVHgaJFzbjf1JzaZ33JA8S_Ey7tbDtQEoIRm09sS_XhryK-RsT4FKTph8698ACotuMomchtYmDMf4-WCdFRyw7IK6S1WpE4Sk5w/s1600/Viola+anagae.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_er_uudQMpmPb1J4G7otN2NUVyHDYfPaNidqO02CVHgaJFzbjf1JzaZ33JA8S_Ey7tbDtQEoIRm09sS_XhryK-RsT4FKTph8698ACotuMomchtYmDMf4-WCdFRyw7IK6S1WpE4Sk5w/s1600/Viola+anagae.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<i>Viola anagae</i> on the roadside in laurel forest, Anaga Ridge</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NOmB1a7F_pX7Kun1TAqLRAJ1RHJYq7dNi4WghN2DXGijQqu9vRBvuUdE620rfS8pSEN9htTlXGgcj-lMdHT_O7lWP9xF00rxyrEHGU-AdI6H0N0RSZKzkt6VdLwF-903tXiSWyAhRg/s1600/Laurel+Forest+-+Cruz+del+Carmen+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NOmB1a7F_pX7Kun1TAqLRAJ1RHJYq7dNi4WghN2DXGijQqu9vRBvuUdE620rfS8pSEN9htTlXGgcj-lMdHT_O7lWP9xF00rxyrEHGU-AdI6H0N0RSZKzkt6VdLwF-903tXiSWyAhRg/s1600/Laurel+Forest+-+Cruz+del+Carmen+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption">Anaga Laurel forest by the road, Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
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After a superb lunch of deep fried squid, we enjoyed a walk through some fine laurel forest, much of which had considerable ecological continuity.<br />
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One problem that I do not remember as being so acute in the past, which is particularly annoying to a visiting botanist, is that there are very few places it is possible to park. As we drove on towards the western end of the Anaga Ridge, a fog settled in which added to the dangers of driving in Tenerife. The locals, to say the least, are not sedate in their driving and lunatics on the wrong side of the road were not unusual and highly disconcerting. However, there was a convenient parking area a few yards after I had noticed a couple of fine Sonchuses on the roadside verge. I stopped and walked back. They proved to be <i>Sonchus congestus</i> and <i>Sonchus acaulis</i> both in fine flower. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7bjoihQFgDYvQuIvVxR8XJgRZjwO6gNCI3p_h72rjAkd_5SY5TiouoGVded8bbDQ6imP_5_aDm1GbY5bfmRA2C8GIabEYPYDygLI6qr1Ia_STSjl5K5z53wYCb4GShcdmkasz0c8HA/s1600/Sonchus+congestus+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7bjoihQFgDYvQuIvVxR8XJgRZjwO6gNCI3p_h72rjAkd_5SY5TiouoGVded8bbDQ6imP_5_aDm1GbY5bfmRA2C8GIabEYPYDygLI6qr1Ia_STSjl5K5z53wYCb4GShcdmkasz0c8HA/s1600/Sonchus+congestus+3.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Sonchus congestus</i> on the roadside, Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hnKaXe_7McK7LrzRdm_tKcVT0jsOMt06URRuNTqg0e-xgWeMLr0UsRx3la6Y9t8WIPWmeHHF4kT8g6MFhdK0_evfiC3rXSNy2uUGJuZp8WAqivVnThnkmlw2Wfm69FeHQzGzSy3kYw/s1600/Sonchus+acaulis+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hnKaXe_7McK7LrzRdm_tKcVT0jsOMt06URRuNTqg0e-xgWeMLr0UsRx3la6Y9t8WIPWmeHHF4kT8g6MFhdK0_evfiC3rXSNy2uUGJuZp8WAqivVnThnkmlw2Wfm69FeHQzGzSy3kYw/s1600/Sonchus+acaulis+2.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Sonchus acaulis</i> on the roadside, <br />
Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
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Just opposite where I parked the car was <i>Isoplexis canariensis</i> in perfect condition, and on the road opposite<i> Sonchus acaulis</i>, I found <i>Fumaria coccinea</i>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eGMZnbT_Ie2R8hiSdKUFzLwe2FHaGDBhLjacaXsl3LLifPIO5lP6pxB-4N_mKZBXPJMZz8ngjhbiKagXS-Vc-o6OQsNX7iIIdSchtKv3_Hs4im0S3soixG-LDIm0WeLaVIz4fdrg1w/s1600/Fumaria+coccinea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eGMZnbT_Ie2R8hiSdKUFzLwe2FHaGDBhLjacaXsl3LLifPIO5lP6pxB-4N_mKZBXPJMZz8ngjhbiKagXS-Vc-o6OQsNX7iIIdSchtKv3_Hs4im0S3soixG-LDIm0WeLaVIz4fdrg1w/s1600/Fumaria+coccinea.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Fumaria coccinea </i>beside the road, Anaga Ridge </td></tr>
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Also opposite the <i>Sonchus acaulis </i>there was a particularly fine area of laurel forest, where I found some fine lichens typical of damp conditions such as those in north western Scotland. On my way back to the car, I saw and photographed the beautiful endemic <i>Pericallis tussilaginis</i>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFCHJZ2QN5CSifj5lE5dsDzGFnQL5BP2LbQUjSoNH4WN3HIXz_bF_Btzod2qUQyg3SGFu6evi5UxY8QzcWu-eExxV2CvV7HcNCivf3cshXVZvk_BHSVlWMRoMfLyvF14KRNXBadCVjg/s1600/Perocallis+tussilaginis+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFCHJZ2QN5CSifj5lE5dsDzGFnQL5BP2LbQUjSoNH4WN3HIXz_bF_Btzod2qUQyg3SGFu6evi5UxY8QzcWu-eExxV2CvV7HcNCivf3cshXVZvk_BHSVlWMRoMfLyvF14KRNXBadCVjg/s1600/Perocallis+tussilaginis+2.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Pericallis tussilaginis</i> on the roadside, Anaga Ridge</td></tr>
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Quite a haul for such a brief stop. Conditions now really clamped down, and we decided that to continue on the Anaga Ridge was asking for trouble, so we descended down to the coast, and made our way back to Puerto de la Cruz.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA93Ma_nxHQR2OSlF-fUQRPbfdvxKlKPJ4-igMBKYMMJq_r_H9TmsaNlPCtJYn_A4esAxkZ0E_yhus4m_szsVIa2hcgWUKCc1V_BRC8by9KX0T_hRqPjb3HKn7oNkLO7_BhyrOUmNTyQ/s1600/Ranunculus+cortusifolius.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA93Ma_nxHQR2OSlF-fUQRPbfdvxKlKPJ4-igMBKYMMJq_r_H9TmsaNlPCtJYn_A4esAxkZ0E_yhus4m_szsVIa2hcgWUKCc1V_BRC8by9KX0T_hRqPjb3HKn7oNkLO7_BhyrOUmNTyQ/s1600/Ranunculus+cortusifolius.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Ranunculus cortusifolius,</i> a common endemic on road verges, </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
on the Anaga Ridge.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the first blog instalment covering our visit to Tenerife. I still have so much else to cover, including the wonderful Acclimatisation Gardens in La Orotava on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz as well as the incredible flora of Las Canadas and the Pine Forests that surround it. I have also botanised in La Palma and La Gomera, as well as more briefly in Fuertaventura and Gran Canaria. I hope very much to make these blog entries a series of complementary writing for my daily, or near daily Tweet of flowering plant species from around the world, which has attracted a warming level of interaction.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-72189749515985045012013-06-28T13:25:00.000-07:002013-06-29T03:34:30.204-07:00To Twitch or not to twitch – that IS a question!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIytKeFIWbUSjik2cEsbJq6EEKl-szv9L5rilgm8zm0TqZmXmjB7iw585qPeJyRtuz7XdeoepEAM3nS0f12jaUOJJ7ZDEh0qb0te0kCFJc6W97-jMlXQ3voLbLGmDVFa8rKTHClm24g/s672/Dusky+Thrush+Twitch+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIytKeFIWbUSjik2cEsbJq6EEKl-szv9L5rilgm8zm0TqZmXmjB7iw585qPeJyRtuz7XdeoepEAM3nS0f12jaUOJJ7ZDEh0qb0te0kCFJc6W97-jMlXQ3voLbLGmDVFa8rKTHClm24g/s320/Dusky+Thrush+Twitch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusky Thrush, Margate Cemetery, May 2013</td></tr>
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Not long ago, a rare bird from the far east, a Dusky Thrush turned up in East Kent. This was the first time this species had been available in Britain to be seen by potential admirers since 1960. On this occasion, it attracted about a thousand people during the day after it had been announced the previous evening just before midnight. In fact, it was my wife who told me of it, as she saw it mentioned on Twitter. One of the few who had seen it in 1960, told a friend that in those days, he had been informed of it by a friend in a letter. It seems the great Ron Johns who had the longest list for many years was also informed of the same Dusky Thrush by letter, and in fact the two of them went together by train the very next day. How communications have changed since then! In the event, on this 2013 occasion, the bird remained for just one day after it had been announced.<br />
<br />
My experience of it started in a fairly leisurely way with a cup of coffee at a sociable hour in the morning. I consulted Bird Alert to find that the bird was indeed showing quite well, so after finishing my coffee, I got up and then left for East Kent at around ten thirty. How different this was to how I would have been in the early days of my twitching when North Yorkshire, or even Northumberland would have been considered, and I would have left at 3 o’clock in the morning! In the event, I arrived at the site at around midday. The latest news was that it was quite easy to see the bird, but that it was sitting in fairly dense cover where it had been for an hour or two. Being in dense cover, it had to be viewed in small pieces at a time, that is a tail, followed by a beak, and then a wing if one was lucky. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>As I entered the site, there was a stir. The bird was now flying from tree top to tree top. In fact, it flew from a fairly dense piece of canopy to an ash tree immediately above me with sparse foliage. I enjoyed quite excellent views. It then flew off to a dense area of canopy, and an hour later it had still not been seen again, so I left.<br />
<br />
A friend of mine could not go until much later. He arrived not far before dusk when there were perhaps twenty people left. He had wonderful views of the bird on the ground where it enjoyed several fat worms. Later, it was suggested that perhaps with all its admirers, the bird was finding it hard to feed. This was perhaps underlined by the fact that overnight, it disappeared. Birds have wings, and the fact that this particular one had flown all the way from the far east suggests that if it were unhappy, it could easily put several miles between itself and its would be admirers. However, Margate cemetery was an ideal site for it with a considerable amount of tree cover, with lawns where it could feed. There is a chance that the reason it left was disturbance, and that is sad. I’m afraid there are twitchers who do not give consideration for a rare bird’s welfare and this is not good. <br />
<br />
Recently, my book “Scilly Birding – Joining the Madding Crowd” has been published. In it, I describe the antics of a considerable crowd that chased backwards and forwards along cliffs on St Mary’s after a very attractive male Rock Thrush. As soon as the first desperate birders appeared, the bird immediately put a quarter of a mile between itself and its would be admirers once again. On another occasion, not described in the book, a completely exhausted Grey-cheeked Thrush was found, and surrounded within feet by birders. It tried desperately, and pathetically to fly out of its imprisonment over the surrounding heads. This was not a twitchers’ finest hour, and I felt sickened and I walked away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G7Qt2yM5ho0Q-L1cqvIn5W2VNLoIHzcwh_Tq2uZr_XkQLD1wRjlc3uaxgiYmfRLAjyZzbiWzvm4txB1JKuZCg2yXGAPjCUMVbZzlkf1wM7RtL2PQyRZq4IlBUyyndSoblMbaEz9QgQ/s600/Black-billed+Cuckoo+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4G7Qt2yM5ho0Q-L1cqvIn5W2VNLoIHzcwh_Tq2uZr_XkQLD1wRjlc3uaxgiYmfRLAjyZzbiWzvm4txB1JKuZCg2yXGAPjCUMVbZzlkf1wM7RtL2PQyRZq4IlBUyyndSoblMbaEz9QgQ/s320/Black-billed+Cuckoo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black billed cuckoo - St Marys, Isles of Scilly, 1980s</td></tr>
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Thoughts like those above set me about trying to think positively about twitching. Although there are twitchers who simply wish to add new names to their lists, most are either naturalists or potential naturalists. I well remember meeting up with a well-known group of fanatical birders in the summer, a time of quiet for rare birds, who were enjoying butterflies in a well known Oxfordshire site. In fact, I was able to show them a very rare butterfly, a Black Hairstreak, in my telescope. Many start their interest in natural history through twitching, and with the current lack of sympathy for the countryside shown by our present government, everyone interested and concerned about natural history should be treated like gold dust.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5uNAVda0XtNZV0NN1CGgzCflIcty59RxgGH_Wdhh6HPy0a9zwQ1gPHUqq4G6iClshGRrs4R5zHFAZZBNjjby_in1RgXP8rSGW2QPRDvhKI-NFbBm2usaEgiBgat883GyBX3PmF0H9Q/s623/Red-breasted+Nuthatch+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5uNAVda0XtNZV0NN1CGgzCflIcty59RxgGH_Wdhh6HPy0a9zwQ1gPHUqq4G6iClshGRrs4R5zHFAZZBNjjby_in1RgXP8rSGW2QPRDvhKI-NFbBm2usaEgiBgat883GyBX3PmF0H9Q/s320/Red-breasted+Nuthatch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-breasted Nuthatch, Holkham Pines 1989</td></tr>
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The thing about twitching birds is that during a lifetime, the potential to see well over a hundred rare visitors to Britain is quite possible. The same cannot be said for any other group. Admittedly vagrant butterflies and moths do visit this country, but the potential for adding to a life list by twitching new species is very reduced; after all few of them hang about.<br />
<br />
It was thoughts about my own experience with lichens that led me to think about the evolution of the interest in a group that naturalists experience. In the early 1970s, I had the very great privilege of being shown lichens in the New Forest by the late and great Dr Francis Rose. During my first day with him, he showed me over a hundred common species. I collected small pieces and over the next six months or so, I examined them, and added to my knowledge of the common lichen flora. After twelve months, I was ready to go with him to north western Scotland to see and enjoy the fabulous richness of the lichen flora in the Atlantic oak woodlands there. After a year, I was still able to add large numbers of species to my life list, and also to that invaluable vocabulary that enables me to be a competent ecologist. The experience of exploring this group of organisms was thrilling. However, after two or three years, the number of new species I could add to my knowledge was diminishing. I was entering another phase, a phase that included trips such as that to a cliff top on Tresco (Isles of SCilly) where lichen species in their only British site could be seen. The British Flora of lichens and lichenicolous fungi totals around two thousand, give or take a hundred or so. My British total stands at 1146 with another 53 lichenicolous fungi. Adding a new British species to my list is now a very occasional event.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, I joined a group of British lichenologists to go on an expedition to Newfoundland. I am sure that for most of us, the key aim was to see and experience <i>Erioderma pedicellatum</i>. This is one of the world’s rarest lichens occurring on a few trees in Norway outside the New World. Recently it has also been found in Kamchatka, but its population centre is Eastern Canada where it is nevertheless, very rare indeed. It is also a beautiful species, being blue, foliose and supporting reddish brown fruits. In the restricted area in which it occurred for us to see, it was present on a dozen trees or so in a confined area. In the same area, growing on a single tree were two examples of the even rarer <i>Erioderma molissima</i>. Members of the American equivalent of the British Lichen Society, the Tuckermann Society headed off into the countryside for eight miles to see another site for <i>Erioderma molissima</i>. This was surely extreme lichen twitching. and the experience of these two <i>Erioderma</i> species gave me an enormous buzz.<br />
<br />
During my years as a naturalist, as well as birds: an interest in flowering plants, lichens, bryophytes, moths and butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers and crickets has gone so far as to mean they have all reached the stage where, in order to see new species, I would probably need to twitch known sites. My list of beetles, hymenoptera and diptera – perhaps excluding the hoverflies - is hardly started, so I have still so much left to enjoy of the natural world. It is also my firm opinion that without an exhaustive, in-depth knowledge of the species, both plants and animals, that make up the life on our planet, we cannot advise on or help with its welfare as ecologists.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeN7Q5NjxigV8rYhMWW5SoX79yvSpwqPRnBGpgv6dDVKXBa8mqWPpGHZ5t3xaPeRsBJJfkazEMAsMmz36qvQyE13fAHdLQPebLKf8oPkdTzPkkZa0IjmFqAmL5Zt4DVobZwSjI_lxLg/s600/American+Bittern+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeN7Q5NjxigV8rYhMWW5SoX79yvSpwqPRnBGpgv6dDVKXBa8mqWPpGHZ5t3xaPeRsBJJfkazEMAsMmz36qvQyE13fAHdLQPebLKf8oPkdTzPkkZa0IjmFqAmL5Zt4DVobZwSjI_lxLg/s320/American+Bittern+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Bittern - Marton Mere, Blackpool, February 1991</td></tr>
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Having admitted to twitching the Dusky Thrush, I have to say I would far rather have seen it along with other examples in the far east behaving more naturally. However, I am not a wealthy man, and for many practical reasons, experiencing the bird fauna of the far east is not available to me. Had the bird been a very occasional example of a species in Britain that I had seen in America, for instance, I doubt if it would have caused more than the slightest hint of a need to go and see it in me.<br />
<br />
Although it would have given me a UK tick....<br />
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<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufOuIaYxX9PeHGDDtXF0Omm77t4ck7VqhdAB2gZrL_FH4ESnIDj4hoRmfObNkED4JT5u4K0Zk6UGISvZh4cmW4x7XQ372YBpOUtwc_WH7mOGXHa3u3qrIYu4xYvcgvwQT9NzR_GTECg/s1600/Golden-winged+Warbler+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufOuIaYxX9PeHGDDtXF0Omm77t4ck7VqhdAB2gZrL_FH4ESnIDj4hoRmfObNkED4JT5u4K0Zk6UGISvZh4cmW4x7XQ372YBpOUtwc_WH7mOGXHa3u3qrIYu4xYvcgvwQT9NzR_GTECg/s320/Golden-winged+Warbler+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden-Winged Warbler, New Hythe, Kent, 1989</td></tr>
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Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-87965474216225888962013-04-20T11:19:00.001-07:002013-04-20T11:24:36.039-07:00Scilly Birding - my first book!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh56vdn2rJ0n1V7IphcR8VX3zsf4GO9bkLkOMaqmXxOT-LuYBNdPAKUBXBsCzhWoXdzEdlqR755u6xhOY5JG2n953oyeURYDygM_Fr_RukusEB0EjUeYXhOOTuMEJxewQ4sEjDVDNYQ/s1600/018+Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh56vdn2rJ0n1V7IphcR8VX3zsf4GO9bkLkOMaqmXxOT-LuYBNdPAKUBXBsCzhWoXdzEdlqR755u6xhOY5JG2n953oyeURYDygM_Fr_RukusEB0EjUeYXhOOTuMEJxewQ4sEjDVDNYQ/s400/018+Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something really good turns up</td></tr>
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In just five days time (on 25th April 2013), my first book will be released for publication. Brambleby Books are publishing “<i>Scilly Birding – Joining the Madding Crowd</i>”. In 1984, I joined a group of pretty fanatical bird watchers to spend a fortnight in the Isles of Scilly. I had only been hooked on twitching rare birds for about six months, so the experience of being in the company of over a thousand rabidly keen birders was totally new. This gave me the opportunity to observe from a totally fresh perspective, the antics, joy and despair of dedicated enthusiasts. During that fortnight, I developed a way of being in the right place at the right time by predicting the reactions of the majority, and thereby attempting to be able to enjoy birds in the presence of just a few. 1984 was a most memorable year for birds on the Scillies, and these included several charismatic American visitors, all of which gave us a good old run around. The hours spent in silence under taxing weather conditions in order to catch a glimpse of a little bundle of feathers was an experience I had never had before. The book describes, in a hopefully amusing way, the trials and tribulations, as well as the joys and enthusiasms these experiences gave.<br />
<br />
As the fortnight progressed, I got to know one or two of the seriously experienced Scilly birders. People who, during the fortnight, would be lucky to see one new bird. It was in some ways embarrassing that I added an amazing twenty-six new species to my British bird list ending the fortnight with a list of two hundred and fifty. On my last full day I was in the company of two birders with British totals of around the then magical four hundred mark. All three of us had seen the bird of the moment, a quite remarkably beautiful Rock Thrush and a very rare bird indeed in Britain.<br />
<br />
“Simon, never let yourself become a yesterday’s man,” They advised. “Always try to end the day without a today’s bird still to be caught up with.” We were sitting on a rock outcrop close to a headland. Suddenly the Rock Thrush flew towards us, and perched on a rock a few feet away. The views we had of it were utterly stunning, and relaxed. Suddenly several birders broke the skyline in the direction from which the Rock Thrush had arrived. It was moments later that they began to rush towards us. Having wings, the Rock Thrush, the bird of the moment, alighted and flew off another quarter of a mile away from its would-be admirers.<br />
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“Yesterday’s men……all of them,” my companions scoffed.<br />
<br />
“Seen the bird?” a breathless lad demanded as he caught up with us.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>“Yea,” One of us replied, “It was sitting on that rock over there.” He indicated the rock a few feet away. “We had stunning views, but then we didn’t need it; We had all seen the bird hours ago.” Obviously there is a moral to this tale, and to become a satisfied Scilly birder, it is important to be fully aware of it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5VVjY3cZhMjiaoBkd-E2RyjxJtb4HpKRDz4E3rSfyjBwEOnnxruCUbUq3dlloh8KGifNpnoSn34pPduEtbaN-5Qp8T-tlTcOX-3TjgPoHeZTrjt8oxLwlsTAojYiiim6HgvvAGMIGA/s1600/018+Image+5.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5VVjY3cZhMjiaoBkd-E2RyjxJtb4HpKRDz4E3rSfyjBwEOnnxruCUbUq3dlloh8KGifNpnoSn34pPduEtbaN-5Qp8T-tlTcOX-3TjgPoHeZTrjt8oxLwlsTAojYiiim6HgvvAGMIGA/s320/018+Image+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the Garrison, St Mary’s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On another occasion, I happened to be on my way up to where we were staying. We had a place on the far side of a football pitch on a hill above the main town.<br />
<br />
Three birders were coming down the hill. “Want to see a Rustic Bunting?” They asked as they drew level with me. <br />
<br />
“Indeed I do,” I replied, quickening my pace.<br />
<br />
“Don’t you want to know where it is?”<br />
<br />
“I’ll find the crowd looking at it, surely.” I replied.<br />
<br />
“But you don’t know where that is. There isn’t a crowd.” They informed me, “We’re just off to the Porthcressa to let them know, so they can announce it. There’s no one there.” Once I knew where it was, I knew I had perhaps a potential ten minutes to quarter of an hour to see this bird. A Rustic Bunting is a stunning little bird, but notoriously shy; I had already spent time trying to see one without success. I made my way across the football field to the place where there was wall, behind which was a tall, and straggly hawthorn hedge. Very gingerly, I peered over the wall. Immediately, from a few feet away on the other side, a flock of birds flew up into the hedge. Immobile I waited. First one sparrow, then another dropped down feet away from me. It must have been about the tenth bird that was an absolutely stunner, a perfectly marked Rustic Bunting just feet away from me. Feeling high on elation, I enjoyed the bird for several minutes before going off to our place. There were one or two very experienced birders enjoying a cup of tea. I announced the Rustic Bunting. To say they scoffed incredulously would be an under statement. Rapidly, I told them the full story, after which we all crept across to the wall for a repeat performance.<br />
<br />
It must have been five minutes later that the stomping of boot clad birders could be heard coming across the field. Long before the first arrived, the little flock took off, but this time they flew away down the field to land in the hedge perhaps a hundred yards further away.”<br />
<br />
“Where’s this……..Rustic……Bunting?” They panted.<br />
<br />
“Well it was in that bush just there,” we replied, “But I’m afraid you scared it off just by arriving. It’s probably in a bush down towards the bottom of the field by now, and out of view". Soon the crowd had swelled to several hundred.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcx8g6R05k3VxmNSu6ZsInV0TSxeqANA5bjh2tOEPLlpkNXOxdquG2VGnRSEGY1mnKtYB0hwr_34z_M-RUJgnZ9ScReSKMtY1hOY9BrZ-3W0gBU1tQ1it87dWWmkTFdFMkTRO6VlG4Q/s1600/018+Image+3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcx8g6R05k3VxmNSu6ZsInV0TSxeqANA5bjh2tOEPLlpkNXOxdquG2VGnRSEGY1mnKtYB0hwr_34z_M-RUJgnZ9ScReSKMtY1hOY9BrZ-3W0gBU1tQ1it87dWWmkTFdFMkTRO6VlG4Q/s320/018+Image+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patience can be very necessary when waiting for a bird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The book is more about the human stories of bird watching and birders than it is about birds. It is about the highs and lows of intensive birding. Many people who like to see their birds peacefully object strongly to the crowds that the rare migrant birds attract during the autumn, however by intelligent planning and thought, it is possible to enjoy rare birds, and avoid the crowds for most of the time. In any case, the Isles of Scilly in October are a beautiful place to be.<br />
<br />
The stories are illustrated by Amanda, my wife, from photographs I took at the time. The cover illustration uses a photograph I took depicts a birder with a telescope up a telegraph pole. Hopefully this helps to set the tone of the book... <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiPDALeiW5p64phh2oGep_vk1-FTuZDeKKq68aBCaZiRmU7zTBidcGuyt1vsKzTDsXZTjsz-MKE1VBXRDHI46CerY37oa0bf7LWPpAlCpI6MP4m7sgDqM45bIbCJ_ob9ewsbpJffeaQ/s1600/018+Image+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiPDALeiW5p64phh2oGep_vk1-FTuZDeKKq68aBCaZiRmU7zTBidcGuyt1vsKzTDsXZTjsz-MKE1VBXRDHI46CerY37oa0bf7LWPpAlCpI6MP4m7sgDqM45bIbCJ_ob9ewsbpJffeaQ/s400/018+Image+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeezing the very last from a day’s birding on Scilly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-73680728550754836072013-03-23T12:43:00.002-07:002013-03-23T12:46:18.104-07:00More on the Exciting New Lichens in Sussex<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR847y4yhJEhyphenhyphen3AaKS1LID7j3p7p2gqshjOOsOi70WV22meEKyJm0-IQrrD60P21fra8e4CvcjYzI-JRG2Vr2JlhQcU6mrIjz5VYecANAP8NX4CfcnlMkximYU3C0Q9XsCItSNvWAEc0/s1600/017+Teloschistes+-+the+Tangerine+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR847y4yhJEhyphenhyphen3AaKS1LID7j3p7p2gqshjOOsOi70WV22meEKyJm0-IQrrD60P21fra8e4CvcjYzI-JRG2Vr2JlhQcU6mrIjz5VYecANAP8NX4CfcnlMkximYU3C0Q9XsCItSNvWAEc0/s400/017+Teloschistes+-+the+Tangerine+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> - the Tangerine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mark Jackson who lives in Southampton should be crowned the <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> King. Recently, I received an e-mail from him saying that he had found eight bushes with <i>Teloschistes </i>to
the north east of Brighton, and another two not too far from where he
originally found it. Inspired by this news, I went over to have a look
at areas between Birling Gap and Beachy Head where there were masses of
thorn bushes in open country that seemed ideal. I was utterly convinced I
would be successful, but in the event, I failed to find any. Having
never ever actually seen <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> without
being shown it, I resolved to go and have a look at one of Mark’s sites
for which I had very accurate grid references. In spite of this, it took
me some time to find his two bushes with it on.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2fbqTdAtKOVN6HpHwdnTDp4dXdXhdJhvwChEHRfGft795yz7KW6KaIVfVO4uTRM70xPivaXleDxqv7-VRtgV61_mj5f1QJ5EP2kUuUAI9uPd2caJGFEaFKsP4N2cwE6aYHTBAjew7Rw/s1600/017+Tangerine+Bush+1+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2fbqTdAtKOVN6HpHwdnTDp4dXdXhdJhvwChEHRfGft795yz7KW6KaIVfVO4uTRM70xPivaXleDxqv7-VRtgV61_mj5f1QJ5EP2kUuUAI9uPd2caJGFEaFKsP4N2cwE6aYHTBAjew7Rw/s320/017+Tangerine+Bush+1+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bush supporting the impressive <i>Teloschistes chrysopthalmus</i> - the<br />
'Tangerine', which can just be seen half way up on the left of the bush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The two bushes with <i>Teloschistes</i> in this case
were distorted by fierce, no doubt salt laden winds. The sea could be
seen in the distance. On one of the bushes the associated lichen flora
was far from rich, the twigs being golden, dominated almost exclusively
by <i>Xanthoria parietina</i>. On the other bush, where the <i>Teloschistes </i>was
one of the most beautiful examples I have yet seen, in a tiny area the
lichen assemblage was rich and contained all the usual associates. The
lichen itself looked like a tangerine that had been pushed onto the
spiky hawthorn twig.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-CD26K-GyZUqeZo3VVUZp_qQGqbjJg6XJUg4oHVuOAyf1XKMBBZq38F_gKCFbTBWo0KkgR0TXzZAvYxg3SWvoK1NjDcjH0CUfNG5BRSIV1OD8VdgjaYwQoYh-IigTIsRPx2gJ4P6E0o/s1600/017+Illosporiopsis+1A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-CD26K-GyZUqeZo3VVUZp_qQGqbjJg6XJUg4oHVuOAyf1XKMBBZq38F_gKCFbTBWo0KkgR0TXzZAvYxg3SWvoK1NjDcjH0CUfNG5BRSIV1OD8VdgjaYwQoYh-IigTIsRPx2gJ4P6E0o/s320/017+Illosporiopsis+1A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Illosporiopsis christiansenii</i>, parasitic fungus on <i>Physcia tenella</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zcpM_om40R9VGZv2iKSDtl5PHh-r39VAFUAXPwtSK8q6ZMCLuplweZQytpiwoNZrPMNeEs7cEXY6BYAPog7fYxnhrEemwnuvB7LeTrzkcJNBybCRDzHD3gEfLOydK8stfMJGbl0pdYw/s1600/017+Physcia+tenella+1+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zcpM_om40R9VGZv2iKSDtl5PHh-r39VAFUAXPwtSK8q6ZMCLuplweZQytpiwoNZrPMNeEs7cEXY6BYAPog7fYxnhrEemwnuvB7LeTrzkcJNBybCRDzHD3gEfLOydK8stfMJGbl0pdYw/s320/017+Physcia+tenella+1+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Physcia tenella</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Remembering that in the first two sites where I had seen <i>Teloschistes </i>recently I had also found <i>Physcia tenella</i> infected by the pink parasite <i>Illosporiopsis christiansenii</i>, it occurred to me that I had never seen <i>Teloschistes </i>without the association of <i>Physcia tenella</i>. It was while I was hunting for <i>Teloschistes </i>around Birling Gap that it occurred to me that this association might be the case. There was plenty of <i>Physcia adscendens</i> on the bushes, but I completely failed to find any <i>Physcia tenella</i>.
It was an e-mail from Janet Simkin, lichenologist responsible for all
computerised lichen records that underlined my thinking. She had
suggested that there might be a link between <i>Physcia tenella</i> and <i>Teloschistes </i>as she had seen <i>Physcia tenella</i> and <i>Xanthoria parietina</i>
in parasitic competition, with neither species apparently getting the
upper hand. In these two species the lichen fungus is associated with
the same algal partner, which is also the same as that of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>. Could it be that <i>Teloschistes </i>required to parasitise <i>Physcia tenella</i> in order to get started. The lichen <i>Diploschistes muscorum</i> inevitably requires to parasitise material of a <i>Cladonia</i>, usually <i>Cladonia pocillum</i> before it can become established as a free living entity.<br />
<br />
Although <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
does appear to be appearing ever increasingly in Southern and
South-eastern England, its occurrence still seems to be patchy. It will
be most interesting to continue to discover the parameters and
associated species with which it appears. Cattle are frequent on the
grassland around Beachy Head but the field behind us, and in the places I
have recently seen <i>Teloschistes </i>are used as horse pasture. This
observation is far from conclusive, but is one that seems to be worth
considering. Certainly the smell of cattle urine in areas used
intensively for their pasture can be overwhelming. The smell of horse is
quite different. It seems possible that there might be a link.<br />
<br />
Not
far away from where we live, there is a church with a north wall
covered in an ancient plaster giving ideal conditions for a rich lichen
flora. Recently my wife and I visited it in the hope of finding that
other newly recorded Sussex lichen <i>Llimonaea sorediata</i>. I must apologise here for the wrong spelling in my previously blog where I called it <i>Llimonia</i>.
I was delighted to see large areas of the north wall were covered in
pink, and this confirmed the first record of the species for East Sussex
VC 14. It was a bitterly cold day, but the churchyard was surrounded
with hawthorn and blackthorn bushes festooned with a healthy and varied
lichen flora of just the sort that <i>Teloschistes </i>is associated
with. A northerly wind made eyes water, and observation difficult. I was
convinced I was going to find the first churchyard record for <i>Teloschistes</i>, but our suffering was to no avail. At that point, I had not thought about the possibility of an association with <i>Physcia tenella</i>, so I will have to go back and see if I can find it there.<br />
<br />
Looking
out of the window as I wrote the first part of this, the view was
dominated by blizzard conditions. The chances of driving up minor roads
lined with the sort of isolated hawthorn and blackthorn bushes of the
Sussex downland were worse than remote. With a bit of luck, spring is
just around the corner, but soon after any improvement, leaves will
festoon suitable bushes making <i>Teloschistes </i>observation much more difficult.<br />
<br />
Since writing this, a field meeting has taken place in Hampshire where Mark Jackson, now the undisputed <i>Teloschistes </i>King was able to show others a further eleven bushes with <i>Teloschistes </i>in
another five new locations. It does seem that the wonderful Goldeneyes
lichen is becoming a new, and very welcome aspect of our lichen flora.
The reasons for its sudden appearance still seem to remain something of a
mystery.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-90438942313089225282013-02-22T10:31:00.004-08:002013-02-22T10:31:31.225-08:00Exciting New Lichens in Sussex – our Sequal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdmJbtxhJ2KJGQev3ug07L6TWmMHQMAnhpmh4CPzCsEQLyRtmCIGDAuhp0LiJOVWxAmFlOcRMXI6xdTUzljol6kUiwdKy92gz31U6b97O-Pm-2wh5YvxM9IUBVgBcR7CEvxvj4DAqkgY/s1600/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+-+habitat+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdmJbtxhJ2KJGQev3ug07L6TWmMHQMAnhpmh4CPzCsEQLyRtmCIGDAuhp0LiJOVWxAmFlOcRMXI6xdTUzljol6kUiwdKy92gz31U6b97O-Pm-2wh5YvxM9IUBVgBcR7CEvxvj4DAqkgY/s400/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+-+habitat+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> habitat in Sussex weald</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The morning was one of the brightest spring days of
the year so far. Since January 3rd, my wife Amanda has been taking a
photograph of exactly the same view of a field near where we live. Since
being shown <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> just north of Brighton,
we have been keeping our eyes open for it. This morning, having taken
her photograph, Amanda was struck by the assemblage of lichens,
including the golden <i>Xanthoria </i>species that seem to be associated with <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> growing on a blackthorn bush nearby. She went over to give the bush a casual look.<br />
<br />
After perhaps half a minute, the air went blue.<br />
<br />
“Sod it!” She cried. <br />
<br />
“What’s the matter.” I replied, furrowing my brow in concern.<br />
<br />
“Come and see!” she said.<br />
<br />
“I’m not sure I want to see something that’s not too pleasant,” I added.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQNsnqqabgKQgBJcCv7hF4J3OUWtVUmz6qedKBmMXxO8GZNOrzPqtGmzLW_FYpdDaltJCFPlAbKn-HJBisrucxST1q5HRcHUo2kjRR8QnWkU0Seg5t3Wb8oXbju5ipJ5RXjHZtyUGOaI/s1600/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+twig+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQNsnqqabgKQgBJcCv7hF4J3OUWtVUmz6qedKBmMXxO8GZNOrzPqtGmzLW_FYpdDaltJCFPlAbKn-HJBisrucxST1q5HRcHUo2kjRR8QnWkU0Seg5t3Wb8oXbju5ipJ5RXjHZtyUGOaI/s320/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+twig+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The twig with <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
“You’ll like this,” she replied enthusiastically. I
walked over to where she was standing, and she pointed to a very small,
very fertile orange coloured lichen. Indeed, the fruits seemed to be
raised on definite branches, and I could see what I thought were
eye-lash like cilia surrounding the fruit. It looked very promising.
Amanda dashed inside to get my hand lens and camera. Moments later, I
was able to confirm our suspicions with my hand lens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhD37bXZ2ndcoSjuM9jAgj0YhBYkOZdzBVN9w2CzMeZQs15K-dIBcd0v9aZ9z2IGIJQkC0V5cXwBfQKZvp7YePyzgj6fN8XzE43HQpdigLxFkk5d-CZymgFA9L14XW5RJtaOBvojoAS4/s1600/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhD37bXZ2ndcoSjuM9jAgj0YhBYkOZdzBVN9w2CzMeZQs15K-dIBcd0v9aZ9z2IGIJQkC0V5cXwBfQKZvp7YePyzgj6fN8XzE43HQpdigLxFkk5d-CZymgFA9L14XW5RJtaOBvojoAS4/s400/016+Ditchling+Teloschistes+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The lichen was very small, but I was in no doubt whatsoever that this was indeed the beautiful Golden-eyed Lichen <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
and the second record of it for East Sussex and one of the mounting
number of sightings in southern England since October last year.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Recently, Amanda and I have been looking at bushes that have twigs that are golden with species of the genus <i>Xanthoria</i>. We looked at many just outside Newhaven but failed to find the <i>Teloschistes</i>. A common factor that seems to be emerging is that the twigs and branches of <i>Teloschistes</i>-bearing
bushes may be golden, but another feature is the presence of a rich
diversity of other, grey, lichens, and especially the two fruticose
species <i>Ramalina farinacea</i> and <i>fastigiata</i>. The common lichen so highly indicative of high levels of nitrogen compounds <i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i> is invariably present and growing luxuriantly. It closely resembles <i>Teloschistes</i>
but lacks the “eye-lashes”. Although the abundant fruits seem to spring
up from the surrounding lichen, they are not borne on real stalks as in
<i>Teloschistes</i>. However, the <i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i> does make small samples of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> very hard to spot.<br />
<br />
Our
site….yes I truly believe I can refer to it as that…..is on the edge of
a rich piece of unimproved pasture supporting such flowering plants as
Pepper Saxifrage <i>Silaum silaus</i> and Sneezewort <i>Achillea ptarmica</i>
both indicators of species rich meadows. Burnet moths and Marbled White
butterflies are also present. It has been suggested that <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
is associated with improved pasture and perhaps even dog walking. Both
these features are not prominent in the meadow we know. We are also
approximately ten miles north of the sea, and the ridge of the Downs
separates us from it, so this is another factor that this morning’s
finding shows; the lichen does not require to be blasted by high,
coastal winds as suggested in my previous blog.<br />
<br />
The
lichen grows about a foot back from the growing tip of a twig. Healthy
buds on the twig confirm that it is still alive, which is a relief. I
estimate that the age of the twig on which it is growing is probably
four years. It is unfortunate that the exact time on which it became
established can never be known, however it has to be recent. As it grows
so close to our home, it will be a fascinating study to watch any
developments, and I plan to take regular photographs of it, and to make
extensive searches on all bushes in our area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J003v6IXzUqanY4J5QstZL7pCUaJ1Z4aerL2f8hLnh6_gZ4lw0aEJGP92TmDZdkY7BkW7qqtY3b_z9meE5OjGB2S8GbgBVuf6dOMaD5ohmGq2cxjXlLRfpG5Dhbphcl6xKf9n7-ejag/s1600/016+Llimonaea+sorediata+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J003v6IXzUqanY4J5QstZL7pCUaJ1Z4aerL2f8hLnh6_gZ4lw0aEJGP92TmDZdkY7BkW7qqtY3b_z9meE5OjGB2S8GbgBVuf6dOMaD5ohmGq2cxjXlLRfpG5Dhbphcl6xKf9n7-ejag/s320/016+Llimonaea+sorediata+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Llimonaea sorediata</i> on the north wall of Ashurst church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> is not the only
exciting lichen to have put in a recent appearance in Sussex. In 1993, I
went with Dr Francis Rose to Ashurst Church to look at lichens. The
north side of churches is often the most exciting part of a churchyard,
and on this occasion, Francis Rose noticed a pink coloured, powdery
crust. He collected a small sample, and sent it off for an opinion. The
expert opinion was that it was just a variant of the very common lichen <i>Dirina massiliense</i> ssp. <i>sorediata</i>. Since then, a new species has been described called <i>Llimonia sorediata</i>,
and it is described as being a pink, powdery crust. In July last year, I
went to Ashurst Church, and was able to collect a small bit of the
lichen that had spread onto a small piece of dead ivy twig. I sent it
off to a friend who is very familiar with the species in Wales. He
confirmed it as <i>Llimonia sorediata</i>, the first record for Sussex, and the furthest east it has ever been seen. <br />
<br />
Very
recently, I have been going through my photographs and found one of
lichens growing on the north wall of Hooe Church in East Sussex. Ashurst
is in West Sussex. In a photograph I had taken of <i>Lecanactis grumulosa</i> the lichen which, when on churches used to be thought to be distinct, and had been named <i>Lecanactis hemisphaerica</i>,
there was a pink powder. Though it cannot be positively identified from
a photograph, it seems likely that this species, which is Nationally
Scarce may have its first record for East Sussex.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-83431239489082662612013-02-22T10:30:00.002-08:002013-02-22T10:32:39.865-08:00The Excitement and Mystique of Rare Orchid Hunting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XCmGSNaYAkt2CbH9mmiOACKp27ZxxCAspcBNe-Oi60K6xZiIn1GSAl_UZlRM4IhO_-n21nB234ZGXKe2-PZdbcPkiBkohmehOT0f0rRQ33_NmxH0aj73hxs5cbMVhfA-oWr-2bxLps0/s1600/015+Orchis+militaris+2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XCmGSNaYAkt2CbH9mmiOACKp27ZxxCAspcBNe-Oi60K6xZiIn1GSAl_UZlRM4IhO_-n21nB234ZGXKe2-PZdbcPkiBkohmehOT0f0rRQ33_NmxH0aj73hxs5cbMVhfA-oWr-2bxLps0/s400/015+Orchis+militaris+2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military Orchid in France 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is something very special to most naturalists
about seeing a new species. If that species is rare, then the excitement
of seeing it is even greater, especially if there has been a lot of
effort and planning involved. In my late teens, I had the very great
good fortune of spending my Saturday mornings in the Leicester
University Herbarium in the company of Professor Tutin (of the Clapham,
Tutin and Warburg Flora). On one occasion, he let slip that the very
rare Military Orchid had been found in Suffolk. He gave me rather vague
instructions. At the time, I was at school about twenty miles from the
site, and during its flowering season at the weekend, I would cycle over
to the area. The site is to the north of a roundabout from which roads
spread north like the spokes of a bicycle. I first had to try and work
out which of the roads was the one Professor Tutin had been referring
to. Over perhaps three years, I tried in vain to find the site and it
wasn’t until I was at University that a friend who knew the exact
locality took me to pay my respects. While I was at school, I was a keen
plant collector, and I suspect that had I found the plant, I would have
collected a spike for my herbarium; I have to say in retrospect, I am
somewhat relieved that my youthful hunt did not bear fruit.<br />
<br />
A
year or two later, I heard the story, possibly apocryphal, of the
finding of the Suffolk military orchids. It was said the botanist who
found it slipped, and fell into a dell. She knocked her head as she
slipped downwards and was at least dazed, or perhaps even momentarily
unconscious. When she came round, she found she was surrounded by
military orchids in profusion looking like bluebells in woodland, “I
must have died,” she said to herself as she began to recover, “Because
this must be heaven!”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBm1egqNvIqUZJxXlK8PknnzhNVjlYMzUjXcSpsezlNaQpT6FE5z1L4e-QgVGNppCN5f3oGU6hIhoCVrPhYJiPUqRgTo7fbdCqd9FhW6v2qDSsHR6Dc2ENfdHl9KWhKYvToLYb96RdW0/s1600/015+Orchis+militaris+1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBm1egqNvIqUZJxXlK8PknnzhNVjlYMzUjXcSpsezlNaQpT6FE5z1L4e-QgVGNppCN5f3oGU6hIhoCVrPhYJiPUqRgTo7fbdCqd9FhW6v2qDSsHR6Dc2ENfdHl9KWhKYvToLYb96RdW0/s320/015+Orchis+militaris+1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military Orchid in France 2004</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It had been in the middle of the twentieth century
that the military orchid was first found in Buckinghamshire, an event
that brought it back from extinction. It was that well-known botanist
Ted Lousley who knew where it occurred, and probably had found it. A
botanist friend of mine was determined to find it, but Ted Lousley was
equally determined to guard the secret of its whereabouts. My friend
asked for a clue, and Ted Lousley agreed to let my friend know whether
it was to the north or south of a particular main road. About a
fortnight later he received a postcard that announced on it, “The
Soldiers are alive and well at…….”<br />
<br />
Secrecy about the
sites of rarities is not always a good idea. There are a large number of
people who have a determination to experience the thrill of being in
the company of a rare and exotic orchid. Luckily, today few botanists
would want to add rare orchid specimens to their private herbaria, and
most like to treasure the memory of the experience with a photograph.
Policing of fragile sites during the flowering season, and allowing the
whereabouts of such sites that can cope to be widely known can be very
beneficial for keeping people involved with the natural world. The keen
and fanatic orchid hunter is almost certainly going to try every
possible way to track down his quarry. Many will travel vast distances
to achieve that goal. How much more pleasant it would be for everyone if
the site were policed, and the orchid fanatic would not have to suffer
that wave of guilt that acting like some international spy would give
him. Most are more than prepared to give a generous donation for the
privilege of seeing, and photographing a rare orchid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jgBNgiNiUJ9ziXV-r2hbPdNtQvgLDVodT6ls8bfGJ-jxPFJRQoW-5BqHcg5oGxSLgNo5-THogM01CAdVLYDrLwjCO6TXmu5ycejmQXtO7X7eUwefv1g6zFBT7bNjq4P0ghRtO5kcJ5s/s1600/015+Cypripedium+4a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jgBNgiNiUJ9ziXV-r2hbPdNtQvgLDVodT6ls8bfGJ-jxPFJRQoW-5BqHcg5oGxSLgNo5-THogM01CAdVLYDrLwjCO6TXmu5ycejmQXtO7X7eUwefv1g6zFBT7bNjq4P0ghRtO5kcJ5s/s400/015+Cypripedium+4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady’s Slipper Orchid in Yorkshire, 1972</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was an episode of the television series Wild
Things that stimulated me to write this blog. In the programme, one of
the presenters visited a wonderful clump of Lady’s Slipper Orchids that
are the progeny from native wild plants. The good news that there are as
many as a hundred plants in various secret sites in Britain was
mentioned. Whether the plant I experienced back in the early 1970s is
still extant, I was unable to confirm. <br />
<br />
In my twenties,
I was a determined orchid hunter and had replaced any remnant ideas of
collecting actual plants with making a series of my own personal
photographs. Perhaps the most mystical and prestigious species is the
Lady’s Slipper Orchid. My botanical friend knew of its locality, and
undertook to give me detailed instructions for finding the site,
provided I never let on who it was who gave me the information. He
suggested that I contact the then Nature Conservancy Council and tell
them I knew where the site was, having visited it in the past, and
saying that I would very much like to improve the quality of my
photographs. The officer in the Nature Conservancy Council called my
bluff, and suggested I meet him at the entrance to the area.<br />
<br />
“I’d
like you to show me where your plants are,” he said, “After all, your
site may not be the same as mine.” As it happens, the site is a good way
from the nearest road, and even with my instructions, finding my way
there unaided I knew would be demanding, However, I led him to within a
few yards of the orchids’ but I couldn’t actually spot them.<br />
<br />
“They
are around here somewhere,” I muttered somewhat feebly. In fact they
really were only a few yards from where I stood, and my companion
pointed them out to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTRb9D9qaJlr_-WVwo8DWVOe_98tmYg6VdG8ciDJb5mSWcvpYmxYzFWqgGSymXGpIDuMV7VGrHkzdvylULD5_06H51R7oud7Pzi-wxXiw9Hi4LDP9qhJKMrKgN_3k4Pbs4woAtl02Vlo/s1600/015+Cypripedium+2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTRb9D9qaJlr_-WVwo8DWVOe_98tmYg6VdG8ciDJb5mSWcvpYmxYzFWqgGSymXGpIDuMV7VGrHkzdvylULD5_06H51R7oud7Pzi-wxXiw9Hi4LDP9qhJKMrKgN_3k4Pbs4woAtl02Vlo/s320/015+Cypripedium+2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady’s Slipper Orchid in Spanish Pyrenees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWLEsssYbfepCsYstANNgvR3DS4fCWBwqSpd4QttwmlNmJDGYjK0BVz4bm6v_Hi0ExVgxedXByDhVzpWNaWglPVJrgNDWxoX9buFGMelcgUpL-3JA7nJVpYCVv7kt4pjIrjQE3-xCBn0/s1600/015+Cypripedium+1a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWLEsssYbfepCsYstANNgvR3DS4fCWBwqSpd4QttwmlNmJDGYjK0BVz4bm6v_Hi0ExVgxedXByDhVzpWNaWglPVJrgNDWxoX9buFGMelcgUpL-3JA7nJVpYCVv7kt4pjIrjQE3-xCBn0/s400/015+Cypripedium+1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady’s Slipper Orchid in Spanish Pyrenees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I understand that more recently than at the time of
my visit, during the flowering season, a guard sat close by and was
camouflaged. The guard allowed people to approach within a few yards of
the plants before he actually revealed his presence. The Lady’s Slipper
Orchid in Britain became an extreme rarity having suffered acutely from
collection by Victorian gardeners. Luckily, some of the plants that were
dug up are known to be of wild origin, and these have been used for
re-introductions into the wild. Abroad the Lady’s Slipper Orchid is also
far from common, however I enjoyed a rare experience when I saw a
colony of perhaps a hundred plants on a hillside in the Spanish
Pyrenees.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF6juU1T3vPKpFxhoGReswu9-Pzps10rGt0xDRSO6zrlSMMi3Uf6pfb8qaYqpfSluypURSliNJ2WgpEhjZ6DdOomd-2HsJzySpOO2NyoOJV4kNprL6fqZS4rrDb-t64Jg1MgA4bbdCq0/s1600/015+Epipogium+2a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF6juU1T3vPKpFxhoGReswu9-Pzps10rGt0xDRSO6zrlSMMi3Uf6pfb8qaYqpfSluypURSliNJ2WgpEhjZ6DdOomd-2HsJzySpOO2NyoOJV4kNprL6fqZS4rrDb-t64Jg1MgA4bbdCq0/s320/015+Epipogium+2a.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost Orchid in 1972 hand held</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>It
was also in early autumn in the 1970s that I began my campaign to see
and photograph the Ghost Orchid. I was told of a botanist in
Buckinghamshire who looked after the site, and went to visit her. She
told me of the site, and approximately the best time of year to attempt
to find it. The potential area is large, and the plants could appear
over several acres of ground. In fact, the Ghost Orchid behaves more
like a fungus than a flowering plant, and has been known to produce
flowers throughout much of the year. Weather conditions over a whole
year seem to control when and whether it will appear.<br />
<br />
Another
friend of mine said he had visited the site some twenty four times over
several years without success. On the occasion of my first attempt, he
was otherwise engaged.<br />
<br />
“You’ll see it,” he joked the day before my visit. “You’re bound to see it, because I can’t go with you.”<br />
<br />
In
the event, I drove to the site, parked the car and began the business
of trying to find it. From the information I had, it was going to be
very like hunting for the proverbial needle in the haystack. The plant
grows as a saprophyte getting nutrition from dead leaves, in this case,
beech leaves. After a surprisingly short time. I was given the most
acute adrenal jolt of my entire life as a naturalist, because there on
the ground, seeming to wink up at me was a pale pink plant without a
hint of green. It was scarcely an inch tall, and supported one perfect
flower. Very carefully, I took a series of photographs. Light was pretty
dim, so I tried both flash and hand held. [In those days, there had to
be a nail-biting wait for a few days before the results could be seen.
When they arrived, the hand held pictures were blurred, and the flash
results over exposed.]<br />
<br />
Having taken the photos, I
leaned fallen branches against trees making a triangle; the plant was
more or less in the centre of the triangle. I hoped that my friend would
be able to find the plant from this. I knew he would be at home, so in a
state of extreme elation, I left to ring him to give him the good news.
On my way out, I spotted a second, equally tiny plant in a leaf filled
ditch close to the road.<br />
<br />
Having made the phone call, I
returned to the site to see if I could find yet more plants. As I walked
through the woods, still some distance from my first plant, I became
aware of a man, festooned with cameras walking parallel to me perhaps a
hundred yards away. To say he was furtive would be an under-statement.
Slowly, his path approached mine, and he bucked up courage to ask.<br />
<br />
“Are you looking for what I think you’re looking for?” he asked.<br />
<br />
“Maybe,” I replied.<br />
<br />
“Have you seen it?” He asked anxiously. I hesitated, and then replied enigmatically,<br />
<br />
“That
depends on who you know.” He gave me the name of the botanist who had
given me my information. “If she told you where to go,” I added, “Then
yes, I have seen it. I’ll show you.”<br />
<br />
I decided to show him the plant a good distance from the road, and hoped that he would not spot the indicating fallen branches.<br />
<br />
“I
see what you mean,” he spluttered when we were still at least two
hundred yards way from my plant. There in a leaf filled hollow were two
magnificent plants. The larger was at least six inches tall and
supported three perfect flowers. The other was a little shorter and had
two. I took more photos. [When I got them back, they were better than
those of my first plant.] After enjoying the plant, we very carefully
used a small dead stick to try and imitate an insect to pollinate the
plants. The effort required to release the pollinia was quite
considerable, and it would have taken at least a bumblebee to do it.
Perhaps that is one reason they are so rare.<br />
<br />
It was a
week before I returned to the site. The plant we had pollinated was now a
dry husk, and had obviously set seed. The dry capsule looked swollen
and cracked where the seeds had escaped. From information given by
several visiting botanists, it seemed that at least ten plants had
appeared in that dell, and regretfully, an artist had collected one of
them. My friend had indeed visited the site, and had actually found a
plant whose bud was still opening beneath the layer of dead leaves. I
had a further scout round, and found a plant at least half a mile away
on the other side of the road.<br />
<br />
A few years later in 1978, another botanist friend came to stay. We were wondering what to do when I said.<br />
<br />
“This
is a long shot, but why don’t we go and try and find the Ghost Orchid.
The weather has been promising and it’s about the same time of year as
when I saw it before.” We went off to the site, and this time another
little plant with one flower, and perhaps just over an inch tall was
being admired by a small group of enthusiasts. This may have been the
last year in which it was seen. It has been a long time since flowers
were last enjoyed in its comparatively well known site. I suspect,
however that there may be considerable quantities of vegetative plants
waiting below the surface of leaves, just waiting for the right
conditions.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-77428506984873486552013-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:002013-01-05T11:20:32.926-08:00Exciting New Lichens in Sussex<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzep8s8lHxjJpEX9qd2kQaXCzVUo4hYmuwAYkEG9CXB53yqy9tgJ-xaEutnmD0fxExaV06wlJK6kcW1K9AqtO8CQonIV9XfzKUZ8g6nwXm5uVcwhhVgTBPYrxbObyCWCtUdBBU3ulLuE/s1600/013+Teloschistes+chrysophthalmus+1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzep8s8lHxjJpEX9qd2kQaXCzVUo4hYmuwAYkEG9CXB53yqy9tgJ-xaEutnmD0fxExaV06wlJK6kcW1K9AqtO8CQonIV9XfzKUZ8g6nwXm5uVcwhhVgTBPYrxbObyCWCtUdBBU3ulLuE/s400/013+Teloschistes+chrysophthalmus+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sussex <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Boxing Day 2012, I enjoyed some most exciting
natural history. On 23rd of December, I received an e-mail informing me
that the lichen <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> had been found on
two hawthorn bushes to the north of Brighton. The finder, Mark Jackson
had recently just got interested in lichens, and asked me about the
status of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> in East Sussex. The answer
is simple, it is the first recent record for Sussex, there being three
early 19th Century records from Shoreham, near Brighton and also near
Lewes. On 23rd of December my knowledge of the current history of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> was as follows: <br />
<br />
·
In 1994, it had been discovered at Slapton Ley, but the bush on which
it grew was cleared as part of conservation scrub clearance. <br />
·
Next, it was found on a hawthorn bush on the shores of the Drift Reservoir
in Cornwall, but when the water level rose and submerged the bush, its
only known modern site was once again lost. <br />
· More recently it was found on a branch fallen from an apple tree in Herefordshire. <br />
<br />
Not a very promising situation for its continued
survival, but shortly after that, it was found in County Cork and as far
as I know, that site is still extant. It also occurs on Guernsey on two
bushes where I saw it recently. In Jersey however, it was last seen in
an orchard back in 1966. A recent trip to the site confirmed that all
the apple trees had gone.<br />
<br />
On Boxing Day I met up with Mark Jackson and he showed me the two bushes each with just one <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>.
We had a good look round at other trees, but found no more. However, on
our way back to the car, Mark found a minute, pink lichenicolous fungus
growing on a twig. I photographed it, and sent off the photograph to
the experts. It is <i>Illosporiopsis christiansenii</i> and new to Sussex. Mark is lucky in having an excellent eye for lichens, as well as a great enthusiasm for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Since the 23rd of December, I have learned that <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
has turned up recently in four sites on the Isle of Wight as well as
single sites in Dorset, Hampshire and Kent, so the discovery of it in
Sussex links up all the counties in the South Eastern quarter of
England. In the past, it was thought that <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
was probably the most pollution sensitive lichen species, at least to
the sulphur dioxide pollution that occurred in Britain. Its recently
discovered distribution however would seem to refute this. In Sussex,
the site is no more than 400 yards from the edge of the Brighton
conurbation. Until relatively recently, there was a power station
downwind at Shoreham, and with the whole of Brighton and Hove downwind
of the site, the air cannot be considered pure, even with the
considerable improvement in air quality throughout Southern England.
Clearly <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> is not behaving as the delicate, hyper pollution sensitive species it was previously thought to be.<br />
<br />
Outside Britain, I have some experience of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>.
It is certainly rare in Europe. I first saw it on a twig at Amelie les
Bains in the French Pyrenees in 1974. In 1993, I found it in Corfu, and
these experiences made me believe that because of the dry atmosphere any
sulphur dioxide would not be turned to sulphurous acid, the active
compound that causes havoc to pollution sensitive lichens.<br />
<br />
In 1994, my ideas about the problems of air pollution and <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
were somewhat shaken when I stayed in a hotel on the edge of Quito in
Ecuador. On a Jacaranda tree in the grounds of the hotel, I found a
lichen flora consisting of some of the most sensitive lichens known
belonging to genera such as <i>Lobaria </i>and <i>Sticta</i>. Amongst the many other species, I found <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>, and as will transpire, even more surprisingly I found <i>Teloschistes flavicans</i>. At the time, I did not know of the closely related <i>Teloschistes exilis</i>, which my record of <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus </i>might actually have been.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislwg2C6vTXlGAtGqQgBZxlKpb5UxVIUaAkUJPSxxDmpDIIuTxqREdtNO9xmaaBbloflT8nn5NyzBNFLdpXXPiC7lOeM2BLk6qvthurzwZ-93iXwjU73yI-y96y0ZWg1qBiQGDyp1uofM/s1600/013+Teloschistes+exilis+2A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislwg2C6vTXlGAtGqQgBZxlKpb5UxVIUaAkUJPSxxDmpDIIuTxqREdtNO9xmaaBbloflT8nn5NyzBNFLdpXXPiC7lOeM2BLk6qvthurzwZ-93iXwjU73yI-y96y0ZWg1qBiQGDyp1uofM/s400/013+Teloschistes+exilis+2A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teloschistes exilis</i> in Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In 2004, I visited Texas and became aware of <i>Teloschistes exilis</i>. I found it, along with <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
on twigs that had fallen from the upper branches of suburban pecan
trees in Fort Worth. I also found them relatively close by in Dallas.
These are part of an enormous conurbation, known in America as the
Megalopolis; certainly, not an area particularly noted for pristine air
quality. In fact, the distribution of members of the genus <i>Teloschistes</i>
in the United States is most interesting. There are six North American
species. One occurs in arctic Canada and is extremely rare. Like <i>Teloschistes flavicans</i>, it is non fertile, but sorediate; this one is <i>Teloschistes arcticus</i>. Then there are <i>Teloschistes californicus</i>, which is a rare coastal species in Southern California. Similar to this is <i>Teloschistes villosus</i> which is confined to Mexico. Then there are <i>Teloschistes flavicans</i>, <i>exilis </i>and <i>chrysophthalmus</i>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrpWk6Xmc0v4R6zD1EG1ubMRqngskWw-eeuONWa7gf2bHQZBEOO905HLkOXbePYQj3ZRpx6qOvVQYk3O32C97-r4uLumqEQN7vbHtp0HUxCZwif7mflif_1tb1v4SlxtvUTYP4_WO8bw/s1600/013+Teloschistes+flavicans+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghrpWk6Xmc0v4R6zD1EG1ubMRqngskWw-eeuONWa7gf2bHQZBEOO905HLkOXbePYQj3ZRpx6qOvVQYk3O32C97-r4uLumqEQN7vbHtp0HUxCZwif7mflif_1tb1v4SlxtvUTYP4_WO8bw/s400/013+Teloschistes+flavicans+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teloschistes flavicans</i> in Guernsey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While in America <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> and <i>exilis </i>appear relatively unfussy about air conditions, <i>Teloschistes flavicans</i>
is almost totally western and coastal, and demands very clean air. This
is so much mirrored by its requirements in Britain. In fact, it seems
that the fertile species of <i>Teloschistes</i>, although rare, seem to be less fussy about sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBJ6a8CWnFQZLhyqSpDrd3j_2WhosXL85PQcoB98VgROm3RLvMPk_8RI7bblo6QqlmhaXm1vWxfuuH_MVxA0X-9D3j_6QhICPm4syoskx0E2yjG_YkeVSoBBqq7Jm9VEGORlzy_Dx_Fg/s1600/013+Xanthoria+polycarpa+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBJ6a8CWnFQZLhyqSpDrd3j_2WhosXL85PQcoB98VgROm3RLvMPk_8RI7bblo6QqlmhaXm1vWxfuuH_MVxA0X-9D3j_6QhICPm4syoskx0E2yjG_YkeVSoBBqq7Jm9VEGORlzy_Dx_Fg/s400/013+Xanthoria+polycarpa+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i> in Hampshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was struck by the associated species growing with the <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmu</i>s
in Sussex. While there were hawthorn bushes relatively free of the
bright yellow and very common species belonging to the genus <i>Xanthoria</i>, it was only on those whose twigs were golden with <i>Xanthoria </i>that the <i>Teloschistes </i>occurred. It was also noticeable that <i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i>, a species that relishes enrichment, and high levels of nitrogen compounds was frequent on both bushes supporting the <i>Teloschistes</i>.
In fact the flora of both bushes was characteristic of high levels of
nitrogen compound enrichment. Could it be an increase in average
temperatures that has encouraged <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> into southern England? Could it also be that <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>
requires high levels of nitrogen compounds for its spores to germinate.
If this is the case, with the use of catalytic converters on car
exhausts creating high levels of ammonia, this could be what causes two
of the <i>Teloschistes</i> species to occur so readily in the Dallas
conurbation. Another intriguing question to ask is where do the spores
come from? After all <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> is a very uncommon species in Europe. Being a twig species, it must also be a rapid coloniser, and relatively ephemeral.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdeaTLTxUSzEtoJ0G-5ONpdQOlqC2hr9gELgMlNGgcfVEf2JQTM3yBUMXIeNYYpDlt1fY7frO_AcL6w5AlFtMvr41VljXQNZZvHM8IRAR3LIcLfQSQzplXvbMgTp56Yy-zwn7jlE6j-M/s1600/013+Teloschistes+Hampshire+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdeaTLTxUSzEtoJ0G-5ONpdQOlqC2hr9gELgMlNGgcfVEf2JQTM3yBUMXIeNYYpDlt1fY7frO_AcL6w5AlFtMvr41VljXQNZZvHM8IRAR3LIcLfQSQzplXvbMgTp56Yy-zwn7jlE6j-M/s400/013+Teloschistes+Hampshire+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> in Hampshire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few days into the New Year, I happened to be going
to Hampshire, and as it turned out the reason for my visit took me to
about two miles from the Hampshire site. It took a very short time to
find the <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>, this time growing on a
blackthorn bush. There was just one plant of it, and it looked less
healthy than the Sussex plants. The twigs of the bush were yellow with <i>Xanthoria </i>indicating high levels of nitrogen enrichment, and especially well developed was <i>Xanthoria</i> <i>polycarpa</i>. It was also very close to the centre of an urban area.<br />
<br />
Naturalists should be encouraged to look out for <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i>.
It appears so far to have been found mostly on mature hawthorn, and
perhaps a lesser extent on blackthorn, which are blasted by strong,
coastal winds from the south west. It is astonishing how similar <i>Teloschistes chrysophthalmus</i> can look to the common <i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i> when viewed from a short distance and I suspect it may have been overlooked for this. The <i>Teloschistes </i>has
brighter orange discs, or fruits, and they are always surrounded by
hair like cilia, or whiskers. These are never present surrounding the
duller discs of <i>Xanthoria polycarpa</i>. Also intriguing was the presence of the lichenicolous fungus <i>Illosporiopsis christiansenii</i> on a different bush perhaps six feet away.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-69705068404662425262013-01-05T08:37:00.003-08:002013-01-05T09:17:31.260-08:00Waxwings and People<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucPy7I5ApuWe9dJwUmBjZP-JJLN5gtTE8Glxw6GZKug46MN6LO_oXKhmwuuZY7RMz11MYehhPw6QadzxcQGsg3t_bokJc99VkmPL2NFKYy7GuEPlB8gc5zzK3nrL8h_3qXzmF8jfbnE8/s1600/014+Waxwings+in+sunshine+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucPy7I5ApuWe9dJwUmBjZP-JJLN5gtTE8Glxw6GZKug46MN6LO_oXKhmwuuZY7RMz11MYehhPw6QadzxcQGsg3t_bokJc99VkmPL2NFKYy7GuEPlB8gc5zzK3nrL8h_3qXzmF8jfbnE8/s400/014+Waxwings+in+sunshine+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxwings in sunshine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The weather of New Years Day in East Sussex was
glorious, unlike the previous day when it was wet, and cloud reduced
light levels to impossible levels for photography. With little hope, my
wife and I drove into Lewes to try and take a nice series of photographs
of the flock of waxwings that have taken up temporary residence in an
area with luscious, bright red berries. One reason for the lack of
optimism was an experience we had a day or two previously when there
were no waxwings present when we arrived. We were told that they had
been driven off by a few over enthusiastic people. The birds had been
chased backwards and forwards as they attempted to descend from a row of
poplars to feed on the berries below. The berries were on the other
side of the road from the poplars. After we had parked the car, it was
another two hours before the flock returned, and I achieved silhouette
photographs of them sitting high in the poplars. There were still one or
two people sitting in their cars, but as soon as the birds arrived,
without any care taken, they were out of their cars, and rushing towards
the best vantage point, between the poplars and the berries. While I
was there, sitting patiently in my car, my wife off shopping, the birds
never did descend to feed, and I left without any photographic success
at dusk.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D8va9J_58BqHaEhIBE-zoQIXSSLeXhJHmrX7Tsl0Kefr4-wgo6zzc2AkVL83qHcg-7wk0e2_H-IK4zRko48JcGLRXt39QGvWjgd25pFx7x2rMpF59pTC1k052mQ8xF1hRqHukmavYNY/s1600/014+Best+in+the+rain+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5D8va9J_58BqHaEhIBE-zoQIXSSLeXhJHmrX7Tsl0Kefr4-wgo6zzc2AkVL83qHcg-7wk0e2_H-IK4zRko48JcGLRXt39QGvWjgd25pFx7x2rMpF59pTC1k052mQ8xF1hRqHukmavYNY/s320/014+Best+in+the+rain+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best shot in the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a different story on New Year’s Eve. I decided
to go into Lewes to do some supermarket shopping, and to see if the
waxwings were behaving. Before shopping, I went to have a look at the
roadside hedge with the berries. No sign of waxwings, or of people.
However there really was plenty of rain. I did my shopping, and then
thought I might as well go and have another go. There was one car there,
and I could see its occupant was pointing his binoculars up at the
poplars. A few starling like dots in the trees proved, with the help of
my binoculars, to be waxwings. After a few minutes, he came and asked me
if I had managed some good photos. All I had achieved were a few
distant silhouettes. He drove off. The waxwings began to descend from
the poplars, and feed on the berries. For me, the hedge with the berries
was on the opposite side of the car, so I drove off, and turned round.
By inching the car ever so slowly towards the berry laden bushes with
the window already down, I was able to stop opposite, and within about
four feet of several feeding waxwings. Two problems arose however.
First, as soon as I had lowered the car window, I was splattered by
rain, as was my camera lens when I tried to take photographs. Secondly I
had not checked to see how much space there was left on the card in my
camera. At that definitive moment when a row of three waxwings posed for
me on the top of the fence, no more than six feet away, I pressed the
shutter button, and nothing happened.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I spent the next
few minutes deleting previously taken waxwing silhouettes, but by the
time I was ready, the rain had increased and the light had faded even
more. I managed one or two extreme close ups, beautifully filling the
frame, but alas, the images when I got home were in soft focus, and not
in any way sharp.<br />
<br />
When my wife and I arrived on New
Year’s Day, my spirits sank as I viewed the scene. Cars were filling the
available official parking where I stopped the previous day; cars were
even parked on double yellow lines. At the far end of the cars, there
was a knot of people very close indeed to where the waxwings had been
hopping down to feed the previous day. With my binoculars, I could just
make out a few sitting in the poplars. I suggested to my wife that I
might as well walk down and join the crowd to see if I could get a
distant shot or two of the birds in the poplars. I asked her to give me
ten minutes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT-atspZXWioC8n29AVoHlnxFilljxOJ_Nxzl7ZaP2XAX-NFsR-G6rcpI4dKjNmCYfxaCy2zPeN28IapGk0crh8YLKJbmNiveRTHsuCt2e28dV0Ytnz4Jo_yqSkpModSdOtIZ2dXErZk/s1600/014+Waxwing+in+sunshine+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT-atspZXWioC8n29AVoHlnxFilljxOJ_Nxzl7ZaP2XAX-NFsR-G6rcpI4dKjNmCYfxaCy2zPeN28IapGk0crh8YLKJbmNiveRTHsuCt2e28dV0Ytnz4Jo_yqSkpModSdOtIZ2dXErZk/s320/014+Waxwing+in+sunshine+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxwing in sunshine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I strolled down to join the knot of people. To my
astonishment, the waxwings were hopping down from the poplars to feed on
the berries no more than five yards in front of the people. No one
rushed. No one shouted. There were no sudden movements and everyone was
enjoying fantastic views of stunning birds in brilliant sunshine. A
motionless knot of twenty five to thirty people was far less
intimidating to the waxwings than two or three people rushing hither and
thither would have been. After the ten minutes I had allotted myself, I
re-joined my wife in the car with a very satisfactory series of photos.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQm8P66bhVQZ8qSwZ_dYAWHuqVywnNns9P_kn4UWojio_XUuS3XetT7Pp8kHw7uS8Ut_k2DChBXCRNI5XCfPHMY4AtRHwnkzEKSDvLzGxtdcW3Q1cEKgghNQOPoc8Y4rEtUN20eFhELQ/s1600/014+Waxwings+in+the+Poplars+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQm8P66bhVQZ8qSwZ_dYAWHuqVywnNns9P_kn4UWojio_XUuS3XetT7Pp8kHw7uS8Ut_k2DChBXCRNI5XCfPHMY4AtRHwnkzEKSDvLzGxtdcW3Q1cEKgghNQOPoc8Y4rEtUN20eFhELQ/s320/014+Waxwings+in+the+Poplars+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxwings waiting to feed in poplars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One thing I have learned recently about waxwings is
that they are amazingly tolerant of people, so long as the people behave
with consideration. When they visit this country, waxwings are after
berries, and one of the best sources of berries are supermarket car
parks where berry producing bushes and shrubs have been planted as part
of landscaping schemes. Cars make excellent hides, and by positioning
the car close to where the birds are known to feed and waiting
patiently, superb views and photographs of these charming birds can be
obtained with ease.<br />
<br />
Just over ten years ago, I was
doing some work in Sherwood Forest. While I was there, a Cedar Waxwing,
the American cousin of our Bohemian Waxwing, was found to have joined a
population in Nottingham estimated at some six hundred birds. The
population had split up into a number of smaller feeding flocks which
dashed about the city, spending usually no more than five minutes on a
source of berries before flying off to another feeding site. By ringing
Birdline, a telephone line with a recorded message giving the
whereabouts of interesting birds, I found out the places where the Cedar
Waxwing had been seen. I made a decision to go to a particular source
of berries, and to wait. <br />
<br />
There were several birders at
the site when I arrived, and their prognosis could scarcely have been
more depressing. Yes, it had been seen in a flock of perhaps a hundred
and fifty birds an hour previously, but as soon as the bird of the
moment had been found, off they all went. More often than not, a flock
of waxwings is heard before it is seen. Waxwings sound like rather soft
trim phones. They are not as loud as that other trim phone triller, the
Bee Eater. It was perhaps after two hours of standing in the cold, and
with eyes and ears hyper alert that a flock of about sixty birds arrived
to feed. It circled the bushes several times, and the Cedar Waxwing was
located. It differs very little from its European cousins, however I
saw enough of it to be convinced I had had adequate views of the star
bird of the moment. On that occasion, the flock did not even land, but I
felt a warm and satisfying glow as I returned to my car, and drove
south towards home.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LNvExBmLUDrwmY7duWOE_7fijOza4FvyHMQQiLEf72HV4Emv1Pf97WsGcl9mqK8YQknKdu9GC-RVRnLGzr9pxmFlXcvGNMlrFJ9WnzD2urIy1v0acywuZ8W6rxTPIEGDdU6PFCDY8a0/s1600/014+Waxwing+Food+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LNvExBmLUDrwmY7duWOE_7fijOza4FvyHMQQiLEf72HV4Emv1Pf97WsGcl9mqK8YQknKdu9GC-RVRnLGzr9pxmFlXcvGNMlrFJ9WnzD2urIy1v0acywuZ8W6rxTPIEGDdU6PFCDY8a0/s320/014+Waxwing+Food+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waxwing Food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It seems that the winter of 2102/13 is being a bumper
year for waxwings. They are here because they have had a particularly
successful breeding season in the north and food up there has become
scarce. The population therefore disperses to parts where waxwings are
seldom seen, in search of food. Hopefully when spring returns and with
it a return to the north, a substantial number of the birds we have
enjoyed will be able to return to their breeding grounds.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-23979541794711338972012-11-28T11:12:00.002-08:002012-11-28T11:15:09.642-08:00Experiences with SpidersWhile I was away recently, there was discussion on the Web about the
dangers of spiders in Britain. My first encounter with a spider that bit
was in France when I was fourteen. At the time I was into geology, and
picked up a piece of rock and started to examine it. After perhaps a
minute, I felt a piercing sensation on my hand under the rock. I looked
under the rock to see a medium sized spider biting me. It gave me a
considerable shock. Whether it was a direct effect from the bite, or an
emotional response I do not know, but I did feel rather flushed and
dizzy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgItEwLTQxslXD5A_k55eBVyXKnrZX1uLi8N16KLSx15THoW9ldlrzVxorQyKPe_rc5sEJ2SdFl-rdiXlPJsf0PimIv8k7L8jLQP7W450DqG6D0qopd_M4TZ2tDqsNR9rzG2yVrJL4rI/s1600/012+Araneus+diadematus+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgItEwLTQxslXD5A_k55eBVyXKnrZX1uLi8N16KLSx15THoW9ldlrzVxorQyKPe_rc5sEJ2SdFl-rdiXlPJsf0PimIv8k7L8jLQP7W450DqG6D0qopd_M4TZ2tDqsNR9rzG2yVrJL4rI/s200/012+Araneus+diadematus+A.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Araneus diadematus </i><br />
Garden Orb Spider<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More recently my wife picked up that very attractive green spider <i>Araniella cucurbitana</i>
and to her surprise, it gave her a nasty nip that was really quite
unpleasant. Even more unpleasant was a nip from a harvestman that was
nestling in a pot of chamomile she had bought from a local garden
centre. I had never heard of harvestmen biting humans, but this
particularly bite caused pain, and unpleasantness for some time. <br />
Certainly I have heard that other orb spiders, and house spiders belonging to <i>Tegenaria </i>can bite, but have only heard very occasionally from people who have experienced bites.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRHLSTevGdCD-r2cBLjP_-6xFuDRIJuxvPkEJW_pdoFifyHocOLbw24VLhrWLDwRhuMrNZhWDezA5H_NKhWrmha_3sLljG_9YZs-HFVTVsJaX2KHzC1Lpa9G9C1aqOXErqOkkWR7lwxY/s1600/012+Texas+Brown+Spider+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRHLSTevGdCD-r2cBLjP_-6xFuDRIJuxvPkEJW_pdoFifyHocOLbw24VLhrWLDwRhuMrNZhWDezA5H_NKhWrmha_3sLljG_9YZs-HFVTVsJaX2KHzC1Lpa9G9C1aqOXErqOkkWR7lwxY/s200/012+Texas+Brown+Spider+A.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Aphanopelma hentzi</i>Texas Brown Tarantula </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Perhaps one of the most alarming group of spiders on
their appearance are the bird eating spiders, often erroneously called
Tarantulas. People with experience of them are quite prepared to allow
them to walk all over them. It appears that if bitten by them, the
experience is not lethal, but on a par with the sting of a bee. It
probably comes as a bit of a shock that there are as many as thirty-two
species of black widow spider, and one, the Mediterranean Black Widow <i>Latrodectus tredecimguttatus</i>
is not uncommon, and may be responsible for the Spanish dance, the
tarantella, inspired by the death throws of someone having been bitten.
However there is another black widow that occurs in Spain, <i>Latrodectus lilianae</i>
which is common there. Australian spiders are noted for their dangerous
habits. The Australian Redback Spider is in fact a black widow <i>Latrodectus hasseltii</i>.
In spite of the world being full to abundance with so many potentially
lethal creatures, they do not appear to have even the slightest negative
effect on tourism, and certainly mortality from them rarely features in
newspapers. Had a holiday maker in the Mediterranean received a fatal
black widow bite, it would surely have been reported. The fact is,
venomous spiders have to be positively encouraged to bite and most are
unaggressive. Black widows are so called, not because they create widows
amongst humanity, but because the male does not survive his act of
reproduction.<br />
<br />
This summer, we were plagued by enormous numbers of lesser house flies <i>Fannia canicularis</i>.
On occasions the kitchen was home to literally hundreds, and the
spiders that lived with us in the house became much appreciated allies,
and a few local characters. In the sitting room, there was Shelob, named
after the character in Lord of the Rings. She lives in a small hole in a
flower stand, produced an intricate web with a characteristic funnel,
and frequently stands, upside down close to her hidey hole as we watch
television.<br />
<br />
Another well watched creature is Spid. Spid
appeared in about May as a tiny creature. He inhabited a tiny corner
between the wall and the ceiling. He could be observed while I enjoyed
an early morning cup of coffee. A record breaking move by him would
total about an inch. Then one day he disappeared. He was away for about a
fortnight, and during that time I anxiously hoped he was okay. Suddenly
he reappeared, and now a little more active and slightly bigger, he
actually strayed perhaps as much as six inches only to disappear again.
He is now back in residence having returned from a walkabout something
like a fortnight ago. Our house seems to be inhabited by Spid and his
relatives, now down to about four individuals, the occasional <i>Tegenaria </i>who appears unannounced in the bath and Daddy Longlegs Spiders, <i>Pholcus phalangioides</i>. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2fZXOeVJlF60TfzitvrmIIB3kdkhcTCvINTv0lEz7X0n3loodTpmQvHhRi8mjRCKXqX76OJdnknzvu2s-bTJkVwRC1wWuoCsVdOjGDZeM2WavQ-6BoXntqwT6KkYbzoxDEL5tJMzEYw/s1600/012+Pholcus+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2fZXOeVJlF60TfzitvrmIIB3kdkhcTCvINTv0lEz7X0n3loodTpmQvHhRi8mjRCKXqX76OJdnknzvu2s-bTJkVwRC1wWuoCsVdOjGDZeM2WavQ-6BoXntqwT6KkYbzoxDEL5tJMzEYw/s320/012+Pholcus+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pholcus phalangioides </i><br />
Daddy Longlegs Spider<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pholcus spiders are brilliant hunters and have been
responsible for the demise of several of Shelob’s relatives. Their
technique is to create subtle shivers in a web, and this encourages the
web’s owner to emerge, thinking prey is available.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF0-mGxttBEgsZK8ZnnTxtMd8ZSuW63FyMyBd18iy_issuiqpegYhpy_35SCuP-RUOThuzI1Fj8eWmfyiQsN0c-DBPEovpF390wDa28KGIKOBBM2yed4vyvmqenOBZ1PTqFxengezpg4/s1600/012+Tegenaria+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF0-mGxttBEgsZK8ZnnTxtMd8ZSuW63FyMyBd18iy_issuiqpegYhpy_35SCuP-RUOThuzI1Fj8eWmfyiQsN0c-DBPEovpF390wDa28KGIKOBBM2yed4vyvmqenOBZ1PTqFxengezpg4/s200/012+Tegenaria+A.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tegenaria </i>sp.<i> </i><br />
House Spider<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one time, a large <i>Tegenaria </i>took up
residence behind our washbasin plinth. He was an expert fly catcher, and
we christened him Charlie. On one occasion, it seemed he had been
expelled from his home. I caught him in a jam jar and returned him to
the vicinity of the loo. Immediately Charlie himself came out, and made
short work of the interloper. In the course of time, however Charlie
fell victim to a Daddy Longlegs Spider.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBwVPx4aBgM12O9nRQDUZYEiXsjzBu3beZpap2YPN-N7KKecbAdRARuq93uqL5cmel9DR_L5fdEZhrjhqHJmFjQuTLmuXJnzsPDHjKHpAKXgpyGkiw70XhMHEmx3lXjLRbZWMLpH_7ek/s1600/012+Steatoda+nobilis+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBwVPx4aBgM12O9nRQDUZYEiXsjzBu3beZpap2YPN-N7KKecbAdRARuq93uqL5cmel9DR_L5fdEZhrjhqHJmFjQuTLmuXJnzsPDHjKHpAKXgpyGkiw70XhMHEmx3lXjLRbZWMLpH_7ek/s320/012+Steatoda+nobilis+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Steatoda nobilis</i> <br />
False Black Widow </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Very recently, and especially since correspondance concerning the False Widow Spider <i>Steatoda nobilis</i>
and its potential for causing a most unpleasant bite to humans, I have
taken photographs of a relative of Spid who has a home close to the
kitchen window. His identification is unequivocal: he is a false widow, <i>Steatoda nobilis</i>.
Actually he is probably a female, given that his markings are so
strong. I have to admit to rather less warm and cuddly feelings towards
Spid, Shelob and their relatives, however it appears, from studying
their habits on the web, that they have to be positively encouraged to
bite. One method, apparently, is to hold them between thumb and
forefinger and gently squeeze against another part of the hand. Secondly
as they have poor eyesight, gentle encouragement with a finger by
vibrating the web, will encourage them to come out and bite. In a
nutshell, they only really bite if provoked or in defence of themselves.<br />
<br />
Apparently <i>Steatoda nobilis</i>
is not a British native, but was introduced from the Canary Islands or
Madeira, where it is native, some time in the nineteenth century with
bananas. They are still more or less confined to southern counties,
however are expected to spread north. It is now present in western
Europe where it is expected to spread. Reports of False Widow bites do
appear from time to time in the media, but most are sensationalised. As
with bee stings, a few unfortunate people are badly affected by false
widow bites, however to most, the effects may be painful, but are almost
always harmless in the long term. <br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-7223828258890575422012-09-21T07:44:00.001-07:002012-09-21T08:16:34.135-07:00Invasive Species and Wildlife Corridors<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLbNaCz2Slp5JVhiopjMhAJ6VUmjYWGwHpcBKPTIa2uBmrSsUHSfzsSuoDgtfW33Tw97hThDoWSYV0uBXyEufYSNjKBwJktZTdOVWcwirH4T1-4UZvifzfRMvcb4J5p_CwEPFbSKjtI4/s1600/011+DSCN0818a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLbNaCz2Slp5JVhiopjMhAJ6VUmjYWGwHpcBKPTIa2uBmrSsUHSfzsSuoDgtfW33Tw97hThDoWSYV0uBXyEufYSNjKBwJktZTdOVWcwirH4T1-4UZvifzfRMvcb4J5p_CwEPFbSKjtI4/s400/011+DSCN0818a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oxford Ragwort <i>Senecio squalidus</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently I have become aware of <a href="http://planttracker.naturelocator.org/" target="_blank">PlantTracker</a>
which has been set up by the Environment Agency, the Nature Locator
team at Bristol University and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
They are asking for help from the public to track down non-native
species that are a threat to our native wildlife. It is well known how
species such as <i>Rhododendron ponticum</i>, <i>Fallopia japonica</i> (Japanese Knotweed) and <i>Crassula helmsii</i>
(New Zealand Pigmyweed) have become unwelcome aliens in our Country.
There is a website and an app for use on smartphones to help locate the
plants. The results are already proving to be of help to them and to the
BSBI in identifying key risk sites for further invasion problems.<br />
<br />
I well remember the excitement back in the 1970s that the late Dr Francis Rose showed when he first found <i>Crassula helmsii </i>in
a small pond adjacent to Hatchet Pond in the New Forest. His excitement
was caused by the fact that his initial identification of it was <i>Elatine hydropiper</i>,
a very rare species that he had never seen before. Further research
however put him right, and the truth was that he had had his first
encounter with a most unpleasant alien. It did not take long for the
whole of the bottom of that pond to be a one species carpet of <i>Crassula helmsii</i> with some important species crowded out completely.<br />
<br />
The first occurrence of <i>Crassula helmsii</i> in the New Forest was recorded by the late and very able, deaf botanist Paul Bowman. His notebook showed that having found <i>Crassula helmsii</i>
nearby, he then drove to Hatchet Pond. Circumstantial evidence suggests
very strongly that a small piece of the plant may well have attached
itself to his boot. This shows just what an invasive threat this species
must be. The original source of the invasion is thought to have been an
aquarist supply shop in Essex.<br />
<br />
The story of Oxford Ragwort <i>Senecio squalidus</i>
is fascinating. This species is now ubiquitous on the tops of walls and
throughout Britain’s railway system. It is now completely taken for
granted as part of the British flora. It is called Oxford Ragwort
because it was grown in Oxford Botanic Gardens in the late 17th century
having been collected from volcanic cinders on the slopes of Mount Etna.
It was a small hop from its flower bed in Oxford to the walls of the
Botanic Garden from whence it found the walls in the rest of the City
and, from 1844, the cinders on the early railway tracks passing through
the town. In no time at all, it had established itself throughout
Britain on its fast expanding railway network.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx18cumE5tog5EWOS19lbUVIgVspX6Zmbvw91nOJsyJLvXcUnsNbJEdmGP8MAT4WNcywS30G-TwWOiddwupFVX9wnaZjeUxhgw7ZqR75t4F0QmbfLu4DPL4cBFR2DKckro9hOwLHRLxc/s1600/011+DSCN6831a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJx18cumE5tog5EWOS19lbUVIgVspX6Zmbvw91nOJsyJLvXcUnsNbJEdmGP8MAT4WNcywS30G-TwWOiddwupFVX9wnaZjeUxhgw7ZqR75t4F0QmbfLu4DPL4cBFR2DKckro9hOwLHRLxc/s320/011+DSCN6831a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhododendron removed from one ownership but dense in a <br />
neighbouring one in Sussex</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another species Canadian Pondweed, <i>Elodea canadensis</i>
was a terrible invasive menace in the past, but now seems to have
settled itself relatively comfortably into the ecology of aquatic
habitats. One of the great problems with invasive species is that they
have no predators, species that feed on them or diseases that keep them
in check in their new home. The very attractive bug <i>Graphocephala fennahi</i> was introduced into Britain in the 1930s from America. This species
feed on rhododendron, and it appears possible that it also spreads a
fungus that attacks it. Japanese Knotweed seems to be a species that is
extremely difficult to eradicate, and once established creates a habitat
that is devoid of pretty well all other species of wildlife. It creates
such a dense cover that other photosynthetic organisms cannot establish
themselves beneath it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtyIWq3qO-MmLl7cFEmYQJCgdb62ujIOkDtulg5Ahzr3wFAZ9zUDq2TjgyVGkIt7aVx0YPW78d1PX4KJ4f5cFcEUS3EVNRYkiml9AZyp6raZwZma5feLYf9XpkgJHPXGUa_CBc7d3JQ0/s1600/011+DSC_0945a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWtyIWq3qO-MmLl7cFEmYQJCgdb62ujIOkDtulg5Ahzr3wFAZ9zUDq2TjgyVGkIt7aVx0YPW78d1PX4KJ4f5cFcEUS3EVNRYkiml9AZyp6raZwZma5feLYf9XpkgJHPXGUa_CBc7d3JQ0/s320/011+DSC_0945a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harlequin Ladybird</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As everyone knows, unwanted, and invasive aliens are
not restricted to the plant world. Grey squirrels, mink and more
recently harlequin ladybirds are all species that have had a savage
effect on our native fauna. It is interesting that bluebells are rather
rare in Europe, and the wonderful and ebullient spectacle of the British
bluebell wood does not exist there. The reason for this is that wild
boar are native in Europe, and control bluebells by digging them up, and
eating them. Is it possible that bluebells became an invasive species
when the wild boar finally became extinct in Britain? Is it possible
that this acknowledged aspect of our wildlife heritage will be
threatened by wild boar becoming once more established here?
Interestingly <i>Cyclamen hederifolium</i> with its English name
Sowbread has not become invasive in our woodlands although it is grown
extensively, and does very well as a garden plant. Where established, it
can provide a fine spring show on hedge banks. In Europe, woodland can
be “ploughed” by wild boar seeking the corms of wild cyclamen.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGZqmCdfk5SBn2MBVnlUMPZjeeOtDPIm1uw4jVjGu1IUyd7cjxZxE8tCcy452vSFLfpFSSGXbbW_22GIkXwPhnkPqFWA7nwjxvAPQbkcVm4XTky3AQ7p_gcZr1OmQ8c4FUKjFwqVrJPk/s1600/011+SRD_0055a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGZqmCdfk5SBn2MBVnlUMPZjeeOtDPIm1uw4jVjGu1IUyd7cjxZxE8tCcy452vSFLfpFSSGXbbW_22GIkXwPhnkPqFWA7nwjxvAPQbkcVm4XTky3AQ7p_gcZr1OmQ8c4FUKjFwqVrJPk/s320/011+SRD_0055a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Himalayan Balsam <i>Impatiens glandulifera</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There has been encouragement from conservationists to
provide wildlife corridors to encourage the spread of wildlife.
Unfortunately it is the aggressive, non native aliens that benefit from
most habitat corridors. One only has to see the spread of <i>Impatiens glandulifera</i>
Himalayan Balsam throughout our river and canal system to see how
beneficial wildlife corridors can be to alien species. The same is true
of our railway system and the spread of Oxford Ragwort. Most native
species such as dormice, bats and badgers do not spread their range
along wildlife corridors although some may use corridors such as
hedgerows to find forage. It would be wonderful if otters were able to
return to our river system as rapidly as mink did and it is heartening
to see how many have returned already. A much better way to encourage
an increase in native wildlife is to increase the acreage of our best,
existing wildlife habitats. As mentioned in my first blog, many of the
lichens that are used for estimating the age and ecological continuity
of woodland are probably dispersed in the digestive systems of molluscs.
In the New Forest, Burley Old Inclosure which was newly planted around
1700 has developed both as habitat and in its lichen flora to compare
favourably with neighbouring native, ancient and ornamental woodland.<br />
<br />
Discouraging
the spread of aliens using non-native biological control may be fraught
with difficulty. There are examples of non-native predators becoming a
greater threat than the species they were designed to control. Where
successful, such control may be very effective, but extreme caution is
required before such biological control is implemented. Most
conservationists shy away from the use of chemical control, however it
seems that chemical methods are about the only armament available for
the control of Japanese Knotweed. Invasive species are not confined to
land, they can also cause havoc in marine habitat around our coast. The
slipper limpet is a case in point as is Japweed <i>Sargassum muticum</i>
which became established on the Isle of Wight in the early 1970s. It
has now spread throughout western Britain as far north as south western
Scotland, and is established in Ireland. In Britain, its long strands
grow to the exclusion of all native marine algae where it has become
established. Control of this menace was started too late for it to be
very effective.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RMEjZql-anklgZlKb3FHXydmlZW7k-9rGdtwCKwp27AprrM9d01Pu2TpPMu1EYLEzglKC9dr4Omr3PpIinY9DLwGawpe_PqJrQaGK5ZMjkhjTxhR4r_NxHasze3jHX0ZxT3ht_fXEYI/s1600/011+FP+162-0084+5204a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RMEjZql-anklgZlKb3FHXydmlZW7k-9rGdtwCKwp27AprrM9d01Pu2TpPMu1EYLEzglKC9dr4Omr3PpIinY9DLwGawpe_PqJrQaGK5ZMjkhjTxhR4r_NxHasze3jHX0ZxT3ht_fXEYI/s320/011+FP+162-0084+5204a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martagon Lily <i>Lilium martagon</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, the question of whether a species is native
or introduced can be fraught with difficulty. While the date in which
most became established can be easily found, there can be arguments for
the native status of species that are universally thought of as being
introduced. Of native species, smooth snake has some doubt cast upon its
native status while the late Dr Francis Rose argued strongly that there
was a case for the Martagon Lily <i>Lilium martagon</i> being native.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-85043485366432281602012-08-24T06:33:00.000-07:002012-08-24T06:33:16.028-07:00Dicing with Dangerous Natural HistoryRecent postings on Facebook from a naturalist who decided to acquire
personal experience of the effects of giant hogweed on her arm reminded
me of someone I knew in the New Forest who wanted to find out about the
effects of the bite of the large tabanid fly <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i>.
There cannot be many who have not been plagued by that silent but deadly
pest, the horse-fly but how many have actually been bitten by other
tabanid flies in Britain. Of course in Africa, it is a tabanid fly, the
tsetse fly that carries the deadly sleeping sickness.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZofHeCGFE9-hERfsYozHNBdNicSP-gNieBDZlVNM_z0cBtG7Qpy36xk0JAfHcqn0VY5BX0iBN5MkaHMV4oWIx66figaT3vhZvvH5EaZJWyIQzKZeBYS2VCSJ5qly5ukONx3gGLP0JeY/s1600/Tabanus+sudeticus-A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZofHeCGFE9-hERfsYozHNBdNicSP-gNieBDZlVNM_z0cBtG7Qpy36xk0JAfHcqn0VY5BX0iBN5MkaHMV4oWIx66figaT3vhZvvH5EaZJWyIQzKZeBYS2VCSJ5qly5ukONx3gGLP0JeY/s320/Tabanus+sudeticus-A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Horsefly, <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i>, New Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Giant Horsefly <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i>
is comparatively common in the New Forest where it preys on horses. New
Forest ponies can often be seen rushing around to avoid being bitten by
the noisy <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i> which is certainly not as insidious
and silent as the horse-fly we all know and hate. However once on a
horse’s back, and in a part of its anatomy where the tail cannot brush, <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i> can cling on and will not be disturbed as it feeds. The chances of any human being bitten by <i>Tabanus sudeticus</i>,
as it is such a clumsy, noisy beast are remote. A naturalist friend of
mine decided he wanted to experience personally the effects of this fly.
He caught one in a jam jar, and then applied it to his hand. The fly
took some time to take the hint, but eventually began by scything with
its mouth parts to make a wound. Blood began to escape from the wound,
and the fly enjoyed its meal. My friend’s first reaction was “Well
that’s pretty innocuous.” However, a few hours later his hand swelled up
like a balloon, and he became really very ill.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKvHzAmuovn0KLTBYsP8E8xAfzLPbG7m2ySDRnhUjXtF-71jx1vDUOkkAtff-CjL0R6H5S5YYSvg-0elN4EKDkLvh_uwDub5uknfxyaQt1cUjimxdgWjwQfvnXGJgHVulVSYOD9J2z2U/s1600/Poison+Ivy-A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfKvHzAmuovn0KLTBYsP8E8xAfzLPbG7m2ySDRnhUjXtF-71jx1vDUOkkAtff-CjL0R6H5S5YYSvg-0elN4EKDkLvh_uwDub5uknfxyaQt1cUjimxdgWjwQfvnXGJgHVulVSYOD9J2z2U/s320/Poison+Ivy-A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poison Ivy, Dallas, Texas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
remember the first time I visited Texas being tempted to see if I were
effected by poison ivy. In retrospect, I think to have conducted an
experiment on myself would have been both foolish and unpleasant. I
remember my wife telling me about an Indian colleague of hers at work
who complained that in Britain, brushing against vegetation was
strangely unpleasant and hurtful. The fact was she had never experienced
stinging nettles before. A few years ago, I was undertaking an
ecological survey in East Sussex when I found a nettle with narrow
leaves. I had recently heard about the Fen Stinging Nettle <i>Urtica galeopsifolia</i>
that has narrow leaves, and is supposed not to sting. Having looked at
the leaves carefully and being fairly reassured that there were few, if
any stinging hairs, I touched it gingerly. I was not stung. Was this a
good enough indication that I had found the species? In fact, I still
believe that the actual status of <i>Urtica galeopsifolia</i> is in doubt, and that it may simply be a form of the normal, unpleasantly painful stinging nettle we all know and avoid.<br />
<br />
As
a naturalist, reactions to danger can be less healthy than those of
other humans. I well remember being in the Pamir Mountains in Uzbekistan
when a member of the party I was leading shouted up to me that he had
spotted an Asian Cobra. My immediate reaction was to rush down the
hillside, and I was rewarded by seeing the snake as it slid off into the
undergrowth. On another occasion, my party was stranded in Tashkent.
Our transport onwards to Kirghizia was delayed as senior soviet
officials had purloined all the seats on the flight we were to have
taken. We had a day that was fallow, and the local organisers of our
trip wondered how to keep us amused. We were taken to a zoological
institute, and shown cabinets full of bird skins. This did not keep us
occupied for long. Then someone had a brainwave. Would we like to see
the snakes? We were taken to the relevant part of the building and
ushered into a rather small office. In the corner was a cage. Between us
and its contents there was nothing but a layer of chicken wire. I was
at the front of our group, and to say I was uncomfortable when the cage
was opened would be an under-statement. The inhabitants of the cage
reared up, fanning their heads as our host pushed his hand towards them.
They were Asian Cobras. “They’re quite harmless,” our host explained,
“Rearing up like that is all show. You really have to positively
persuade a cobra to bite you.”<br />
<br />
For the next stage of
the visit, we were ushered into laboratory where a taciturn scientist
was handling a Soviet species of pit viper. The most poisonous snake in
the Soviet Union, he told us. He held it behind its head, and pushed its
fangs into a beaker. Two jets of a colourless liquid squirted into the
beaker, and these would be used to produce anti venom. <br />
<br />
“Do
you ever make any mistakes?” a member of the party asked. For answer,
the scientist held up his hand. One of his fingers was missing, and he
explained that he had to decide whether to use an axe lying close to
him, or die.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6TLhaCHVqCkrKRR_dSOp0thaU1l_tHKeG5-OePE7kBznDbVG_x3VCfhdsUtLR8kPWHof1mMHKW_iImR5m15Fm5TfJqvMOq0mGqFhtpBvCCykIKGdFzFdJBY0enUIuFHAjF1LGaL46oI/s1600/Saturnid+Caterpillar-A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6TLhaCHVqCkrKRR_dSOp0thaU1l_tHKeG5-OePE7kBznDbVG_x3VCfhdsUtLR8kPWHof1mMHKW_iImR5m15Fm5TfJqvMOq0mGqFhtpBvCCykIKGdFzFdJBY0enUIuFHAjF1LGaL46oI/s320/Saturnid+Caterpillar-A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk-moth caterpillar, with poison spines, from Ecuador</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I
am lucky in that I am not affected by the hairs on the tails of
brown-tail moths. I have never actually done an experiment to prove
this, but have come into contact with sufficient of them, and of other
British caterpillars to know that I am probably immune. In Ecuador once,
I came across the caterpillar of a species of silk-moth armed with
vicious looking spines. Our local guide told us that those spines
contained a venom quite powerful enough to put you in hospital.<br />
<br />
There
is a certain thrill that many humans, and probably many naturalists
have in close encounters with dangerous plants and animals after they
have got away with the encounter. On one occasion, a local guide told me
of an eyelash viper behind a vine on a massive rain forest tree in
western Costa Rica. I went down to investigate and failed to spot it.<br />
<br />
“Your eyelash viper has gone,” I told the local guide when I saw him later.<br />
<br />
“When was that?” He asked<br />
<br />
“Oooh, about an hour and a half ago,” I replied.<br />
<br />
“Well
it was there twenty minutes ago.” He assured me. After he told me
exactly where it was, I went back and sure enough, looking obvious it
was very much still there. I shuddered when I remembered that I had
looked for lichens with a handlens on that tree when I thought it was
safe to do so. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xuz50ce6306cBZegchzT1dma9qrCeqJX2YV4Nn7i-XsdZxqoAgT41y9G-qILXD3LckGPWRhLbHrTyEusgCd0k1ECwBcdLjzHTufJDYlR50TCvRJ5b21v-ypwNocaqcKts7b43UOmbQM/s1600/Eyelash+Viper-A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xuz50ce6306cBZegchzT1dma9qrCeqJX2YV4Nn7i-XsdZxqoAgT41y9G-qILXD3LckGPWRhLbHrTyEusgCd0k1ECwBcdLjzHTufJDYlR50TCvRJ5b21v-ypwNocaqcKts7b43UOmbQM/s320/Eyelash+Viper-A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eyelash Viper, Costa Rica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On
another occasion in Costa Rica, the rest of my party went off horse
riding for the day. I decided to have a day to myself. I walked off down
several lanes, and found a dry hillside which looked promising. I
became aware of a bird call which consisted of two whistle like notes.
After a while, I found I could do the top notes, and the bird would
reply with the lower note. Very gingerly, I began to approach the sound
and I was rewarded with good views of a delightful Lesser Ground Cuckoo.
When I got back to the centre, I told the local guide where I had been.
After satisfying himself with my location he said. “That was not very
sensible. That particular hillside is home to a large number of tropical
rattle snakes.”Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-11676397050101301102012-08-16T11:57:00.003-07:002012-08-16T11:57:54.406-07:00Woodland Continuity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_k-BBL7bRU15sAcpfryqwhrZO7-nw0RJLShfI-GDNwR5QtIHJPQ8I8mWZOByksfaKjkw0HcwIvo8GiaJFuuIlJSHj2xf_KrIqeL1se0dGsZpjHKXQ3LcpfFRUX-2vB5x_z_0anBYBhQ/s1600/008-4+Lobaria+pulmonaria.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_k-BBL7bRU15sAcpfryqwhrZO7-nw0RJLShfI-GDNwR5QtIHJPQ8I8mWZOByksfaKjkw0HcwIvo8GiaJFuuIlJSHj2xf_KrIqeL1se0dGsZpjHKXQ3LcpfFRUX-2vB5x_z_0anBYBhQ/s400/008-4+Lobaria+pulmonaria.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Lungwort - <i>Lobaria pulmonaria</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was Francis Rose who, way back in 1974, first
recognised the value of lichens in assessing ecological continuity in
woodland. A list of seventy species was compiled by the British Lichen
Society which were found to be most closely associated with ecological
continuity and lack of disturbance. This list was used to arrive at the
New Index of Ecological Continuity (NIEC). Added to this, a list of
rarer, bonus species could be used to calculate a second index. These
indices work well for much of Britain, however further indices were
formulated for areas where other lichens were found to indicate
continuity. Where the large and showy common lungwort <i>Lobaria pulmonaria</i>
works well as an indicator throughout much of England, it is a common
species in Western Scotland, and its presence there cannot be used as an
indicator of continuity. For upland England and Wales, as well as in
Western Scotland, the Eu-Oceanic Calcifuge Woodland Index is used.
Further indices are used in Scotland and Western Ireland.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO5N7rK8OIJ1dHpg8UcqEmOMCIKPwj0SPUAXaLIRT8CTYSAMcgCcqRQXHsEB6bSLAK8pFw031yO0CbN7MVj_OpgVqk7ejcOsLWJ3lRXSIzujMIHyu0bVHLARV5AWlZblZo0zEFYXnmBo/s1600/008-5+Heterodermia+japonica.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO5N7rK8OIJ1dHpg8UcqEmOMCIKPwj0SPUAXaLIRT8CTYSAMcgCcqRQXHsEB6bSLAK8pFw031yO0CbN7MVj_OpgVqk7ejcOsLWJ3lRXSIzujMIHyu0bVHLARV5AWlZblZo0zEFYXnmBo/s320/008-5+Heterodermia+japonica.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heterodermia japonica</i> growing amongst a form of <br />
<i>Hypnum cupressiforme</i></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
It was noticed while undertaking a survey in Eastern Cornwall
in a nature reserve known to consist of ancient woodland, that the
nationally scarce lichen <i>Heterodermia japonica</i> occurring on a
beech branch was fertile, and supported a number of small, disc like
fruits or apothecia. A day or two later, there was a depression in the
lichen where the fruits had been. It seemed most probable that a slug
had browsed them off. Some six months later, the site was revisited, and
small daughter colonies of the lichen were found up to six feet away
from the parent lichen. If, as seems probably the main vector for
spreading the spores of ancient woodland indicator lichens is the
digestive system of slugs, then distribution is going to be very slow
indeed. No slug will ever take the trouble to cross a major road simply
to spread a particular species of lichen. Slugs are also ideal as
vectors as the spores are conveniently attached to the substrate in
their slime trail. It would be interesting to experiment by collecting
slugs from known ancient woodland sites and introduce them to more recent
sites to see if indicators of continuity became established.<br />
<br />
Francis
Rose, and Richard Hornby of the then Nature Conservancy Council, made a
list of higher plants reckoned to be associated with ancient woodland.
While the clear felling of a wood totally removes the corticolous lichen
flora, higher plants are more robust, and are therefore useful in
assessing ancient woodland sites. It is most important to remember that
the higher plant list consists of common species, and that it is the
total of species present that is significant. The absence of rarer
species lacks significance just as does the presence of one or two of
the common indicators. Higher plant indicators are all photosynthetic,
and therefore need adequate light levels. In many ancient woodlands, due
to the current lack of grazing, the ancient woodland flora is confined
to rides, or to the roadside banks of the edge of woods.<br />
<br />
<br />
The
British Bryological Society have also made a list of mosses and
liverworts most closely associated with woodland continuity that works
well and I understand that in the insect world, similar lists of beetles
and hoverflies have been made. It would be most interesting to know if
there are correlations between all ancient woodland indicator lists.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX5zG_SH79YufhrQ0z3K-Oqb1S5il_KJbgyxe-2D5YykizV80Zk8pEiea8KmPL9S4nLtZMzdcYr33CDRJ7qb0L18PV_svGrShmxpJBlOcA7GqXhrJBxep1J0kJgye3UnKYa24zTOFyck/s1600/008-3+Thelotrema.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaX5zG_SH79YufhrQ0z3K-Oqb1S5il_KJbgyxe-2D5YykizV80Zk8pEiea8KmPL9S4nLtZMzdcYr33CDRJ7qb0L18PV_svGrShmxpJBlOcA7GqXhrJBxep1J0kJgye3UnKYa24zTOFyck/s320/008-3+Thelotrema.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnacle Lichen - <i>Thelotrema lepadinum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the difficulties of using lichens, and to a
lesser extent bryophytes as indicators of ecological continuity is their
sensitivity to air pollution. Throughout most of Central and
South-eastern England until some thirty years ago, acid rain and
industrial pollution all but destroyed the lichen flora totally, and
with it the information it could give. It is lucky that the Barnacle
Lichen, <i>Thelotrema lepadinum,</i> which is a most useful indicator,
is relatively tolerant of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, and it has
been found, as would be expected due to the ecological continuity of the sites, in both Epping
Forest and Hatfield Park. Even low lichen indices of continuity in
these areas can be treated as significant.<br />
<br />
Most of the
early work that related lichen richness with ecological continuity took
place in the deciduous woodlands of England, Wales and North-western
Scotland. In Central and Eastern Scotland there are pine forests of
great ecological importance and continuity. The lichen flora associated
with these trees is very different, as are the habitats they provide. Dr
Brian Coppins, the foremost Scottish lichenologist, is known to say
that the only good pine tree [for lichens] is a dead pine tree. He
points out that a pine provides habitat for lichens for a longer period
as a standing dead tree than it does when alive. While coppice woodlands
with hazel or hornbeam in England can be important for lichens, and the
coppice poles can support a rich flora, this is nothing compared with
the incredible richness found in a few very important and ancient hazel
woodlands in western Scotland and in the Hebrides.<br />
<br />
A
further index using lichens is also used, but these days only
occasionally. This is the Revised Index of Ecological Continuity (RIEC).
In this case thirty species are used, and by multiplying the number of
species by 5, a figure for the index is found as a percentage. A score
of 100% is reckoned to equate to a wood with perfect ecological
continuity. However scores higher than a hundred are possible such as
Glen Shira in Scotland with a score of 130%. Using the New Index of
Ecological Continuity, a total of thirty or more species that includes
bonus species is thought to indicate a wood of high conservation value.
Parham Park which is arguably the best example of ancient woodland in
Sussex has a total of 27 NIEC species added to which should be 3 bonus
species bringing a total score of 30. In other parts of Britain, much
higher totals are found.<br />
<br />
Francis Rose was never keen to
indicate the meaning that should be given to higher plant indicator
totals. However, he told me he was of the opinion that a score below
twenty species indicated a wood of low conservation interest. Similarly a
score of twenty bryophytes indicate conservation value, though this is
reduced to fifteen throughout South-eastern England.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk3mRtdAy-0sYb8nT1DaaGZjg2GNpn8W-OkzfmxvpBqWVusH6fN1GlsVyC7vjuHlXbwmbDPtgU53QtxBzSP2vN-rnUa65y484fT4Nd6nWIEAZD3EvFU3HAgXGJOT5af5Rg1r1T24Yi6g/s1600/008-1+Calliprobola+speciosa.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk3mRtdAy-0sYb8nT1DaaGZjg2GNpn8W-OkzfmxvpBqWVusH6fN1GlsVyC7vjuHlXbwmbDPtgU53QtxBzSP2vN-rnUa65y484fT4Nd6nWIEAZD3EvFU3HAgXGJOT5af5Rg1r1T24Yi6g/s320/008-1+Calliprobola+speciosa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoverfly - <i>Calliprobola speciosa</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbFRhrLWaso0nEMUMS-vx5KLYYlKlYWbHnwCY72yej6YwooSa8dUBXAwa801uH6zpdNeW7U__SGqs7wLxSf5rG6RK3ZndTS-5pe4D1iESS3mIjscd-xDzxJUIO8Fpl0B4lzAqM4gppu8/s1600/008-2a+Helops+caeruleus.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbFRhrLWaso0nEMUMS-vx5KLYYlKlYWbHnwCY72yej6YwooSa8dUBXAwa801uH6zpdNeW7U__SGqs7wLxSf5rG6RK3ZndTS-5pe4D1iESS3mIjscd-xDzxJUIO8Fpl0B4lzAqM4gppu8/s320/008-2a+Helops+caeruleus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beetle - <i>Helops caeruleus</i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some groups of insects also contain species that are good as indicators of ecological continuity. Two groups certainly spring to mind which are hoverflies and beetles. Two illustrated here are the rare New Forest hoverfly <i>Calliprobola speciosa</i> which could be used, as could the beetle <i>Helops caeruleus</i>. There are many more hoverflies and beetles that could be used as indicators of ecological continuity.<br />
<br />
This account has been to do with ancient woodland
with continuous canopy cover. This type of woodland is not rich in
butterflies. For butterfly richness, it is the woodland rides and their
floristic richness that are important. Woods such as Bernwood in
Oxfordshire are soft wood plantations, but the richness of the rides
make them outstanding for insects such as butterflies. Beautiful
bluebell woods are not examples of woodland with long continuity, but
are none the less very important. Similarly, it is coppiced woodland
that generally provides habitat for greatest flowering plant
biodiversity. It is a balance that is required as well as the importance
that is given to woodland with a long history.Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-37635160230028371882012-07-14T08:48:00.000-07:002012-07-14T08:50:55.611-07:00Personal Experience of Volcanoes and Wildlife 1Over the last day or two, I have been thoroughly enjoying the BBC 2 series <i>Volcano Watch</i>.
There have been some fantastic images, as well as links between
volcanic activity and the wildlife associated with them. Over the last
twenty years or so, I have had the great good fortune to be a leader of
wildlife holidays and to lecture on cruise ships. This has taken me to
many parts of the world and several have been in areas with considerable
volcanic activity.<br />
<br />
My first experience of a
volcanically active part of the world was in Costa Rica in 1990. Our
local guide told us that in 1964 when President Kennedy visited Costa
Rica, the country gave him a twenty one gun salute. This was the violent
eruption of Volcan Irazu, a mountain over ten thousand feet, which can
be seen from the capital San José. The eruption was considerable, and
the city was affected by a layer of ash.<br />
<br />
When I first
visited Volcan Irazu in 1990, there was a whiff of bad eggs in the air,
the crater which I was told at the time was the largest on earth was
empty, and the cone sides contained masses of eroding ash. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrme4mFdZO8hkDx2pTbIX6MTD6WRa9ifbDhimqgLuSrqfmHeaV_OlsPndxAeCbA3Qxurrk-PzsATBVhwppFjyQV_AZM4ZBgTv4wP1cu396uL9qVPhPnL_lSXgBVpfPe6PYWB3whGEEWA/s1600/008+Volcan+Irazu+3A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrme4mFdZO8hkDx2pTbIX6MTD6WRa9ifbDhimqgLuSrqfmHeaV_OlsPndxAeCbA3Qxurrk-PzsATBVhwppFjyQV_AZM4ZBgTv4wP1cu396uL9qVPhPnL_lSXgBVpfPe6PYWB3whGEEWA/s320/008+Volcan+Irazu+3A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main, most recent crater of Volcan Irazu photographed <br />
in 1990</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcUBDnyAn-Ma5vzd-Ypu6TrBLuL9SKnCFbsapaJGlh4XqHOFD9FefGtxtevzqaU1Ibmd05zJjw-avR9qaScx0CKJid2LEztvoa9qjcZ71CH0fjy_31VZMcNbsr6f03n3mLVV0-PcVOYI/s1600/008+Volcan+Irazu+1A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcUBDnyAn-Ma5vzd-Ypu6TrBLuL9SKnCFbsapaJGlh4XqHOFD9FefGtxtevzqaU1Ibmd05zJjw-avR9qaScx0CKJid2LEztvoa9qjcZ71CH0fjy_31VZMcNbsr6f03n3mLVV0-PcVOYI/s320/008+Volcan+Irazu+1A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most recent crater photographed in 1994 and now <br />
filled with a sulphurous lake</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie82QwrSocHuyYkd3mLU2rBQqjpOdx9aNYXdnD5ul-SOd-HPZWmgS5suY2qlNIkuCyIB7PeZ_SgSLKcqruKdxprXd9UiI13ea9D6PPR5n5F57hpeb-U0SWssJYsNzEppaFJJaPl4Qpee8/s1600/008+Volcan+Irazu+2A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie82QwrSocHuyYkd3mLU2rBQqjpOdx9aNYXdnD5ul-SOd-HPZWmgS5suY2qlNIkuCyIB7PeZ_SgSLKcqruKdxprXd9UiI13ea9D6PPR5n5F57hpeb-U0SWssJYsNzEppaFJJaPl4Qpee8/s320/008+Volcan+Irazu+2A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud forest on the slopes of Volcan Irazu affected by <br />
pyroclastic flow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />By 1994 and my second visit, it had filled with
water, and had a sulphurous lake in the cone, and the water appeared to
be boiling. One of the highlights of the day for my group was to have a
look at cloud forest on the upper slopes of Volcan Irazu.<br />
<br />
Finding
an open piece of woodland that would give a good opportunity to scan, I
stopped the coach. The trees were stunted with considerable expanses of
open grass between them. The terrain had a certain similarity with the
New Forest, and I wondered what animals could be responsible for the
grazing. Certainly, there was no evidence of large numbers of cattle or
horses up in the mountains. One stunted tree supported a mass of flowers
in its upper branches, which were only about ten feet above the ground.
I noticed these flowers had attracted a tiny, jewel like hummingbird.
This was the Volcano Hummingbird in its Mount Irazu form, a species
confined to a very few of the higher volcanic mountains of Costa Rica.
It turned out that this very unusual woodland had been created by a
pyroclastic flow that had passed over the cloud forest, stunting it,
killing most trees and creating a unique landscape and ecology. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem7ZggpMDuBInLHoWrgSeukXLTi__0SOGEnDXWEEn2H2tJ2816kA8qn5nRAxDhEUgmJHmKJgLeRIw6cbzxMo0HdJwFHdaDIp2r3ZNt_oI6hQkY4ypG8eMQuelLdq3nWbn3vjrlwigNdA/s1600/008+Volcan+Poaz+3A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhem7ZggpMDuBInLHoWrgSeukXLTi__0SOGEnDXWEEn2H2tJ2816kA8qn5nRAxDhEUgmJHmKJgLeRIw6cbzxMo0HdJwFHdaDIp2r3ZNt_oI6hQkY4ypG8eMQuelLdq3nWbn3vjrlwigNdA/s200/008+Volcan+Poaz+3A.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcan Irazu photographed in <br />
1994 in a more pensive mood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ziZpcaKjDSpHrDgqNshTNLcSjqRH4iA6KPs_8RORMaXhdHq9uMajURlhwoqLpcQfx2ogzxOE9zDkJ4r_emRR2h5ev-hrhUogOTgb8xDS_r3Ssh66AcaI3K5oaFELvmA6DfZupKI4GpY/s1600/008+Volcan+Poaz+1A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ziZpcaKjDSpHrDgqNshTNLcSjqRH4iA6KPs_8RORMaXhdHq9uMajURlhwoqLpcQfx2ogzxOE9zDkJ4r_emRR2h5ev-hrhUogOTgb8xDS_r3Ssh66AcaI3K5oaFELvmA6DfZupKI4GpY/s320/008+Volcan+Poaz+1A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcan Poaz photographed with a plume of steam, and still <br />
quite active</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It was a day
or two later that we visited another of Costa Rica’s volcanoes, namely
Volcan Poaz. It was a misty day, and we could see little as we parked
the minibus. The acrid smell in the atmosphere was very noticeable as we
walked towards the recently active cone. It was between 1952 and 1954
that the volcano had had its last violent eruption, however the year
before my visit, the Park had been closed to the public because of
dangerous emissions of sulphurous gasses.<br />
<br />
We were
lucky. As we approached the crater, the mist lifted and in front of us
was a great column of steam. From time to time, we heard a crackling
noise. Our guide suggested that Volcan Poaz was still in a bad mood. As
we stood watching the crater, a brilliant bird hopped onto a rock close
by, and then dived towards the bottom of the crater. This seemed somehow
suicidal. The bird was a spectacular metallic green with a bright
orange belly. It was a Resplendent Quetzal and perhaps the most
spectacular of all Costa Rica’s birds. One thing I did notice was that
the rather stunted trees close to the crater were absolutely free of any
lichens as if they were growing in a heavily industrial city. Evidently
lichens find sulphur dioxide lethal even when the gas is released by
natural events. Being a volcano, the upper slopes of Volcan Poaz support
a number of endemic species confined to the immediate area. These
include Bang’s Mountain Squirrel, as well as <i>Magnolia poasana</i> and an intriguing mistletoe <i>Dendrophthora costaricensis</i> ssp.<i>poasensis</i>.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRbLU3pQYLR07k4xDKl2_ScFI5K5F4YBgptvSpznkk1cyBNnutbvg_m8s5uFpOGVeMTiJh-SWjD1A8G0rLM0M2Oz6Hq7wnk4nYD8pYxwXnP5zHepmI1GKZEcCzaVEtlhc4rJD-H7tEuY/s1600/008+Dendrophthora+A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRbLU3pQYLR07k4xDKl2_ScFI5K5F4YBgptvSpznkk1cyBNnutbvg_m8s5uFpOGVeMTiJh-SWjD1A8G0rLM0M2Oz6Hq7wnk4nYD8pYxwXnP5zHepmI1GKZEcCzaVEtlhc4rJD-H7tEuY/s320/008+Dendrophthora+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dendrophthora costaricensis</i> ssp. <i>poasensis</i> photographed <br />
in woodland above the volcanic cone on Volcan Poaz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In those days, the most active Costa Rican
volcano was Volcan Arenal, and I first visited it in 1994. At the time,
it was possible to drive to a car park on the slopes of the volcano.
The car park was later closed, the reason we were told was that a
visitor had decided he wanted to explore the volcano even closer. It was
not until the soles of his shoes had burnt through that he was made
aware of his deadly mistake. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRy7VduPjk3PclMNUwQfGBKt6G4EvVqOWXE7dkXYhIzVf-mj8faMV0DH2k3gB_5zt5QHqg2sMwDe41ohymtn7y3tSHRQCXa3VX4fdNOezkO-hQu_adVyPLW7DWnY1IkSsojsC62QBvyM/s1600/008+Volcan+Arenal+2A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRy7VduPjk3PclMNUwQfGBKt6G4EvVqOWXE7dkXYhIzVf-mj8faMV0DH2k3gB_5zt5QHqg2sMwDe41ohymtn7y3tSHRQCXa3VX4fdNOezkO-hQu_adVyPLW7DWnY1IkSsojsC62QBvyM/s320/008+Volcan+Arenal+2A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcan Arenal erupting in relatively fine weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kK1Zd9BJ6c2Q7g_3HFR4u0wdwwnUOEJt-0sGTSeaqJ4MKs4GKiHOlqGgf6cuDofkaaXp9qjEpdrPCqLRCzoLxX4gLRYIzD4Y4bj0OofA8zACKxC-btXDT_-7fBfmKpDDrx1zLumKmB4/s1600/008+Volcan+Arenal+3A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kK1Zd9BJ6c2Q7g_3HFR4u0wdwwnUOEJt-0sGTSeaqJ4MKs4GKiHOlqGgf6cuDofkaaXp9qjEpdrPCqLRCzoLxX4gLRYIzD4Y4bj0OofA8zACKxC-btXDT_-7fBfmKpDDrx1zLumKmB4/s320/008+Volcan+Arenal+3A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a natural, hot jakuzzi under a waterfall heated by <br />
Volcan Arenal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived at this car park in the middle of the
evening; it was quite dark. Although a plume could be made out above our
heads, it was cloudy and the spectacular firework display we had been
promised was not forthcoming. We stood beside our minibus looking
towards the volcano for perhaps twenty minutes or so, before there was a
mighty roar, a rumble that seemed to have come from the throats of the
gods deep in the earth. Moments later, the pit-pitter-pat noise of
particles hitting the car park asphalt got us back into the minibus at
break neck speed. Although we spent some time in the hope of a fiery
spectacle, the cloud was too thick and at around midnight, we gave up.<br />
<br />
I
have now visited Volcan Arenal on five occasions, and all before
October 2010 when activity ceased, and the volcano became ‘dormant’. On
the fifth occasion, having been promised a firework display by our local
guide, I voiced my scepticism. <br />
<br />
“Ah, you have been before,” He said.<br />
<br />
“Yes
I have,” I replied. Evidently, the chances of clear skies, and a
spectacular show except during certain seasons is very slight. The best I
ever saw, and this with considerable imagination was a boulder rolling
down the upper cone, which appeared to be glowing. However, my
experiences of Volcan Poaz were none-the-less spectacular. At a hotel in
the nearby village, it is possible to sit beneath a pleasantly hot
waterfall, and to swim in a swimming pool at the temperature of a hot
bath. Entering the pool is done slowly because of the heat. As I swam, I
was serenaded by distant howler monkeys, which added to the exotic
atmosphere. Passing a steaming stream, we were warned that bathing in
the open countryside was not advisable as Costa Rica’s extensive
poisonous snake fauna also enjoy the warmth from the volcano. On one
occasion when I visited Arenal, the volcano was surrounded by blue sky,
and it was only the top of the cone that was shrouded in mystery. On
this occasion, a grey billowing cloud rose above the surrounding white.
The noise of the eruption was sepulchral, and it seemed as though the
gods began breathing as the molten lava lake rose and fell following the
discharge of material into the air.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-41551608008620723772012-07-07T08:37:00.003-07:002012-07-10T10:13:39.942-07:00Dynamic WoodlandThe secret to understanding the ancient woodland cover in northern
Europe and America is to appreciate the relationship between meat on the
hoof, and deciduous woodland. Shortly after the last ice age, enormous
herds of steak rampaged their way across the countryside, ripping,
munching and felling the vegetation in the countryside.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4sR1TwNVkHPyggR_CD_9_6JxNFcxV4YF-1DbVRHK67B23L3X62RxbR1j4Kmgase0hsZA2fWvLMrru1XppsOEsCZYsuNq8TkMjHqDjfOEHwM6TsNz7cW-RU83fDL7I2CMBnKbi9pY5kE/s1600/007-1a+Vinney+Ridge.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4sR1TwNVkHPyggR_CD_9_6JxNFcxV4YF-1DbVRHK67B23L3X62RxbR1j4Kmgase0hsZA2fWvLMrru1XppsOEsCZYsuNq8TkMjHqDjfOEHwM6TsNz7cW-RU83fDL7I2CMBnKbi9pY5kE/s400/007-1a+Vinney+Ridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinney Ridge. A large beech tree in New Forest woodland <br />
dominated by beech</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although European rainfall is higher, as they do in
modern Africa, the northern equivalent of elephants, woolly mammoths,
would have torn down trees, and brought down branches for food. All this
dynamic activity would have had a profound effect on the ecology of
those days. Native Americans saw the importance of this balance, and did
not treat the huge herds of bison that roamed as an unlimited resource
that would continue without some sort of management. Not so the stone
age human equivalent in Europe. Here, bison and grazing animals were
brought to the verge of extinction in prehistoric times through
uncontrolled hunting and lack of management.<br />
<br />
It was Franz Vera who, in his ground breaking book <i>Grazing Ecology and Forest History</i>,
brought to the attention of ecologists the importance of the balance
between grazing and woodland in the northern hemisphere. An
understanding and appreciation of the finest, most natural non man
managed woodland moved from forests in Poland to the British New Forest.
The New Forest consists of a mosaic of habitats which have been created
by herds of grazing animals. These animals create areas of grassland
known locally as lawns. The ancient New Forest woodland contains little
regeneration, a more open shrub layer and a particularly impoverished
ground flora. The tradition in medieval Britain for deer hunting by the
king and his nobles created the New Forest, and the English medieval
deer parks. Since William the Conqueror, the New Forest has been
managed, one way and another primarily as a food resource for grazing
animals. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY8kPeZUVjTpFwGvSHqC0Qq3Lh6iwXqRRJV1uLqaJMEb_P2U2KeZsO3OdtA1Im-d94nPWbybq-a7GoE0tc_13wKhMoCm60gbL-o79iWiodVxgAr7tyefXrbaLTlf8aTRc2FvSl2KQs8s/s1600/007-2a+South+Ocknell.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtY8kPeZUVjTpFwGvSHqC0Qq3Lh6iwXqRRJV1uLqaJMEb_P2U2KeZsO3OdtA1Im-d94nPWbybq-a7GoE0tc_13wKhMoCm60gbL-o79iWiodVxgAr7tyefXrbaLTlf8aTRc2FvSl2KQs8s/s320/007-2a+South+Ocknell.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Ocknell Wood<br />
Open canopy oak woodland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to understand the primeval woodland that
dominated northern Europe and America between ice ages, and at the start
of the most recent interglacial period, it is just so important to find
out how it worked as a dynamic entity. It was the late, and great,
woodland ecologist Francis Rose who, in the New Forest studied its
dynamism, and I had the enormous privilege of being associated with him
at that time. With all the grazing, the chances of a tree seedling
surviving either beneath woodland canopy or out in the open was minimal.
Oak was the dominant tree, and had a special relationship with jays. In
the autumn, jays would hunt for acorns, and bury them in safe areas
beneath thorny bushes and scrub. Jays overdid their food resource, and
many of the acorns were never used. These would germinated beneath the
thorny protective layer, and in their early stages, because of the
starch stored in the acorn, they could develop in the low light levels
beneath the thorns. After a few years, the developing sapling would poke
its leaves above the thorny bushes, and further development would occur
in full sunshine. In order to develop new, high canopy woodland, the
level of successful regeneration only needed to be extremely low. Anyone
living beneath a mature oak tree will appreciate the incredible
efficiency of the oak in regeneration. Lawns soon become carpeted with
young seedlings.<br />
<br />
Gradually over the years, the few
surviving oak trees develop with the bark of their young trunks
protected from the ring barking of deer by thorny bushes, and eventually
new oak woodland pushes its way into areas of lawn. At this stage, the
thorn bushes degenerate, and a ground flora in the wood having minimal
regeneration and shrub layer beneath a fairly open canopy becomes the
stable vegetation cover for several centuries. The unenclosed, ancient
and ornamental woodland of the New Forest must closely resemble the
primeval woodland before the ascent of man.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM4nWDBsoFo5CSd6-sbUFcwRyJrLPGdiLZ4ZNfy64YawS8QvIP1V_RClroviX9dGYobtrmXWEMICikAl-SxaXSJefqwfB5MKLVvohUPV-czoRGAJQYqAkZ1_hgwC4xx0jAFKGFf9Jbb8/s1600/007-4a+Ebernoe.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM4nWDBsoFo5CSd6-sbUFcwRyJrLPGdiLZ4ZNfy64YawS8QvIP1V_RClroviX9dGYobtrmXWEMICikAl-SxaXSJefqwfB5MKLVvohUPV-czoRGAJQYqAkZ1_hgwC4xx0jAFKGFf9Jbb8/s320/007-4a+Ebernoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East End Wood. New Forest Oak Woodland. <br />
Note the thorny scrub around the base of the <br />
trees where acorns can germinate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By and by, the trees become over mature, and
senescent, but not all at once. The canopy becomes more open, grazing
animals remove most, if not all regeneration and the land reverts to
lawn or heathland. In the New Forest where beech has been a native
component of the forest, a beech dominated woodland develops under the
opening canopy of senescent oak. Beech can germinate and develop under
far lower light levels than oak, and its leaves are too acid for the
taste of most earthworms. This results in the development of an acid
soil, giving rise to open heath. Gradually the heathland plants improve
the soil, and the cycle starting with thorny scrub, jays and acorns
starts all over again.<br />
<br />
The above can easily be
criticised as over simplistic. Of course it is. Other factors such as
drainage, water levels, slope gradient, the presence of rocks and
cliffs, and the nature of local geology, all would have had a profound
effect on primeval woodland.<br />
<br />
One of the great
criticisms of the high levels of grazing in the New Forest has been that
the shrub and herb layers of New Forest woodlands do not develop. It is
well known that woodland inclosed against grazing animals develops
bramble and other important shrubs. The open rides in this inclosed
woodland provides habitat for insects, and especially butterflies that
is impoverished in the open forest. As a result of well grazed, open
woodland, the purple emperor is not a New Forest feature and the high
brown fritillary has been extinct for several decades.<br />
<br />
Since
this post is about woodland, I have not mentioned that other vital, and
scarce habitat for which the New Forest is internationally renowned,
namely valley bogs. The New Forest is an assemblage of habitat variety
that has taken centuries to develop. In the New Forest, the balanced
management of grazing animals has resulted in its unique biodiversity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWN7pEWELUC67xbjJrPbPwXl-5g93eqylSShxPIksPiZFJ8_x9fBYc2g1a-pW5MoHBGWrRqJtltRPfjSaWOyan48m5rQgonFQlXIdJjqpSU0Cd7A2zABn7VgJiIuvF139h0vV-7vVM3Y/s1600/007-5a+Trodd%27s+Copse.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWN7pEWELUC67xbjJrPbPwXl-5g93eqylSShxPIksPiZFJ8_x9fBYc2g1a-pW5MoHBGWrRqJtltRPfjSaWOyan48m5rQgonFQlXIdJjqpSU0Cd7A2zABn7VgJiIuvF139h0vV-7vVM3Y/s320/007-5a+Trodd%27s+Copse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ebernoe Common <br />
An area of low grazing where holly has become dominant</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF170rgH1crZI9Pwbq-ixXWLtpt0HdNs0fYNkA4tyF7HseB9mJIgNHjZDSr9FdgrtDK85sC_CzrgYTojql-7AR-06MgfyhUp5ZZWsNfxmAF_qNeSdi6e95n3rCu49Gn9ZGe6Mtuo8_ffA/s1600/007-6a+East+End.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF170rgH1crZI9Pwbq-ixXWLtpt0HdNs0fYNkA4tyF7HseB9mJIgNHjZDSr9FdgrtDK85sC_CzrgYTojql-7AR-06MgfyhUp5ZZWsNfxmAF_qNeSdi6e95n3rCu49Gn9ZGe6Mtuo8_ffA/s320/007-6a+East+End.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trodd’s Copse, Hampshire<br />
Recent woodland where regeneration is<br />
rampant reducing light levels and biodiversity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In most of the rest of Britain, woodland consists of
coppice with oak standards, woodland managed for shooting and abandoned
wood pasture. Because in the eighteenth century it became more
profitable to graze animals in enriched, and artificially seeded
pasture, grazing in woodland all but ceased. This has resulted in the
development of woodland with very low light levels, a dense understorey
of regeneration, often by non native species such as sycamore and an
impenetrable thicket of holly, bramble and hawthorn. Flowering plants
and insects survive in woodland rides, but beneath the dense canopy
biodiversity is low. Even more alarming is the fact, pointed out by
Franz Vera that, due to these low light levels, over the next few
hundred years oak will be threatened with extinction as a woodland
component. This is because it cannot develop beyond an early seedling
stage without reasonable light levels. In this dense woodland, the only
grazing animals present are deer. These have the irritating tendency of
ring barking trees, and they are strictly persona non grata to many
conservationists. As a result, much woodland is now fenced against the
only available grazing, and this has produced a fossilised habitat with
low biodiversity and of little use for recreation.<br />
<br />
<br />
In
the absence of a healthy grazing regime in woodland, an alternative
that could be considered is human recreation. Camping, hide and seek and
dog walking are all activities that should keep regeneration and the
shrub layer in check. Paint ball games, an activity that is perhaps not
considered as politically correct in the countryside as it might be,
could also be considered<br />
as a possibly positive conservation activity.<br />
<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-10530689783923428642012-06-28T04:58:00.000-07:002012-06-28T05:03:56.395-07:00Basingstoke Canal Revisited<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwTDug-tGf4MO2LF3-72j8JAxZ2_4An1fSFBxhNSILVZ6QAKIbquHSI-Js0dvfEQ4J3Kf5dBzcWtWrysH4K6cb2gRkcTuVH1qRUo7UrPotCuzHPZYYMkphX_3vLENLM752Nt2IL5CpQ/s1600/07-01a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwTDug-tGf4MO2LF3-72j8JAxZ2_4An1fSFBxhNSILVZ6QAKIbquHSI-Js0dvfEQ4J3Kf5dBzcWtWrysH4K6cb2gRkcTuVH1qRUo7UrPotCuzHPZYYMkphX_3vLENLM752Nt2IL5CpQ/s320/07-01a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basingstoke Canal at the beginning of restoration<br />
activities. It was a long time before this dredger <br />
actually began operations. Note how well vegetated the <br />
towpath is in the middle distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8nk376xH1RAgbqaAgxsKWIypAFSve5BPFbCN1wa0SeR0SJgfxGhxjZOn-PO9wUizfpbCDoc2aYeVqu_RVHAWczpZLuMGFpbRocPXtfbhXnmabPHkgG1JXMbOPHZocaEuqVXuvwYkGA/s1600/07-02a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8nk376xH1RAgbqaAgxsKWIypAFSve5BPFbCN1wa0SeR0SJgfxGhxjZOn-PO9wUizfpbCDoc2aYeVqu_RVHAWczpZLuMGFpbRocPXtfbhXnmabPHkgG1JXMbOPHZocaEuqVXuvwYkGA/s320/07-02a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view taken from Odiham Wharf bridge, 2012. <br />
Although the canal looks neat and tidy as do most <br />
waterways today, the price of this organisation is the <br />
total loss of its biological richness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was late June in 2012 that my wife and I made a visit to the Basingstoke Canal to see how it has developed since its restoration. Repeats of photographs that had been taken in the 1970s were taken from the same position. Although one or two narrow boats were seen, not a single craft was observed actually using the canal, there was one person fishing. This underlines my opinion that following restoration, the Canal is neither one thing nor the other. It is not a major recreation resource, nor does much of the rich wildlife present in the 1970s survive. As will be seen from comparison of the photographs, very little wildlife survives at all, and the current canal landscape is very similar to that of any of Britain’s other waterways. As in the photograph shown in my previous blog of the Kennet and Avon Canal, the water is opaque and brown. No one in their right mind would contemplate drawing a pint of Basingstoke Canal water and downing it today.<br />
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At Crookham Wharf, I recorded part of a notice board displaying aspects of the Canal. The following is a quotation from that notice.<br />
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<i>The Canal is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), <br /> teeming with wildlife. It has a huge variety of dragonflies and <br /> damselflies and has more types of aquatic plant than any other <br /> water body in Britain. The Greywell Tunnel west of Odiham, is</i> <i><br /> Britain’s largest bat hibernation site.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqia7B92Zmqq0Iktoxzn9CnEDRKKENR-7ZrLS7QlttzeTr8beDFTxogE0VohVRCSrlvT_BdyaIPraazWT2GX5nVgtqP6BgYz-GOty6Ax9OHLBdCm27QcxR4fYTI39aET39SpqYJfDebA/s1600/07-03a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqia7B92Zmqq0Iktoxzn9CnEDRKKENR-7ZrLS7QlttzeTr8beDFTxogE0VohVRCSrlvT_BdyaIPraazWT2GX5nVgtqP6BgYz-GOty6Ax9OHLBdCm27QcxR4fYTI39aET39SpqYJfDebA/s320/07-03a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view looking east from Pondtail Bridge in Fleet in 1975. <br />
Note the rich, and varied surface vegetation as well <br />
as the zone of aquatic vegetation between the bank <br />
and the water. These conditions would have been <br />
ideal habitat for breeding and hunting dragonflies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZJBbe9p8_he90zG8bwaUlB0OCbTbaJEQjijXBAk-_GWFEigGFCc23DdXSRgb9A0wlveVPbsd-mODSX7dsHgpdNYTJ6S3QWUbu22Hiqk3DOMNO3DYwXi2koG1rVK4p9N6kuh4MdEseQ/s1600/07-04a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZJBbe9p8_he90zG8bwaUlB0OCbTbaJEQjijXBAk-_GWFEigGFCc23DdXSRgb9A0wlveVPbsd-mODSX7dsHgpdNYTJ6S3QWUbu22Hiqk3DOMNO3DYwXi2koG1rVK4p9N6kuh4MdEseQ/s320/07-04a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view looking east from the old Pondtail Bridge taken from <br />
the same place as the 1975 photograph. The view is blocked <br />
by the recently constructed road bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgQGUdpI4BEjfQKIzy-8YcstR3_W180C3Ui1UM4oAuNOjPPcKCwD8tHe_BK3J9Gac1DtEROUXtzdNEJDmkGy7sq3O90kCcWOkS47SlFKirPPXsf1NQtJPKiaI4NTdMHFv0U-p0U6g_w/s1600/07-05a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgQGUdpI4BEjfQKIzy-8YcstR3_W180C3Ui1UM4oAuNOjPPcKCwD8tHe_BK3J9Gac1DtEROUXtzdNEJDmkGy7sq3O90kCcWOkS47SlFKirPPXsf1NQtJPKiaI4NTdMHFv0U-p0U6g_w/s320/07-05a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Basingstoke Canal beyond the recently built road bridge <br />
taken in June 2012. Note the total lack of any surface vegetation. <br />
While there is a considerable biomass of bank-side <br />
aquatic vegetation, very few species are present</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking at the Canal and its wildlife today, it is certainly neither teeming with wildlife, nor does it support a huge variety of dragonflies. The biodiversity of plant life is very low. Having written it personally way back in the 1970s, I believe the quotation was taken originally from the label for the Willis Museum, Basingstoke display portraying the Canal. In those days, this statement would have been true. The claim that the Greywell Tunnel is the largest bat roosting site in Britain is huge, but if this is so, it underlines how important the Canal was for wildlife in the past.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad1b_PdyDurZQrDTynFsPvsXYKhmHruYdQgGkJv6eL93cdp5c3vBZEaSHDFL9fiuCOm8wjabm8TbbQePoFiZ-CJQhR_VzQwNnloCzZbCP4siQ74xRp7SwnocEgyBTlj49SpSl9OMrWw/s1600/07-07a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjad1b_PdyDurZQrDTynFsPvsXYKhmHruYdQgGkJv6eL93cdp5c3vBZEaSHDFL9fiuCOm8wjabm8TbbQePoFiZ-CJQhR_VzQwNnloCzZbCP4siQ74xRp7SwnocEgyBTlj49SpSl9OMrWw/s320/07-07a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rustic bridge crossing a dried out section of the canal in <br />
the early 1970s, and prior to any restoration. Although lacking <br />
any obvious practical value, or ecological importance, the view <br />
has a unique rustic quality. It is sad that a prospect of such <br />
charm could not have survived restoration, or that it <br />
was not valued in any way by the Canal Society</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the visit my wife and I made to the Canal recently, I saw neither damsel nor dragonflies, even though this should be the height of the flying season for them. The weather on the day was bright and sunny, ideal for dragonflies to be hunting actively. I spotted no surface vegetation whatsoever, and just two birds that could be considered as being associated with it. These were a moorhen and a drake mallard, both species that can tolerate moderate disturbance and a less than pristine aquatic environment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yqCJApJHMZ-mmK4z6q_iNTQEH_X_9a2pnQT82p9898CXSaHUVef_Qm8fnSfvv__GrTSTBdiAqJdiPg8oI9cy8VI1QwwyzEnMUxTKIymncLBc89D-SOEgjw_fARh126vWE630KATHog/s1600/07-06a.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yqCJApJHMZ-mmK4z6q_iNTQEH_X_9a2pnQT82p9898CXSaHUVef_Qm8fnSfvv__GrTSTBdiAqJdiPg8oI9cy8VI1QwwyzEnMUxTKIymncLBc89D-SOEgjw_fARh126vWE630KATHog/s320/07-06a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Military Canal to the west of Hythe in Kent. <br />
The surface vegetation here is rich even though the <br />
yellow flowered species is <i>Nymphoides peltata</i>. <br />
Fringed Water-lily which is not a native species <br />
in this part of Kent. The water is clean and ideal for <br />
dragonflies. However, there is no zone of aquatic bank <br />
vegetation between the grassy bank and the water itself <br />
on the right hand side. On the left, a plant looking very like <br />
<i>Glyceria maxima</i>. Sweet Reed-grass forms two clumps, <br />
and there appears to be a limited wetland vegetation in the <br />
middle distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In the 1990s, I visited the Royal Military Canal near Hythe in Kent. This waterway was built as a defensive measure and was finished in 1804. Since then it has developed a rich flora and fauna and is a candidate site to rival the ecological richness that was once the Basingstoke Canal. Aquatic sites such as the Basingstoke Canal are in short supply, and if any as rich as the Basingstoke Canal do survive, the ecological importance that they represent should be valued, and taken into account strongly when any conservation or restoration plans are put forward.<br />
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<br />Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67553603816465415.post-31260428142211598132012-06-23T10:03:00.000-07:002012-06-28T05:00:18.532-07:00Collections and Ecology<br />
One of my earliest memories, from when I was about 6 or 7 years old, is of finding a strange insect, which fascinated me. At the time, we lived in the depths of Norfolk, and wildlife was my main pastime. My father suggested we should take my find to the Castle Museum in Norwich. I was shown into an office where that great naturalist Ted Ellis was in charge of natural history. He looked at my offering, and identified it as the nymph of a species of shield bug.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpKuct6CByA4cIL_6fmkRAp4fgxxfdARtTpHndq5yVeofBSi5lhLRzDnsYhHXsVgwI-d0NSRWuyNPzGMH1MtdNXu6D9Born4WYfw8PVbhPRnCb0sXDZbhWwHM2p0OhC7DaUdgJfZp_A/s1600/006-002+Deathshead+Hawkmoth.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpKuct6CByA4cIL_6fmkRAp4fgxxfdARtTpHndq5yVeofBSi5lhLRzDnsYhHXsVgwI-d0NSRWuyNPzGMH1MtdNXu6D9Born4WYfw8PVbhPRnCb0sXDZbhWwHM2p0OhC7DaUdgJfZp_A/s320/006-002+Deathshead+Hawkmoth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death’s Head Hawkmoth, a preserved specimen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq76Lxg1x0fidBoo8UcP4dQqDw4crApQWDnNWqk07bJXOXBloImzjR-JG_7ajbMQWGEoRrUbt1G8OpaH15V7aMuNUAAJW3VmsNU-nG9Dz6nq9X_hFa6TO6x1hIoF1u2GceWrtWkAkedg/s1600/006-003+Deathshead+larva.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq76Lxg1x0fidBoo8UcP4dQqDw4crApQWDnNWqk07bJXOXBloImzjR-JG_7ajbMQWGEoRrUbt1G8OpaH15V7aMuNUAAJW3VmsNU-nG9Dz6nq9X_hFa6TO6x1hIoF1u2GceWrtWkAkedg/s320/006-003+Deathshead+larva.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Death’s Head Hawkmoth, the caterpillar</td></tr>
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He then showed me a cabinet drawer in which rank upon rank of similar insects were displayed with military precision. It just happened that he had some death’s head hawkmoth caterpillars feeding on a potato plant close by. Already I was aware of hawkmoths, and of the rarity and iconic status of the death’s head hawkmoth. In all, I probably spent twenty minutes in that room, but the experience had been one of the most influential twenty minutes of my life. A few years later, the family was staying in London, and my father said he was going to give me a very special surprise. He did not tell me what it was till we got there. He took me to the South Kensington Natural History Museum where I was awe struck by the variety and majesty of so much natural history.<br />
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Another early memory was of rolling back faded grey cloth coverings to reveal the insect collections beneath at Ipswich Museum. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzFs5pb9jgrRQzF_5N7-UGW2u5V4DDczpyihmgh-PX9rjnkigcpvoYdjak00kxch-kTqd5Ekp173Nfhi1gbwXI4_Lct-h2mNr2boCYgc0nT-eZ6y4tDp8bBSZ3dl9cceloFBrId-6VA/s1600/006-001.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzFs5pb9jgrRQzF_5N7-UGW2u5V4DDczpyihmgh-PX9rjnkigcpvoYdjak00kxch-kTqd5Ekp173Nfhi1gbwXI4_Lct-h2mNr2boCYgc0nT-eZ6y4tDp8bBSZ3dl9cceloFBrId-6VA/s320/006-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Natural History Museum, Dublin</td></tr>
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More recently, I saw similar collections in Dublin’s Natural History Museum. The Biological Museum in Dublin has become a museum in itself showing the history of natural history in museums. As such I believe it is fantastically important. Museums where youngsters could go and explore quantities of specimens, and learn so much from them is largely a thing of the past. Today, museums all too often are teaching displays fulfilling a role, which is probably just as well covered by the internet. Museum collections are no longer valued as they used to be, and no photograph or diagram will ever give the information that a preserved specimen can give. For many years, I worked as a biological curator in a regional museum, and was taught that the specimen was the most important aspect of the work of a museum. My first professional experience was in the 1970s at Leicester Museum. At Leicester, the collections were beautifully conserved, catalogued and displayed. The public, and especially keen youngsters were encouraged to come and use the collections in order to learn their way around the complex relationships within difficult insect groups. The collections were used like a reference library. <br />
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Four full time taxidermists worked to increase the collection of birds and mammals. Throughout Leicestershire, members of the public kept their eyes open for road casualties, and it was with these that the collections were enlarged. Oh yes, the days of what’s hit is history and what’s missed is mystery were very much a thing of the past. However, the collections continued to increase in size and importance. While I was there, an aquatic warbler killed by accident, possibly by a cat, was added to the collections. No one can be an effective ecological consultant without a working knowledge of the fauna and flora in the sites to be studied, and the specimens housed in museums are a goldmine for anyone learning their way around the complexities of Britain’s wildlife.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmD_RhgSL9VvlVT8ZXqJCkn7uTp53Hea53PL7Y9nECVyS7bOPaLLKiB1fmPcE-iq6KzgOiOBFHt3bjxefvtN1YqHLSOw09j5AiaMKO_PaWsOVUEai7B_WVPQYIk3KF9aFdUBiqtEfDg/s1600/006-004+Military+Orchid.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmD_RhgSL9VvlVT8ZXqJCkn7uTp53Hea53PL7Y9nECVyS7bOPaLLKiB1fmPcE-iq6KzgOiOBFHt3bjxefvtN1YqHLSOw09j5AiaMKO_PaWsOVUEai7B_WVPQYIk3KF9aFdUBiqtEfDg/s320/006-004+Military+Orchid.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military Orchid, photographed in France</td></tr>
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Half a century ago, it was thought thoroughly acceptable to make natural history collections. In schools, pupils were given projects to study the wild flowers in the area in which they lived by making collections of pressed specimens, and in this way, they learned their names, and characteristics of species. In my teens, I collected pressed flowers. I spent many hours hunting for the site of the military orchid in Suffolk. I never did find it, but in those days I would definitely have picked a specimen for my collection. Many, including myself made collections of butterflies and moths and the desire to own a rare species far outweighed any considerations of conservation. Today, the pendulum has swung very much in the opposite direction away from private collecting. This is largely a good thing, and may be due to the very high quality of photographs that naturalists can now make. However, there is a latent human tendency in all of us, and especially in the young to make collections. Making collections enabled many to acquire extensive knowledge in the groups they studied. With such a move away from specimens and collecting, the number of people having such knowledge is dwindling dangerously, and this cannot be but reflected in the quality of the work of ecological and natural history consultants. There is certainly a strong argument against the collection of the rare, and even intrinsically valuable specimens. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5TGrYc0kXnTTi2bx_L_PCl6r0xHte1K60z1VDl-59_GWUotuNwFVOnVPE_aSzRVj-aA5w8BRpjGuqp2XBEHgBMVbi_V2bkcHfntWg3j3z96CgmWd4d-z5EnEVCWeJxWGd-ePfeVeIA/s1600/006-005+Tornabea.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5TGrYc0kXnTTi2bx_L_PCl6r0xHte1K60z1VDl-59_GWUotuNwFVOnVPE_aSzRVj-aA5w8BRpjGuqp2XBEHgBMVbi_V2bkcHfntWg3j3z96CgmWd4d-z5EnEVCWeJxWGd-ePfeVeIA/s320/006-005+Tornabea.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Specimen of Tornabea scutellifera (now re-named) in <br />
Bolton Museum. This species is now extinct in Britain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1pt6PPA670Xk6zVjU7pUGq0H08bdOCwJGdk0Aif3rFDehciElLL0svV-34ZHmrlDcEr2-qCQd2QCBatIr0kh-QHIW45_yrgTyyab3s8gq7E2C7s6PBY18g_Xft600innp2RMrqa_kg/s1600/006-006+Lecanographa+grumulosa.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1pt6PPA670Xk6zVjU7pUGq0H08bdOCwJGdk0Aif3rFDehciElLL0svV-34ZHmrlDcEr2-qCQd2QCBatIr0kh-QHIW45_yrgTyyab3s8gq7E2C7s6PBY18g_Xft600innp2RMrqa_kg/s320/006-006+Lecanographa+grumulosa.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Specimen of the lichen Lecanographa grumulosa in<br />
the National Museum of Finland, Helsinki. This specimen<br />
has so much historical information associated with it. In<br />
the hand of the nineteenth century lichenologist from<br />
Jersey Charles du Bois Larbalestier (CL) are the location<br />
details. It was re-named Opegrapha nothiza by Nylander,<br />
of Helsinki and this alteration is present – possibly in <br />
Nylander’s hand. In 1964, the specimen was examined<br />
by Peter James of the South Kensington Natural History<br />
Museum who found Scerophyton ceircumscriptum in<br />
the specimen. This species has been re-named<br />
Peterjamesia circumscripta in his honour</td></tr>
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However collections do exist in museums, and these should be conserved as a national treasure, and part of our heritage. Once eaten by pests or destroyed in skips, they can never be replaced. Their usage by members of the public should also be encouraged. Museums used to have ‘teaching collections’ to protect the more sensitive specimens from continuous access.<br />
<br />
This situation is particularly tricky and I am not proposing answers. I would be very interested to hear of any thoughts or ideas that you may have....Simon Daveyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00854137997482983114noreply@blogger.com0