British hybrids involving Epilobium tetragonum subsp tournefortii (Onagraceae), Tournefort’s Willowherb

A study of populations of Tournefort’s Willowherb, Epilobium tetragonum L. subsp. tournefortii (Michalet) Lév., a non-native taxon naturalised in Cambridgeshire, revealed the presence of plants which on the basis of their morphology were attributed to hybrids with native willowherbs Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Hoary Willowherb), Epilobium tetragonum L. subsp. tetragonum (Square-stalked Willowherb) and Epilobium hirsutum L. (Great Willowherb). Details of distinguishing characters are given. The hybrid taxa have not previously been recorded as such in the British Isles.

Is the Strawberry Tree, Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae), native to Ireland, or was it brought by the first copper miners?

The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is often referred to as one of Ireland’s ‘Lusitanian’ species to describe its disjunct distribution, since it is absent from Britain and is mainly found around the Mediterranean Sea and on the Iberian Peninsula. In Ireland, it is regarded as native in the south-west and in Co. Sligo. However, a recent genetic study suggests that it could have been introduced to Ireland directly from northern Spain. This possibility was previously dismissed, since palynological and archaeological evidence showed it to be present in south-west Ireland 4,000 years ago. Here, we examine how an introduction might have occurred prior to this date, by first reviewing what is known of its distribution, ecology and history in Ireland along with archaeological information. Then, combining an updated distribution of A. unedo where it is regarded as native in Ireland with historical accounts, palynological and archaeological records and other information from the literature, we present two online maps, designed to be an ongoing accessible resource. The information has enabled us to propose a means by which A. unedo might have arrived in Ireland with miners who came to work the first known copper mine in north-west Europe, in the Chalcolithic phase of the Late Neolithic, which was at Ross Island on Lough Leane in Co. Kerry. The species’ distribution today suggests that it then spread with subsequent Bronze Age copper mining activity in south-west Ireland, though this is unlikely to account for its arrival in Co. Sligo. Previous suggestions that A. unedo was once much more widely distributed in Ireland and subsequently contracted due to preferential cutting for smelting, are shown to be unfounded.

The Status of Carex elongata (Cyperaceae) in Yorkshire

Gingerbread or Elongated Sedge Carex elongata L. is a rare plant in eastern England and the Yorkshire populations are isolated from the main distribution. It has only ever naturally occurred at five sites and is extant at two of them, one of which probably results from a recent colonisation event. It has been re-introduced near another of its historic sites. At its principal site, Askham Bog near York, the plant has expanded its population considerably over the last 40 years. Its local distribution appears to be strictly limited by topography and winter flooding. Its ability to colonise new sites and to expand populations show that earlier concern about seed viability was misplaced.

Expansion of a localized population of the introduced Stratiotes aloides (Hydrocharitaceae) in Lough Derg, Ireland

An expansion of an introduced female clone of Stratiotes aloides L. (Water-soldier) was located in a delta region on the western side of Lough Derg, Co Galway (v.c.H15), Ireland in 2007. This population was followed over a thirteen-year period. It was initially located at three adjacent sheltered localities, within sweepback bays on either side of an emerging river and within an adjacent canal. The study involved surface observations later supplemented with aerial images. The shallow water conditions, shelter and the presence of Phragmites australis appear to have supported the early establishment by retaining small S. aloides clusters amongst its stems. These clusters later merged to produce a mainly surface expanding monoculture. This enlarged from less than 1 ha to approximately 3.3 ha to occupy much of the sheltered Rossmore Bay area during this study. Flowers were first noticed in 2008, and during subsequent visits, producing infertile seed-pods. Expansion took place with the production of daughter plants. A small nearby population, 1 km to the east, within an unused harbour, did not produce an emergent phase. A small group in a shallow cut, between the two locations, disappeared during the study. Aerial images from different sources were useful to identify the expansion of the emergent stage due to the distinctive bright green coloration of surface leaves. It is unclear how this plant arrived in Lough Derg, but might have been a garden plant release. Small drifting plants, seen during wintertime, may yet colonize other regions within this lake.

Mistletoe, Viscum album (Santalaceae), in Britain and Ireland; a discussion and review of current status and trends

The status of Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) in Britain and Ireland is discussed and current trends reviewed. An overview of life-cycle is given, including discussion of dispersal, germination and host connection, all aspects important in understanding status and trends. A summary of hosts and habitats is followed by a review of distribution; the long-established pattern in the south-west midlands plus recent and ongoing changes. The biodiversity value of mistletoe for other species is discussed. The seasonal mistletoe trade, its history and implications, is outlined. Some current conservation, control and planting projects are described. A brief summary of toxicity and medicinal uses is given. Concluding remarks outline various research opportunities; particularly those that would help understand and set a baseline to measure current and future trends.

Sea Mayweed Tripleurospermum maritimum and Scentless Mayweed T. inodorum (Asteraceae) intermediates in Orkney

This article describes a study of Tripleurospermum maritimum (L.) W.D.J. Koch and T. inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) in the Orkney Islands (v.c.111), the results of which suggest that intermediates between these taxa may be rather common, and that T. maritimum subsp. nigriceps and subsp. maritimum are both involved, the former more frequently. Obviously this results in a complex taxonomic situation, evidently not confined to Orkney in the far north. Key identifying characters of the taxa are systematically examined and guidance offered on determining hybrids using a population level approach. The taxonomic complexities of these northern populations are discussed, with regard in particular to the identity of T. inodorum occurring there and the place of T. maritimum subsp. nigrescens in the forms and subspecies of T. maritimum found in the north Atlantic region.

Three new species of Alchemilla (Rosaceae) from northern Britain

Three new species of Alchemilla are described, two from the Northern England and a third from the highlands of Scotland. Alchemilla falsadenta and Alchemilla mebii (Rosaceae) are described from the Yorkshire Dales. Both belong to the Series Vulgares Buser, Subseries Subglabrae H. Lindberg, although the latter could conceivably be placed in Subseries Hirsutae H. Lindberg. Alchemilla neomanifesta of the Series Vulgares, Subseries Hirsutae is described from Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.

Typification of Vulpia attenuata (Poaceae)

The various interpretations of Vulpia attenuata Parl. are outlined. The species is lectotypified on a Sicilian specimen of V. geniculata (L.) Link in FI.

Recording Persicaria maculosa and P. lapathifolia (Polygonaceae)

Persicaria maculosa Gray (Redshank) is a distinct species which can be distinguished from all forms of P. lapathifolia (L.) Delarbe (Pale Persicaria) based on the outer tepal veins. The recording and identification of these two taxa can be clouded by colour variation (especially in the latter species) and due to varied treatments in different works or Floras. This article describes ways to separate the two species and gives details of the various treatments in order for others to decide which taxonomic work should be followed. It suggests that there is a greater need for further morphological and or molecular studies for this complex group in order to form a consensus. Hybrids may occur but none have been confirmed by scientific methods. It may be that most of these taxa (especially in P. lapathifolia s.l.) are recognizable as forms or varieties, and this is also suggested (informally at present) by the author below, until further work clarifies the situation.

Snake’s-head Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris (Liliaceae) in Britain: its distribution, habitats and status

Snake’s-head Fritillary Fritillaria meleagris L. is a scarce plant of unimproved meadows where it was formerly considered to be a native British species. A review of 593 British sites showed that 80% of British populations were located in other habitats where it had been planted or had established from introductions nearby. Of the 118 populations located in unimproved meadows 53 occurred in floodplain grassland in central and southeast England where it has long been considered to be native. However, recent evidence suggests that it is more likely to be a modern introduction (neophyte). It seems inconceivable that such an attractive plant would have been overlooked in the wild by herbalists in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Furthermore, the rapid growth of introduced populations in meadows in Sweden and England has shown that Fritillary populations in Britain could have reached their present size in the 300 years since they were first recorded in the wild. Historical accounts prove that it was being grown for ornament in large gardens in the sixteenth century, from where it presumably escaped along rivers to colonise meadows downstream. Regardless of its status, however, it remains a much-loved and valued component of the British flora and a flagship species for the conservation of floodplain grasslands.