Botanical Society of the British Isles

Patron: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

Applications for membership should be addressed to the Hon. General Secretary,
c/e Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London,

SW7 5BD, from whom copies of the Society’s Prospectus may be obtained.

Officers for 1993-94

Elected at the Annual General Meeting, 15th May 1993
President, Dr F. H. Perring

Vice-Presidents, Mr A. O. Chater, Mr P. S. Green, Dr G. Halliday,
Mr A. C. Jermy

Honorary General Secretary, Mrs M. Briggs
Honorary Treasurer, Mr M. Walpole

Editors of Watsonia

Papers and Short Notes, J. R. Edmondson, R. R. Mill, E. C. Nelson, B. S. Rushton*
Plant Records, C. D. Preston

Book Reviews, J. R. Edmondson

Obituaries, J. R. Akeroyd

“Receiving editor, to whom all MSS should be sent (see inside back cover).

Watsonia, 19, 209-229 (1993) 209

The distribution of the Wild Service Tree, Sorbus torminalis
(L.) Crantz, in the British Isles

P. ROPER

South View, Sedlescombe, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 OPE

ABSTRACT

The results of a survey of the Wild Service tree, Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz (Rosaceae), in the British Isles
initiated by the Botanical Society of the British Isles and the Biological Records Centre in 1974 are summarised
and analysed. It is confirmed that the tree is a useful indicator of ancient woodland and hedgerows and that it
shows a marked preference for two kinds of soil: those derived from clays and those derived from harder
limestones. The reasons for this are discussed as well as the occurrence of the species on other soils. It is
suggested that the very low rate of reproduction from seed is mainly the result of seed predation and that the
northerly limits of its range are influenced by the lower rate of seed production in places with cooler, less sunnier
summers.

The pattern of modern records in England and Wales reflects to some extent the part the tree has played in the
life of the countryside over many centuries. It has been conserved and planted in some areas for its fruit, its wood
and for ornament, but in other areas it is scarcely known by local people and held in little regard. Today it is
usually much commoner in the first of these areas.

Areas where the Wild Service tree grows have been divided into three types: those where it is relatively
abundant, those where it is scattered but widespread and those where it is rare. These often, but not always,
show a correlation with the solid or drift geology. Mapping in this way also shows that there are large areas of
England and Wales where conditions appear suitable but from which the tree has not been recorded.

INTRODUCTION

In 1974 the B.S.B.I. and the Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood (B.R.C.), organised a
national survey of the Wild Service tree, Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz (Rosaceae) and in the same
year I became coordinator of the survey.

The purpose of the survey was given by the Biological Records Centre as follows:—

“Wild Service is typical of ancient and undisturbed lowland primary woodland. Whilst the Atlas

of the British flora gives a good idea of its general distribution it may have been overlooked in

some areas. It will be of great use in recognising primary woodland for conservation to associate
its occurrence with individual woods, not just grid squares, and to trace its distribution in
hedgerows.”

The initial phase of the survey was conducted by the distribution of standard record cards (see
Fig. 1) from the B.R.C. to B.S.B.I. members, foresters, reserve wardens and others likely to have
an interest. On return to the B.R.C. these were forwarded to me. Appeals were also made on radio,
television and in the press to members of the general public which resulted in much further
information not only on the distribution of the tree, but on its economic and folkloric roles. Many of
these latter records came from people who were uncertain of the tree’s identity, but leaves or fruit
were sent for confirmation. Over 1000 records, both on cards and from other sources, were
received, many from areas where the tree had not hitherto been reported and even after an interval
of nearly 20 years records still occasionally arrive.

A comprehensive search of appropriate literature was also undertaken and this indicated areas
where the tree had once occurred, and might still exist, but the data have not found their way into
county Floras or other published material. In Pembrokeshire, for example, the tree was clearly well
known to local people long before any formal record appeared in the botanical literature:- —

P. ROPER

210

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SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES PAG
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

The Wild Service almost certainly entered Britain from the Continent after the last Ice Age,
although it was probably one of the later arrivals, and spread north and west along river valleys
(avoiding wetlands), or through the forests with which much of the country was covered. Its current
altitudinal limit in Britain is around 300 m and it has forked east and west at the southern end of the
Pennines and skirted the higher hills of the West Country and Wales. The northern advance, so far
as modern records show, continued to the southern Lake District in the west and, following the
Magnesian Limestone, to North Yorkshire in the east.

Deciding how best to present the geographical distribution of the Wild Service has not been easy.
Many prefer a national or Watsonian vice-county dot map method, but this is only useful for giving a
broad indication of the distribution across the country or in a vice-county. It also gives a potentially
misleading picture of a species that is occasionally found at quite high densities, but also occurs as
isolated plants in widely scattered locations. At first glance the species seems to be associated with
certain geological areas, but closer inspection reveals that this presents only a partial picture with
some baffling anomalies. The best explanation of its distribution in the wild is derived from an
analysis of its occurrence in relation to both solid and drift geology coupled with as much data as one
can obtain about socio-historical factors. The tree is widespread on the Weald Clay of Kent, Sussex
and Surrey for example, but almost absent from an area east of Tonbridge where the Weald Clay is
overlain by sand and gravel. Further east still it reaches one of its highest densities in an area where
its fruit were once in much demand as food (Hanbury 1770; Maynard 1925; Pratt 1854-57; Roper
1975) and where it is still widely known by a dialect name (Chequer Tree) and cultivated to a greater
extent than elsewhere. Its economic history, which has a considerable bearing on its present
distribution, is reflected in its vernacular name ‘Wild Service’. (Originally the species was known
simply as the Service — in many alternative spellings — and Wild Services were simply those growing
wild rather than in gardens or orchards. The usage is the same as in terms like ‘wild blackberries’ or
‘wild boar’. When Sorbus domestica L. was introduced in the 17th century it was called ‘sorbus
legitima’ and this was translated as ‘true service’ to indicate that it was the Sorbus to which classical
authors referred.)

I have based my observations largely on the ten mile (1:625000) solid and drift geology maps
published by the British Geological Survey. The maps give a broad indication of the type of
substrate and in some instances provide a very useful picture. However, drawing too many
inferences from cartography at this scale is unwise and as accurate a picture as possible of local
conditions should be obtained before reaching any firm conclusions on a particular site. The Wild
Service, although favouring particular habitats and areas, will survive almost anywhere in lowland
Britain, but this is quite a different matter from its being able to establish itself without any help
from man and to reproduce successfully.

Bearing all these provisos in mind I have illustrated the present distribution by considering the
more or less discrete areas in the British Isles where the species has been recently recorded (Figs 2
and 3) and its relative abundance within these areas. This distribution may reflect recording activity
to some extent, but generally there seem to be other reasonably satisfactory explanations for the
presence of the species and its density in a particular area. Equally interesting is its absence from
large areas that appear suitable and often lie adjacent to places where it is relatively abundant.

1. WEST CORNWALL

There are a few scattered records from the area west of Bodmin. All are confined to the Lower
Devonian and are often associated with the lower reaches of river valleys. Britain’s most westerly
record is from the Loe Pool south of Helston, although there is a planted tree at Castallack in
Penwith.

2. CAMEL VALLEY, CORNWALL

The area surrounding the Camel estuary and the Camel river and its tributaries in central northern
Cornwall had, in the recent past, a concentration of Wild Service trees of which a few remain
(Hamilton Davey 1909; Thurston & Vigurs 1922). The area is rather complex geologically, but most
locations are on the Upper and Middle Devonian formations.

212 P. ROPER

eee
eee
eee.

Ficure 2. Distribution by 10-km squares of the Wild Service tree in England and Wales. This map, though useful,
presents a potentially misleading picture due to the fact that some 10-km squares may contain only a single tree
whilst others may have hundreds often growing together in suitable areas (cf. Fig. 3). @ 1950 onwards, O before
1950, X introductions. Planted trees in Irish gardens have not been included as there are few precise locations.

3. LOWER TAMAR VALLEY

The tree is widespread along the river Tamar that divides Devon from Cornwall in the south. In
some places it has spread away from the river, in particular on to the soils derived from the Culm
Measures of the Upper Carboniferous in south east Cornwall. Old records from the south east of
Plymouth can be considered part of this grouping.

4. CENTRAL & NORTH DEVON AND NORTH EAST CORNWALL
The Culm soils that stretch right across this area have a thin scatter of Wild Services, often in hedges
or on roadsides, although they are absent from a large tract of country west of Tiverton.

The association with the Culm Measures is marked and there are very few records from the

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 2413

Ficure 3. Relative density of distribution of the Wild Service tree. The map shows each of the areas covered in
the text with isolated records as single dots. As well as these areas it is important to note that there are many
apparently suitable places where the Wild Service has not been recorded. Boundaries are those of Watsonian
vice-counties. The numbers refer to the sections in the text. Hl Areas were the species is generally not infrequent
and, in places, reaches its highest concentrations. @ Well-established but at lower concentrations. “) Vulnerable
or, in a few cases, apparently recently extinct (widely scattered, mainly as isolated trees with data often based on
a high proportion of old records).

extensive formations of granite, Middle Devonian or New Red Sandstone that lie adjacent. The
explanation is probably that the soils of the Culm are mainly clayey and water retentive, whereas the
others drain more freely.

5. SOUTH EAST DARTMOOR
This is perhaps an extension of 4 above. There is a concentration of locations to the east and south

214 P. ROPER

of Dartmoor on Culm Measures and other Carboniferous formations in this still well-wooded area.
There is also an old record from Chagford, the only one in Britain from granite, and a population on
Devonian limestone near Newton Abbot.

6. SOUTH EAST DEVON
I have only two old records from this area at Budleigh Salterton and Aylesbeare.

7. BRENDON HILLS
There is only one record from the southern section of the Upper Devonian formation that runs from
the Quantocks across Exmoor to Ilfracombe.

8. VALE OF TAUNTON

The species is scattered throughout the Vale and parts of the Quantocks on the Lower Lias, the

Devonian and the Keuper Marl, the latter a formation it favours, northwards through the Bristol

area, across Worcestershire and Warwickshire to the north Midlands as far as Nottinghamshire.
In Somerset there are some areas to the south and east that would appear suitable for the species,

but from which there are no records.

9. SOMERSET/DORSET JURASSIC
There are a few trees in woods on the Oolite east of Crewkerne. An old record from Puncknowle
near the coast to the south is from a geologically similar area.

On the whole, S. torminalis seems to avoid the Jurassic Cotswold limestone (Oolite), but it does
occur in small areas on this formation from Dorset to south Lincolnshire.

10. NORTH DORSET CLAYS
The tree occurs very sparingly in woods on the Oxford and Kimmeridge Clays in this part of the
county which is similar geologically to the Braydon Forest area west of Swindon in Wiltshire (see 35
below).

There is an old record (1799) from Broadley Wood west of Blandford Forum (Mansell-Pleydell
1895). This could either have been on chalk or, perhaps more probably, clay with flints.

11. LONDON CLAY IN DORSET
The Wild Service has a clear association with the London Clay almost everywhere this formation
occurs and Dorset is no exception. There is substantial documentary evidence indicating that S.
torminalis was widespread in the Lytchett Matravers/Wimbourne Minister area well into this
century (Mansell-Pleydell 1895; Marchant 1937). I have had no recent records, but a careful search
might well reveal that the tree still persists in this area.

Archaeologists have identified Wild Service charcoal from Maiden Castle, the Iron Age hill fort
on the chalk south west of Dorchester (Salisbury & Jane 1940), but this might not have been of local
provenance.

12. TEST VALLEY, HAMPSHIRE

There are scattered records from the valleys running from Redlynch and Alderbury south east of
Salisbury eastwards to the River Test and in the Test Valley itself south of Romsey. These are
largely associated with the London Clay and earlier Tertiary formations, although one site is on
chalk south west of Broughton and in the area south of Romsey the London Clay is much overlain
with alluvium, gravel and river terrace deposits.

13. NEW FOREST

The distribution of the Wild Service in the New Forest is one of the most difficult to interpret and it
perhaps reflects the way in which the forest has been managed as well as other factors. The trees are
concentrated in three areas:—

a. The south east of the Forest between the Beaulieu River and Lymington. This is partly on the
Tertiary period Hampstead Beds and Bembridge Marls and partly on the overlying glacial gravels
and sands from the more recent Quaternary period.

b. An area between Totton and Beaulieu Heath on the eastern fringes of the Forest. This is largely

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 215

on the complex series of Tertiary gravels and clays comprising the Barton, Bracklesham and
Bagshot Beds that overlies the London Clay.

c. The area around Cadnam, again on the eastern outskirts of the Forest. Geologically this is similar
to b above.

The tree occurs on the clay soils over the Hampstead Beds and Bembridge Marls in the northern
part of the Isle of Wight and here it clearly flourishes on this type of terrain. The Barton,
Bracklesham and Bagshot Beds, however, cover not only large areas of the New Forest, but extend
westwards nearly to Dorchester and over many square kilometres where Surrey, Hampshire and
Berkshire meet. The Wild Service is absent, or very rare, in all these places although there are
several records from the formation to the east of Southampton Water and in the Pamber Forest area
around Silchester on the Hants./Berks. border.

14. SOUTH EAST HAMPSHIRE

There is a well-defined grouping of Wild Service in south east Hampshire almost entirely on soils
associated with the London Clay, the Barton, Bracklesham and Bagshot Beds and overlying glacial
gravels. Some of these trees are probably relicts from the Forest of Bere.

15. ISLE OF WIGHT

The tree has been recorded, at one time or another, from many woods in the northern part of the
Isle of Wight and it still grows there, particularly beside estuaries and where there are low cliffs with
landslips. All these locations are on the clay soils derived from the Tertiary Oligocene as in the south
eastern New Forest.

There is one record from the Lower Greensand north west of Sandown in an area of complex
post-glacial geology. It was quite close to here at Nunwell that Sir John Oglander, in the early 17th
century, ‘planted above a hundred young elms and ashes, some chestnuts and service berries in the
grove of my house”’ (Bamford 1936).

The fruit also used to be sold, mainly to children in Ryde (Bromfield 1856), and it would therefore
seem that the distribution has been modified by human activity on the island, although it is
undoubtedly a native plant.

16. WEST ITCHENOR, WEST SUSSEX

The tree has long been known from a location by Chichester Harbour where glacial gravels overlie
London Clay. This is some 16 km from the nearest locations in Hampshire and 32 km from the
substantial populations in the Weald.

17. WESTERN WEALD
The Wild Service has one of its strongholds in the Weald of Kent, Sussex and Surrey and there are
concentrations on both the eastern and the western sides. In the west it is largely confined to the
Weald Clay but spills over on to the Hastings Beds between Haywards Heath and Horsham and
here and there on to the Greensand. There are two records from the chalk at Findon and near
Amberley, but the status of these needs further investigation.

In the west, records stop abruptly at Petworth, although the Weald Clay continues for some 24 km
along the Rother Valley.

The tree is also relatively scarce on the Weald Clay between Pevensey and Chailey in Sussex and
between Yalding and Hildenborough in Kent. In the latter instance it is missing from the extensive
river terrace gravels associated with the Medway that overlie the Weald Clay.

18. EASTERN WEALD

There is a strong concentration of Wild Services in the area north west of the Romney Marsh
between Ashford in Kent and Robertsbridge in East Sussex. They grow on Weald Clay and the
Wadhurst and Guestling Clays of the Hastings Beds, but are almost entirely absent from the
sandstones and other light soils. I have searched many suitable looking woods on Gault Clay and on
the clayey soils overlying the Purbeck Beds in areas close to strong Wild Service populations without
locating a single tree, although the Midland Hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata (Poiret) DC., another
indicator of ancient woodland that often grows alongside Wild Service, is abundant in these places.

216 P: ROPER

This Wealden group of records spreads, at a thinner density, southwards and westwards almost to
the coast at Hastings and Fairlight and to the Ashdown Forest area.

It is in this part of the Weald that the species is still widely known as the Chequer Tree, as it is in
some other parts of south east England, and it has entered into the life of the rural community to a
greater extent than anywhere else in Britain. There are several farms, houses and one wood named
after the species and there is a clear association with the many Chequers Inns in the area (Maynard
1925; Roper 1975). The fruit, known as Chequers, were widely eaten within living memory (Pratt
1854-57 and D. Baird et al., pers. comm., 1975) and were probably used to make a cider-like drink,
hence their association with public houses. Because of this the tree is frequently planted in the area
and has clearly been given preferential treatment that it has seldom received elsewhere in woods,
hedges and on roadsides. The social history of the tree here and elsewhere in Britain and Europe has
been covered by Roper (1975, 1987).

19. BLEAN, KENT

The species is plentiful in woods on the London Clay in the Blean area of north Kent. There are also
a few records from the Sittingbourne and Rochester area of the London Clay and its underlying
Tertiary beds further to the west, and oider references (Hanbury & Marshall 1899) indicate that the
trees were probably more widespread in the north Kentish clays.

20. SOUTHFLEET, NORTH WEST KENT

An area where the species occurs covering several square kilometres has been on record since the
16th century — “in Kent it groweth in great aboundance, especially about Southfleet and
Gravesend” (Gerarde 1597) — and it is still flourishing. Some trees grow on London Clay or
associated Tertiary gravels, but others appear to be on clay with flints or chalk. Careful investigation
of individual sites and the history of land management would be needed to establish why the trees
are found here but are absent from similar places nearby.

21. SURREY COMMONS

There are scattered records from the London Clay commons of central and west Surrey from
Wimbledon to just north of the Hog’s Back. The species closely follows the narrow belt of clay
between the sands and gravels to the west and north and the chalk to the south.

22. LONDON AND ESSEX

This is a larger geographical area than many considered here, but records spread in a continuum,
with some local concentrations, from the Essex coast to the borders of Buckinghamshire and
Berkshire in the west and Kent and Surrey in the south. Virtually all are associated with London or
Boulder Clays and the gravelly soils that overlie them. Many represent survivors, or descendants, of
trees from the large forests of Essex and Middlesex which encompassed the smaller forests of
Epping, Hatfield and others.

The earliest record I have from anywhere in Britain (other than the report of Iron Age Wild
Service charcoal from Maiden Castle, Dorset) is from Havering Park, Essex (enclosed as a royal
park in the Middle Ages). In 1260 two Wild Service trees (described in the text as ‘‘alyeras”’) were
brought from the park to the Tower of London for the manufacture and repair of crossbows, a
purpose for which the wood was renowned. Owing to a mistranslation of the Latin text these trees
have been considered by some authors to be hawthorns, but this is incorrect.

Today there are concentrations of records from the Basildon area and to the south east of
Chelmsford and these are associated with the Tertiary and Quaternary gravels overlying the
London Clay. It has also been noted that trees here tend to be associated with places where the
water supply is increased by the effect of differential percolation through the bedded strata.

In Epping Forest the trees grow mainly on London Clay, but north eastwards from Chipping
Ongar to the Ipswich area records are scattered across the Boulder Clay, or its associated gravels. It
is curious that, although the Boulder Clay sheet continues much further to the north, Wild Service
records become very scattered indeed beyond the Suffolk/Essex border. I am inclined to think this is
due to land and forest management over the last several thousand years rather than natural factors
and in earlier times the Wild Service could have been much more widespread in East Anglia.

To the west the tree is still remarkably well-distributed within the London Clay triangle of north

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 217

west London, often in urban situations such as on Hampstead Heath and in Ken Wood (Gilmour
1972). There are also scattered records from south east London and an old record from Wimbledon
Common, again on London Clay.

If these London and Essex records are plotted on a Quaternary geology map, their absence from
hundreds of square kilometres of glacial river terrace deposits along the valleys of the Thames, the
Lea and the Wey is very marked. It is remarkable that there are sufficient trees left to give such a
clear indication of the ecology of the primaeval wildwood that once covered what is now one of the
world’s largest cities. It also highlights the Wild Service’s ability to survive in unfavourable
circumstances for long periods.

23. SOUTH EAST BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

In the well-wooded area around Burnham Beeches that lies in the rectangle between the M40 and
the M4, and the A412 and the Thames at Cookham, there are a number of records from the river
terrace deposits that the species seems to avoid elsewhere. Careful investigation of individual sites
might provide the reason as might the history of woodland management in the area.

24. SOUTH EAST HERTFORDSHIRE

To the south west of Hoddesdon and the east of Welwyn, with an outlier west of Hatfield, there is a
concentration of records in a county where the species is otherwise rare. Most are on Boulder Clay
or associated gravels, with a few on London Clay.

In the 18th century the Wild Service tree was well-known in Hertfordshire: Miller (1768) said ‘‘in
many parts of Hertfordshire there are large trees now growing”’. He may have been referring to the
area north of Barnet where the tree still occurs in some quantity or to south east Herts. (Harper
1981). 92 years earlier M. Cook was planting them for the Earl of Essex on his estates at Hadham
and Cassiobury. Apparently they fruited well on the Boulder Clay at Hadham, but at Cassiobury
(Cook 1676) “‘we have them on a sharp gravel, the Fruit naught, and the trees bear very badly”’.

25. WINDSOR FOREST, BERKSHIRE

There is a strong concentration of the trees in the London Clay area of Windsor Forest, Berkshire.
The trees are closely associated with the clay, avoiding the river terrace deposits to the north and the
gravelly or sandy Tertiary beds to the south.

26. SOUTHERN CHILTERNS

From the Reading area north across the Chilterns there are scattered records of the species over a 12
x 18 km. well-wooded, geologically complex area typified by clay with flints, river terrace deposits
and other gravels cut by rivers down to the underlying chalk or, on the southern fringe, the London
Clay. As with the trees in south east Buckinghamshire (see 23 above), a study of individual sites is
needed to determine the conditions that favour the species in this area.

27. CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CHILTERNS

There are very few records from the more elevated parts of the Chiltern range in Hertfordshire,
Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. As far as I can determine the trees are confined to
the clay with flints cappings on the hills.

28. PAMBER FOREST, HAMPSHIRE/BERKSHIRE BORDER |
There is a group of records from the wooded area, formerly Pamber Forest, around Silchester on
the Hants./Berks. border. They are mainly on Quaternary sands and gravels that overlie the
London Clay.

The Tertiary formations running from the Kent, Essex and Suffolk coasts and with which the Wild
Service is so closely associated reach their westerly limit immediately beyond Newbury before
reappearing to the south of the chalk. There is one record from the area west of Newbury, then a
long gap before the species is found again in any quantity in the Cotswolds near Bradford-on-Avon.

29. HAMPSHIRE CHALK
The Wild Service is recorded from three places on the Hampshire chalk, one of which, near
Hurstbourne Tarrant, possibly refers to a clay with flints site. The locations are widely separated and

218 P. ROPER

untypical and, in my view, do not constitute adequate evidence that the species once grew more
widely on chalk soils under British conditions.

30. SOUTH WILTSHIRE
The only modern record I know of from v.c. 8 is of a Wild Service in a hedge between Wilsford and
Beechingstoke. This is on the Gault Clay in the Avon Valley south east of Devizes. If the tree is
growing on Gault, it is the only current record of which I am aware from a formation which, in many
respects, seems well-suited to its requirements.

Aubrey (1685) said that “‘cervise-trees” grew at the foot of Heddington Hill and at Whitesheet (I
presume the one at Mere) and the trees here may have grown either on Gault Clay or on chalk.

31. WILTS./AVON BORDER
There is a concentration of records, mainly from the Greater Oolite and Cornbrash, but spilling
over on to the Oxford Clay along the Cotswold line from Castle Combe to Frome and roughly
associated with the old forest of Selwood. Most of the records are from the lower lying parts of the
River Avon catchment, but otherwise seem to have little in common. They lie in the counties of
Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset although they only extend over an area of some 32 X 12 km.
There are outliers to the east on an area of Kimmeridge Clay and the Lower Greensand near
Calne, and to the south on the Upper Lias near Evercreech.

32. WESTERN AVON
The Wild Service is widespread and sometimes fairly abundant from the Mendip Hills, through the
Bristol area and northwards along the Vale of Berkeley. It occurs on the Keuper Marl, the Upper
and Lower Lias and the Upper and Lower Carboniferous formations, in the latter instance
sometimes on the limestones that make up much of the Mendip Hills and the Avon Gorge. In this it
displays its two main habitat preferences: for open and often steep rocky areas and for nutrient rich,
heavy clays.

Towards the north of the Vale of Berkeley the concentration of records increases in an area of
complex Silurian and Cambrian geology. Similar areas occur across the River Severn to the north
and these are more fully considered in 52 below.

33. FOREST OF DEAN
As Rackham (1986) has pointed out, the Forest of Dean was subjected to management regimes,
largely in the 19th century, that have altered the existing tree composition almost beyond
recognition. This is reflected in the virtual absence (very unusually for our ancient lowland forests)
of the Wild Service. There are only a few near Brean and more on the outskirts of the forest in the
Cinderford area. These belong, however, to the group of records running northwards away from the
forest on the Silurian formations of the Malvern Fault.

Wild Services grow on the cliffs bordering the Severn Estuary at Chepstow and Lydney and in the
Lower Wye Valley, but these again are not strictly part of the Forest of Dean.

36. LOWER WYE VALLEY

The Carboniferous Limestone of the Lower Wye Valley is renowned for botanical diversity and
boasts a large number of Sorbus species. Wild Services are found in the open rocky woods and on
cliffs from the Goodrich area to Chepstow, though not on the stretch where the river flows through
Devonian strata. This and Weston Big Wood near Weston-super-Mare are the only areas in Britain
from which the hybrid (S. X vagensis Wilmott) between the Wild Service and the Whitebeam,
Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz, has been recorded.

There are two Wild Service records close together from Llanfihangel Ystum Llywern in the valley
of the River Trothy in Gwent. This site is only 10-12 km from the River Wye, but the tree is found
almost nowhere else in the very extensive Lower Devonian countryside through which much of the
upper River Wye and its tributaries run, although it has its densest populations in some of the woods
immediately adjacent to the eastern boundary of this area and reappears beside the Wye on the
Wenlock Series in Radnorshire (Powys) (Anon. 1976).

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 219

35. FOREST OF BRAYDON, WILTSHIRE

Between Swindon and Malmesbury in north western Wiltshire there is a concentration of records
from the woodland remnants of the Forest of Braydon, which lie mainly on the Kimmeridge Clays of
the Upper Jurassic.

In general the species seems to be commoner on Oxford Clay and it is of note that the 50 km gap in
records between Braydon and Wychwood on the Oxon/Bucks. border is largely across an area of the
Thames Valley where the clay is overlain by river terrace deposits similar to those from which the
tree is absent in south west London and the Medway Valley, Kent.

36. SOUTH WALES

There are very few current records for South Wales and if the species has ever been commoner there
it could well have been largely restricted to the coast between Cardiff and the Gower and ‘the
immediate hinterland.

Many Sorbus species grow on cliffs close to the sea and their fruits fall on to the beach or into the
water, sometimes in considerable quantities. They can also be washed down rivers into estuaries and
must be able to travel for some distance by this means. From the beach to the cliffs is only a short
distance for a bird or fructivorous mammal and some coastal colonies may have originated through
seed being spread in this way rather than by overland routes.

Outside the Gower there are a few old records of probably planted trees in the Swansea area and
another at Wenvoe south west of Cardiff. If they were indeed planted they could, as in some other
places, have originated from wild trees in the area.

37. GOWER PENINSULA
There are several trees in the woods along the limestone cliffs on the southern side of the Gower
Peninsula growing in similar circumstances to those in the Wye Valley, the Avon Gorge and the
Arnside area of Westmorland.

Inland the Gower is almost covered in a sheet of Boulder Clay and there are no S. torminalis
records.

38. CARMARTHENSHIRE
V.c. 44, now part of Dyfed, has records from three scattered locations that imply that the tree was
once more widespread in lowland Wales. It is found at two sites in the heavily wooded Cwm Mawr
valley on cliffs of Pennant Sandstone capped by Boulder Clay into which suckers are spreading.
Further west there are five trees on a wooded estuarine Red Sandstone cliff of the Lower Devonian
(also capped with Boulder Clay) north of Laugharne.

Well inland at Poor Man’s Wood, near Llandovery, there are three trees in an oakwood that now
belongs to the Dyfed Wildlife Trust on clay derived from rocks of the Upper Ordovician.

39. RADNORSHIRE AND BRECKNOCKSHIRE, POWYS

The Wild Service grows on cliffs of the Wenlock Series of the Silurian bordering the Wye to the
south of Builth Wells and further upstream on similar cliffs by the River Ithon in v.c. 43, Rads. (now
part of Powys). It is also found on this formation in Brecs. (v.c. 42) and further to the north.
Further search will almost certainly reveal more locations in suitable lower lying parts of Wales,
both inland and on the coast. In many cases plants have been kept small due to grazing by sheep, but
several of these sites have now been fenced and the trees should now be able to grow to their full
size.

40. SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE
The Wild Service was first recorded formally from Pembs. (v.c. 45) only in 1971. Since then it has
proved to be fairly widespread and even boasts a unique local name — maple cherry.

The majority of trees grow in oakwoods on the low cliffs or banks bordering the extensive
estuarine system that runs out to sea at Milford Haven. The rock here is mostly Old Red Sandstone
of the Lower Devonian and these groups of trees are analogous to those associated with some of the
south Cornish estuary systems.

Further coastal records occur on the Coal Measure sandstones on the western side of Carmarthen

220 P. ROPER

Bay and there are a few inland records from this geologically very varied peninsula north to the
Newgale area (Anon. 1976).

Davis (1976) has observed that in this area the trees only fruit well after warm summers,
confirming that it is a thermophilous species at the limit of its range in Britain. The same has been
observed elsewhere in the west and the north in this country and elsewhere in Europe (Bisgen 1929;
Conwentz 1895; Termena 1972). In the south of England the tree usually fruits well, but will
frequently miss one, and sometimes more seasons, another phenomenon well-known in trees that
prefer a warmer and sunnier climate than our own.

41. TEIFI AND NEVERN, DYFED
There are small Wild Service areas in woods adjacent to the lower reaches of the rivers Teifi and
Nevern north of the Mynydd Preseli in northern Pembs. (v.c. 45) and southern Cards. (v.c. 46), now
both in Dyfed.

The soils here are derived from Upper Ordovician rocks of the same type as those at Poor Man’s
Wood, Llandovery (see 38 above).

42. ABERAERON, DYFED
There is a scatter of records from the low-lying area inland from the coast at Aberaeron in Cards.
(v.c. 46), mostly on steep, wooded river banks.

The soils here are derived from the Llandovery Series of the Silurian and cover much of western
central Wales which is mainly free of boulder Clay and other drift. One record is from a hedge at
Llangybi over 15 km from the coast and in a tributary valley of the River Teifi. The location is,
however, still on the Silurian and falls within the grouping.

43, DOVEY VALLEY (CWM DYFI)

There is one record of a plant at the top of a steep, rocky, wooded slope in a valley off the main
Dovey Valley between Machynlleth and the estuary. The whole of this area, as with 41 above, is on
the Llandovery Series of the Silurian. The site is just in v.c. 47, Monts. (now part of Powys), and
quite different from those in the east of the vice-county (see 56 below)

44. BARMOUTH
The most northerly of the west central Wales populations are the few trees that grow in steep, rocky
woods on Cambrian formations close to the Mawddach estuary.

45. NORTH EAST SUFFOLK/SOUTH NORFOLK

There are a few records from the area to the south west of Southwold of trees growing on soils
derived from the underlying Boulder Clay. One correspondent sent me leaves from the Southwold
area and said he knew at least five sites for the species in the neighbourhood.

R. Mabey (pers. comm., 1976), has noted that members of the Yoxford Women’s Institute knew
that the tree grew wild in their district. This indicates that there may be more sites for botanists to
discover in the area.

There is one outlier of this group of records well inland near Mendlesham, another near
Hempnall south of Norwich (Withering (1818) said the trees grew at Bath Hills near Bungay not far
from here) and a garden relict north east of Bury St Edmunds. The Wild Service has been quite
widely planted in the past for ornamental and utilitarian purposes. The source of such plants is often
local and older garden trees may indicate a wild population nearby.

Most of the woodland cover in East Anglia was removed long ago but a map in Rackham (1986)
shows that this north east Suffolk/south Norfolk Wild Service area is broadly congruent with an area
where villages still had their own woods at the time of the Domesday Survey in the 11th century.
This area stretched north to the Foxley district in Norfolk (see 46 below).

46. CENTRAL NORTH NORFOLK

There are several Wild Services in Foxley Wood on the Boulder Clay sheet near Themelthorpe (E.
Norfolk, v.c. 27) and a recent record from a wood at Mileham (W. Norfolk, v.c. 28), both to the
north east of Dereham. Older records from the neighbourhood indicate that these are survivors
from an earlier, more widespread woodland population.

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 221

47. SOUTH MIDLAND LOWER GREENSAND

There are five Wild Service locations along the Lower Greensand ridge that runs from south western
Cambridgeshire to Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire. Although the correlation with the solid
geology seems too close to be accidental, most trees are in fact on Boulder Clay and elsewhere the
tree does not occur on soils derived from the Lower Greensand. Examination of the 1:50000
Ordnance Survey map shows that this ridge is more heavily wooded than the surrounding plain,
perhaps because the countryside was less easily cultivated due to its hilliness. The survival of the
Wild Service is almost certainly due to this rather than to the underlying solid geology.

48. BERNWOOD (BUCKINGHAM/OXFORDSHIRE BORDER)

There is a concentration of records of trees over the narrow, 16 km stretch of countryside from the

Quainton, Bucks. area to just south of Oxford and associated with the ancient Forest of Bernwood.
None of this area is covered in glacial drift and most of the sites are in woods on Oxford Clay, with

a few associated with the Greensand/Portland Beds complexes of the Kimmeridge Clay.

49. WYCHWOOD, OXFORDSHIRE
Before deafforestation, which followed enclosure in 1857, Wild Service berries from the Forest of
Wychwood used to be sold in Burford market and probably elsewhere locally.

The tree continues to be found at low concentrations in some of the few remaining woodlands,
nearly all of which are on soils deriving from the rather complex Oolite and Upper and Middle Lias,
that typify the Cotswold belt. The tree seems not to be found on the adjacent Lower Lias and is
scarce on this formation everywhere in the south and west and virtually absent from it in the north
and east. On a site near Kineton in Warwickshire on the Lower Lias some 32 km north of
Wychwood, the tree appears to be on the overlying Boulder Clay.

Scattered records occur westwards towards Cheltenham and the Vale of Evesham and there were
once, no doubt, trees in the woodlands throughout the whole of this area.

50. CIRENCESTER/STROUD

There is a somewhat isolated group of records of trees in Cirencester Park some of which are
planted, and records from the Tetbury and Painswick areas in the Cotswolds. These locations are
not dissimilar to those cited in area 48 above and again one can surmise that the tree was once more
widespread locally. The fact that there is a unique Cotswold name for the species — ‘lizzory’ or
‘lezzory’, clearly derived from “alizier’, one of the Old French words for the species (Boulger 1908) —
lends support to this hypothesis.

51. VALE OF SEVERN

There are records of the tree, mainly from the Keuper Marl but also on the Lower Lias near
Pershore, from Gloucester to Stourport. Sometimes the tree grows on cliffs by the river, but more
often in woods and sometimes hedgerows nearby.

52. MALVERN

The Malvern and Suckley Hills and their southward extension to the outskirts of the Forest of Dean
are one of the strongholds of the Wild Service in Britain and are clearly associated with the complex
Silurian strata of the Ludlow, Wenlock and Llandovery Series that go to make up these hills. On the
spur of this formation that runs north west towards Hereford the Wild Service reaches one of its
highest densities in Britain with up to 125 trees per hectare in Haugh Wood near Mordiford. Stoke
Edith Wood, also in this area, is the type location and the source of the only British records of the
British Red Data Book moth, Stigmella torminalis (Wood), whose larvae, like those of several other
moths, mine the leaves of the tree (Emmet 1976; Shirt 1987).

53. WYRE FOREST

The Wild Service is not uncommon in the Wyre Forest and neighbouring parts of Worcestershire,
Shropshire and Staffordshire growing mainly on soils derived from the Westphalian Series of the
Upper Carboniferous. In the forest itself it is widespread, but occurs particularly along the central
Dowles Brook. While there are probably more soil nutrients here, it is possible that the tree was

222 P. ROPER

encouraged by the millers who had premises along the Dowles since its wood was among the best for
making cogs for mill machinery (Du Breuil 1854; Hanbury 1770; Hickin 1971).

54. UPPER SEVERN VALLEY

The tree is found north of the Wyre Forest along the Severn Valley showing a marked preference for
the Westphalian Series and largely avoiding the Lower Old Red Sandstone to the west as it does
everywhere in western central England and eastern Wales. It is not found on the river terrace
deposits, a distinctive feature of its distribution everywhere. Records become far scarcer north of
the limit of glaciation, though there are a few from Boulder Clay-free areas east and north of
Bridgnorth.

55. WENLOCK EDGE AND THE WELSH MARCHES

As with the Malverns (52 above), the Wild Service has been recorded from much of the Wenlock
Edge and associated Silurian areas, with a concentration to the north around Ironbridge. There are
scattered records to the south west as far as the northern tip of Herefordshire and the Welsh border
at Knighton. There is one site near Pontesbury to the south west of Shrewsbury and two in the Welsh
hinterland, one on the Severn at Abermule and the other on the Afon Banwy (a tertiary tributary of
the Severn) south of Meifod. Both these are in Monts. (v.c. 47).

Unlike the more southerly areas of this type, the rocks of the Wenlock and other series of the
Silurian are overlain by Boulder Clay and glacial sand and gravel and all the S. torminalis records
from this area are on, or very close to, drift deposits. Sinker et al. (1985) say that in the Shropshire
region the tree is ‘‘a characteristic member of the ancient broad-leaved woodland community
together with holly, yew and small-leaved lime on sandstones and other freely drained acid rocks as
well as on limestone”’.

56. WEST SHROPSHIRE LIMESTONE

There is one old and one more recent record from the Carboniferous Limestone west of Oswestry.
This area is well known for its apomictic Sorbus species that are so often confined to open limestone
areas and in this case the Wild Service is responding in the same way. The nature of the terrain
reduces competition for light from more vigorous tree species and allows the Sorbus spp. to reach
maturity whereas on richer soils in the same neighbourhood they would be shaded out.

57. UPPER DEE VALLEY
There is a small group of records from the Upper Dee Valley on the Shropshire/Clwyd border
between the point where the river debouches from the Vale of Llangollen downstream to Bangor-is-
y-Coed.

Unlike the lower part of the valley, this area is still heavily wooded. The geology is varied with
much overlying clay and gravel drift.

58. NORTH WEST MIDLAND PLAIN

There is a very thin scatter of records, many of them old, across the low-lying agricultural plain of
north-east Shropshire, west Staffordshire and Cheshire. Much of the soil is heavy and derived from
the thick sheet of Boulder Clay left by the last glaciation, while elsewhere there are glacial sands and
gravels. The underlying Permian and Keuper Marl appear here and there.

There seem to have been concentrations of the tree to the north and west of Shrewsbury, to the
south of the Potteries and in the Delamere Forest area, although these are based on very few old
records. Elsewhere there are, or were, isolated trees.

It is possible that the species was once widespread in this area, although perhaps always rare. If
one looks, for example, at the records from the sticky soils of the Culm Measures in central and
north Devon, one sees a similar, though slightly denser, pattern of scattered records.

59. VALE OF CLWYD

There is a surprising concentration of records in the Vale of Clwyd, mainly in the area around
Denbigh some way inland, but with an outlying station south of Prestatyn. Some of these records are
associated with Carboniferous Limestone, but the area is extensively covered with Boulder Clay
and the trees are growing in woods and hedges rather than on cliffs.

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 223

60. GWYNEDD COAST
One tree has long been known from the Craig y Gigfran on Garth Point, an area of Cambrian and
Ordovician rock on the coast of the Menai Strait in Bangor.

I also have an unconfirmed record of a tree alongside the Conwy Estuary on the Benarth Estate to
the south east of Conwy itself. My informant thought it might have been planted, but the geology
and the general situation are of the type favoured by the species and the area warrants further
investigation.

61. ANGLESEY
There is a long history of the species (possibly planted) at Trefarthen, near Brynsiencyn close to the
_ Menai Strait in the south-west of the island (Davies 1813) although it has not been seen recently as
far as I know. Non-native trees, including Sorbus spp., have been extensively planted in some parts
of Anglesey (Sell 1989), but there is no overriding reason why the Wild Service should not be native
here.

The underlying rocks in this part of Anglesey are metamorphic Horneblende Schists, but almost
the whole island is overlain by a mantle of Boulder Clay.

62. LIVERPOOL

There is a record of a Wild Service on the rocks at Knot’s Hole, Liverpool “‘in a situation quite
exposed to the salt water, and where it must occasionally be washed by the spray of the sea”’
(Withering 1818). There have been no recent reports. In many ways this location is analogous to
those were the species grows on various parts of the coast of Wales, or further north around
Morecambe Bay. The rocks at Knot’s Hole are New Red Sandstone.

63. FOREST OF ARDEN

There is a strong concentration of records in the area south of Birmingham that is roughly congruent
with the ancient Forest of Arden. The trees are found in woods and hedges, almost entirely on
Keuper Marl.

64. NORTH EAST MIDLAND PLAIN AND FOREST OF CHARNWOOD
North of the Arden area the tree becomes very much scarcer. Its chances of survival hare been
reduced by urban development and agriculture and, as is the case in other areas, it does not grow as
successfully on the extensive Boulder Clay and drift as on Other soils. As in the south Midlands and
places further north, it is absent from the very extensive Lower Lias.

There is a small concentration of trees on the Westphalian Series of the Carboniferous east of
Sutton Coldfield and another in the northern part of Charnwood Forest. Elsewhere the records,
mainly from Keuper Marl, are very thinly scattered and mostly date back some considerable time.

65. STAFFORDSHIRE AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE

There are scattered records from the Needwood Forest and Bagot’s Park area of Staffordshire with
an isolated hedgerow tree from a neighbouring part of Derbyshire. Most are on Boulder Clay,
although the underlying stratum is Keuper Marl! throughout.

66. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AND ROCKINGHAM FOREST

The tree has long been known in northern Northamptonshire and north western Cambridgeshire in
the old Rockingham Forest area. The early 19th century poet John Clare, who came from this
neighbourhood, was familiar with the tree and called it by its local name of Surrey as well as Service
Tree in his writing (Clare 1832). J. R. Gilson (pers. comm., 1977) has reported that parish bounds in
the Rockingham Forest area used to be beaten with branches of the tree, and the branches also used
to be carried at the head of village processions (Grindon 1883). All this indicates that the tree has
long been familiar in the countryside here.

It now grows almost exclusively in woods, and occasionally hedges, on soils derived from the
Oolitic limestone formations that are so characteristic of this area and generally avoids places where
there is a Boulder Clay covering. This is in contrast to the examples immediately to the north where
the reverse is true and Boulder Clay seems to be preferred.

224 P. ROPER

67. RUTLAND AND KESTEVEN

There are still widespread records from this once heavily wooded area, although many trees were
destroyed during the replacement of deciduous woods by conifer plantations after the Second
World War.

The tree is particularly concentrated on the Boulder Clay spur followed by the Great North Road
from a few km north of Stamford to Grantham and records extend westwards on a similar substrate
to Dunsby in Lincolnshire. To the south east there are scattered records across the Vale of Catmose
area and from beyond Oakham.

Both in Rockingham Forest and this area, pheasant shooting has been popular, particularly on
the large estates, since the last century. Many Wild Service trees grow in the coverts where the birds
are raised or roost and the birds are known to be very fond of its fruit (Conwentz 1895). This may, to
some extent, have helped the tree survive as gamekeepers undoubtedly know what their birds like.
In some cases the species could have been deliberately introduced, particularly into the smaller
woods that are wholly artificial and that were established with game and foxes in mind.

68. HUNTINGDONSHIRE

There is a group of records from central Huntingdonshire and one to the south near St Neots. These
are on Boulder Clay and the underlying Oxford Clay. In the case of the latter, it is remarkable how
the cluster of records to the south-east of Sawtry (which includes Monks Wood) almost exactly
matches a small area where the Oxford Clay is not covered by glacial drift.

69. BARDNEY FOREST, LINCOLNSHIRE

Although much of the countryside to the east of Lincoln is now conifer plantation, there are still
some remnants of the ancient wildwood that persisted here until the middle of the 19th as and
the area is noted for its rich wildlife.

Records of the Wild Service are numerous and are concentrated in an area only some 14 X 20 km
in size. They grow almost entirely on the Boulder Clay, although a few records seem to be from the
alluvial soils in the Witham Valley.

The topography and geology of much of central England is not dissimilar to that in this area and
this strong population of the Wild Service may give some indication of the density it once reached in
many other places.

70. NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE
There is one record of a tree in a hedge on the chalk in north Lincolnshire far from any other Wild
Service trees. It is almost certainly introduced.

71. EAST NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
The Wild Service is well-distributed, mainly in woods, throughout the Keuper Marl of eastern
Nottinghamshire with a couple of records, clearly belonging to this group, on the other side of the
River Trent at Gainsborough. This preference for the Keuper Marl in an area largely free of drift is
striking and, apart from one record on the New Red Sandstone near Thoresby, the species remains
on its preferred soil throughout the Sherwood Forest area.

The Keuper Marl continues north through Yorkshire to Teesmouth and the sudden cessation of
S. torminalis records is clearly related to the fact that from north Nottinghamshire the formation
vanishes under a great sheet of drift.

72. PEAK DISTRICT

There is one record from Wild Cat Tor on the Carboniferous Limestone at Matlock (Willmot 1975).

Other Sorbus spp. grow weil on the limestone eyebrows and other habitats created by the geology of
this area and in this instance the Wild Service is responding to the environment like some of the
related Sorbus spp., especially the apomicts.

73. MAGNESIAN LIMESTONE

The Wild Service appears in woods on Magnesian Limestone from its southern extremity and
follows it up the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire border northwards to the Chadwick-le-Street area in
South Yorkshire. There are now some 20 known locations along this limestone belt and its

i ee eee

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 225

associated mudstones despite the fact that the formation is never more than about 9 km wide
(Willmot 1975). It is also largely free of drift and the species is clearly responding, as many other
plants do on this formation, to the soil conditions deriving from the solid geology.

Beyond Chadwick-le-Street it reappears, after a gap of over 60 km, on a Magnesian Limestone
cliff near Fountains Abbey in Mid-W Yorks. (v.c. 64). It seems perfectly natural on this site, which
is the most northerly so far discovered on this side of the country, but one should always be wary of
the status of plants with some economic value growing near ancient monasteries.

74. DERBYSHIRE COAL MEASURES

In 1974 four bushes of Wild Service were found in a hedge bordering a green lane at Staveley,
Derbyshire on Coal Measure shales only 8 or 9 km from plants on the Magnesian Limestone
(Willmot 1975). The species occurs on this formation in one place in Pembrokeshire, but otherwise
nowhere else, although it is very widespread.

75. MORECAMBE BAY AND THE SOUTHERN LAKES

The Wild Service occurs on Carboniferous Limestone rocks and in lowland woods with glacial drift
derived soils in a number of places around Morecambe Bay (Piggott 1973/74). In the Arnside area
many of these woods are known to be ancient and were part of the Chase of Harneshed and the deer
park created there in the 16th century. The wildlife and social history of the other localities where
the Wild Service is found also indicate that their vegetation is of natural origin.

Often in these steep rocky areas the Wild Service responds like other members of its genus,
particularly the apomictic species (on Jack Scout it grows with Sorbus aucuparia L., S. rupicola
(Syme) Hedlund and S. lancastriensis E. F. Warb.) but, in Grubbins Wood and elsewhere, it grows
in similar situations to those in the more heavily wooded areas of the south.

There are good reasons to believe that old records from Plumpton near Ulverston, Brigsteer and
Levens Park are authentic and new sites in this area may remain to be found. As recently as 1987 a
long-established Wild Service was found on a low cliff on the shore of Lake Windermere, a place
one would have thought had been quite well-worked botanically. This is the most northerly site in
Britain where the species can be accepted as native. There are a few old records from further north
on the Cumbrian limestones, but these trees are almost certainly planted.

From time to time one hears of ‘service trees’ in north-east England and southern Scotland.
Sometimes these are simply misidentifications, but the Swedish Whitebeam, Sorbus intermedia
(Ehrh.) Pers., is very widely known as the Service Tree in this part of the country and this is often
the species meant. The Wild Service has been planted at several places in Ireland (Forrest 1985).

CONCLUSION

The Wild Service tree is, as other authors have established (Peterken 1974), a useful species for
indicating primary woodland and ancient hedgerows, as well as some other types of relatively
undisturbed habitat, and it is more likely to be found in an area that is still, or was once, part of an
ancient forest, but its presence on any particular site does require interpretation. Apart from
biological and ecological factors and the history of land and forest management in the British Isles,
the tree has economic, aesthetic and other qualities that have favoured its survival in some districts
to a greater extent than would be the case with many other species.

While the present survey has been as comprehensive as possible, it is clear that the Wild Service
remains under-recorded. Although it grows to a large size — I know one tree over 18 m tall and witha
spread of 21 m, while trees of between 22 and 24 m have been reported from several parts of Britain
and of 25 m from the Crimea and the Caucasus (Elwes & Henry 1906; Howard 1947; Conwentz
1895) — it is easily overlooked, and there are many areas that have not been thoroughly searched.
Despite this, the limits of its range in the British Isles are now reasonably well defined: it is
essentially a lowland tree of England and Wales and has not been reported in the wild from
Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

Its range is unlikely ever to have extended to Scotland. In the Atlas Mountains, where the Wild
Service and the Whitebeam, Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz, grow (Jahandiez & Maire 1931-34; Quezel &
Santa 1962), the Whitebeam extends to higher altitudes and this is an analogue of the situation in
Britain where the Whitebeam is found further north in a cooler climate than the Wild Service. The

226 P. ROPER

Whitebeam and Sorbus devoniensis E. Warb. are both found in Ireland (Clapham et al. 1962) and
the latter species has recently been reported from the Isle of Man (Proctor et al. 1989; Sell 1989). If
both these species could cross the Irish Sea, there would seem no reason why other Sorbus spp.
could not do the same, so it is worth continuing to look out for the Wild Service in these places.

HABITAT PREFERENCES

The Wild Service in Britain and elsewhere grows in several distinct and apparently dissimilar
habitats, although an understanding of the requirements of the species goes some way to providing
an explanation of its distribution. These habitats can be divided into four broad categories:—

1. Nutrient-rich soils, clays in particular (Brown 1894). The species is more abundant and grows
better on some clays than others. It does well on Weald and Wadhurst Clay in the south-east, and on
London Clay and Oxford Clay (in the latter instance especially where there are, or were, ancient
forests). It is widespread on the Culm Measures in the West Country and the Keuper Marl from
Somerset to Nottinghamshire. It is less common on Boulder Clay, but grows well where it occurs,
and is virtually absent from Gault. One possible explanation is that it grows better on clays with a
lower calcareous mineral content, although woodland management over the centuries is a more
likely factor.

Woodland soils overlying clays often do not share the characteristics of the underlying stratum:
they are usually lighter and more acid and may be modified by downwash or other local conditions.
While the Wild Service can send its roots below the surface soil layer, the natural distribution (as is
the case with any forest tree) is governed by the conditions in which it has to develop as a young
plant and the superficial soil qualities are therefore an important factor.

2. Areas of hilly or undulating gravel terrace and similar formations deposited in the glaciations of
the Tertiary or Quaternary periods. There is some evidence that its presence on these formations is
associated with bands where the water content is higher due to the slope and the layering of the
material (Kozlowski 1962). Such gravels are often accompanied by seams of clay which may
improve the nutrient content locally.

Those who cultivated the tree in the past noticed that they did not fruit as well on freely-draining
gravelly soils as on clay (Cook 1676).

3. Coastal and inland cliffs, rocky hillsides, landslips and similar open or disturbed habitats.
4. Large river valleys, especially those containing cliffs and rocky slopes.

The Wild Service is capable of becoming a large forest tree reaching the canopy layer, and its
absence from lighter lowland soils may be due to the fact that it competes poorly with oak and other
trees (Longman & Coutts 1974). If it is overshaded by trees that grow more rapidly, the Wild Service
can survive, but will not flower and fruit. Away from nutrient-rich soils it depends on open habitats
where there is less competition and where it can flower and fruit more successfully. In these places
chances of seed survival are also higher due to their becoming lodged in crevices and similar
positions where predators cannot easily reach them. The young plants are also less likely to be
damaged by browsing or grazing due to their inaccessibility.

The present pattern of distribution indicates that the Wild Service was probably widespread, if
seldom abundant, on the stiffer soils in the forests that covered much of the lowlands of England and
Wales in the past. In many places it has been severely reduced, or eliminated, by human activity and
this has been compounded by its low rate of reproduction from seed compared with many other
native trees. There are two main reasons for the latter: climatic and ecological. Gabrielian (1961)
contends that the species evolved in cry, open woodlands and there is ample evidence to show that
climatic conditions affect the tree’s ability to flower and produce viable fruit. Warm summers
promote fruit formation (Davies 1976; Biisgen 1929) and increase the number of seeds per fruit. In
the warmer, drier parts of Britain many trees often fruit only every other year and in marginal
habitats, particularly towards the edge of the range, even less frequently. Termena (1972) has

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 227

shown that both temperature and humidity affect pollen viability and fruit production of the species
in the Bukovina area on the borders of the Ukraine and Romania. In northern Poland good crops of
fruit were only produced every 25 years (Conwentz 1895).

Although the fruit is avidly devoured by birds, Wild Service seems only rarely to be bird-sown
(the seed, with its thin testa, is probably digested in the bird’s gut) (Prime 1960). In large, lowland
forests wild boar and other animals, including domestic pigs and cattle, may well have been
important agents for the dispersal and burial of Wild Service seed: wild boar are known to like the
fruit and the effects of their trampling on woodland ecology have been well-documented (Conwentz
1895; Darling & Morton Boyd 1969; Goodwin 1975; Tansley 1968). Elsewhere seed was, and still is,
extensively predated by birds, small animals and invertebrates so that almost none remains (Corbet
1974; Janzen 1970; Tansley 1968; Termena 1972).

The wild boar as well as burying much seed by rooting and trampling, destroyed many small
rodents (Tansley 1968) as did the much higher numbers of predatory animals and birds that were
formerly widespread. Populations of voles and mice have increased substantially as predators have
declined and animals like rabbits, grey squirrels and pheasants (all of which eat seeds or seedlings of
Wild Service) have been introduced and have spread.

Like many trees and shrubs within the family Rosaceae, Wild Service seeds need a period of some
three months of near freezing temperatures before germination will take place (Gordon 1982). In
places where winters are longer and colder than in much of Britain, germination will normally take
place in the first spring following seed formation whereas in Britain two or more years are often
needed and the seed is at risk for far longer. This is true of many tree seeds, but the first spring
germination that would have taken place more regularly during periods when the climate was colder
could have helped the Wild Service to reproduce from seed in slightly larger numbers in those days.

While a cooler, less continental, climate and increased seed and seedling predation coupled with
other factors may have reduced populations of the Wild Service and prevented recolonisation, its
survival in ancient hedges and woodlands has been helped by its ability to reproduce from suckers.
Wild Services live a long time: Mitchell (pers. comm., 1975) has estimated the age of large old trees
to be around 200 years and many of these may themselves have arisen from suckers produced from
an earlier generation of trees. Some mature populations — that in Epping Forest, for example — have
been shown to originate largely from suckers (Lloyd 1977) and O. Buckle (pers. comm., 1975) was
of the view that virtually all the Wild Services that he knew of in West Sussex (for which he was
B.S.B.I. vice-county recorder) had originated from suckers. No one knows how far back these
sequences may have extended since the original seeds germinated, but it is clear that the species can
survive for long periods before conditions recur in which seeds germinate freely. Suckers are often
mistaken for seedlings and care must be taken in reaching a judgement on the origin of a given tree
(the root from which a sucker arose can often be discovered just beneath the soil surface).

As a result of the survey the Wild Service has, in the last 19 years, been shown to be more
abundant than was thought and it is clear that it had been overlooked in many places. Its range is
known to extend slightly further north than Morecambe Bay and further into Yorkshire than was
realised. It is also widespread, though rare, in the lower lying parts of Wales. There are, however,
many areas in the British Isles where it might be expected to occur from which it has not been
reported.

More evidence has come to light to show that the tree was formerly more abundant than today,
though probably never common in most areas. There is no doubt that the species is found almost
exclusively in ancient woodlands and hedges or on rocky outcrops, unless planted, and its value as
an indicator of primary woodland is confirmed.

The survey has also revealed that the tree has had a considerable social and economic role much
of which has not hitherto been recorded or gathered together and which has undoubtedly affected
the current pattern of distribution since the tree has been conserved and planted in some areas and
neglected or destroyed in others. This is the subject of a separate paper (Roper 1987).

Although the formal survey of the Wild Service is now complete, I am always interested to have
any new records or information about the natural or social history of the tree. There is much work
still to be done on its associations with insects, fungi, bryophytes and lichens and the uses to which
the fruit and the wood were put.

228 P. ROPER
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to all the B.S.B.I. members and the many others who have helped with the survey over
a long period of years and have patiently awaited the results. In particular I am indebted to Mary
Briggs and Franklyn Perring without whose initial support and continuing encouragement I would
not have become involved, and to Breda and Ernie Burt who showed me my first Wild Service.

REFERENCES

ANON. (1976). Sorbus torminalis in Powys, Cardigan and Carmarthen. B.S.B.I. Welsh Bulletin 25: 2-4.

AupsreY, J. (1685). Natural history of Wiltshire, ed. Britton, J. (1847). London.

BAMForD, F., ed. (1936). A Royalist’s notebook. The commonplace book of Sir John Oglander Kt. of Nunwell.
London.

Bou cer, G. S. (1908). Familiar trees. London.

BROMFIELD, W. A. (1856). Flora Vectensis. London.

Brown, J. (1894), in NisBet, J., ed. The forester, 6th ed., enlarged. Edinburgh & London.

BUsGEN, M. (1929). The structure and life of forest trees, 3rd ed. revised by Mtncu, E. London.

CLAPHAM, A. R., Turin, T. G. & Warsurs, E. F. (1962). Flora of the British Isles, 2nd ed. Cambridge.

CiarE, J. (1832). The midsummer cushion, ed. TrsBLe, A. Edition published by the Mid-Northumberland Arts
Group, 1978. Manchester.

CoNnVENTZ, H. (1895). Beobachtungen tiber seltene Waldbaum im West Preussen. Abhandlung zur Landes-
kunde der Provinz Westpreussen. Heft 9. Danzig.

Cook, M. (1676). The manner of raising, ordering and improving forrest-trees. London.

CorseET, G. H. (1974). The importance of oak to mammals, in Morris, M. G. & PERRING, F. H., eds. The British
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Dar inc, F. F. & Morton Boyp, J. (1969). The highlands and islands, 2nd ed. London.

Davies, H. (1813). Welsh botanoalogy and catalogue of the native plants of the Isle of Angelsea. London.

Davis, T. A. W. (1976). The Wi'd Service in Pembrokeshire and South Cardiganshire. B.S.B.I. Welsh Bulletin
25: 4-6.

Du BreulL, M. A. (1854). Cours élémentaire theorique et pratique d’arboriculture. Paris.

E.wes, H. J. & Henry, A. (1906). The trees of Great Britain and Ireland. Edinburgh.

Emmet, A. M. (1976). Nepticulidae, in The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland, vol. 1. London.

Forrest, M. (1985). Trees and shrubs cultivated in Ireland. Dublin.

GABRIELIAN, E. T. (1961). The genus Sorbus L. in Turkey. Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden, ou ae 23:
483-496.

GERARDE, J. (1597). The Herball, or general historie of plantes. London.

Gitmour, J. S. L., ed. (1972). Thomas Johnson. Botanical journeys in Kent & Hampstead 1628 and 1632.
Pittsburgh.

Gopwin, H. (1975). History of the British flora, 2nd ed. Cambridge.

Gorpon, A. G. (1982). Germination and seed dormancy. The Plantsman 4: 76-90.

GrINDON, L. H. (1883). Fruits and fruit trees. Manchester.

HamILTon Davey, F. (1909). Flora of Cornwall. Penryn, Cornwall.

Hanbury, W. (1770). A complete body of planting and gardening. London.

Hansury, F. J. & MARSHALL, E. S. (1899). Flora of Kent. London.

Harper, G. (1981). Wild Service in Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Trans. Hertfordshire Natural History Soc.
28(4): 17-26.

Hicxin, N. (1971). The natural history of an English forest. London.

Howarp, A. L. (1947). Trees in Britain and their timbers. London.

JAHANDIEZ, E. & Maire, R. (1931-34). Catalogue des plantes du Maroc. Algiers.

JANZEN, D. H. (1970). Herbivores and tropical forest diversity. Am. Nat. 104: 501-528.

Koz.owskI, T. T., ed. (1962). Tree growth. New York.

LVOYD, 7G. (1977). The Wild Service Tree Sorbus torminalis in Epping Forest. Lond. Nat. 56: 22-28.

Lonoman, K. A. & Coutts, M. P. (1974). Physiology of the oak tree, in Morris, M. G. & PERRING, F. H., eds.
The British oak, pp. 194-221. London.

MANSELL-PLEYDELL, J. C. (1895). The flora of Dorsetshire, 2nd ed. Dorchester.

Marcuant, W. J. (1937). Choice trees, shrubs, wall plants & climbers (Catalogue for Marchant’s Nursery for
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MaAynarbD, D. C. (1925). The old inns of Kent. London.

MILLER, P. (1768). The gardener’s dictionary, 8th ed., revised. London.

SORBUS TORMINALIS IN THE BRITISH ISLES 229

PETERKEN, G. F. (1974). A method for assessing woodland flora for conservation using indicator species.
Biological Conservation 6: 239-245.

Picotr, C. D. (1973/74). The Wild Service Tree in Lancashire and Westmorland. Nature in Lancashire 4: 40-43.

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Prime, C. T. (1960). Lords and ladies. London.

Proctor, M. C. F., Proctor, M. E. & GRoENHOF, A. C. (1989). Evidence from peroxidase polymorphism on the
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Roper, P. (1975). The tree of mystery. Kent life 14: 21-23.

Roper, P. (1987). The Wild Service Tree in the British Isles. Unpublished MS.

SALISBURY, E. J. & JANE, F. W. (1940). Charcoals from Maiden Castle and their significance in relation to the
vegetation and climatic conditions in prehistoric times. J. Ecol. 28: 310-325.

SELL, P. D. (1989). The Sorbus latifolia (Lam.) Pers. aggregate in the British Isles. Watsonia 17: 385-399.

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Ecological Flora of the Shropshire region. Shrewsbury.

TANSLEY, A. G. (1968). Britain’s green mantle, 2nd ed. London.

TERMENA, B. K. (1972). Effect of meteorological conditions on the blooming and fruit bearing of Sorbus
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TuursTon, E. & Vicurs, C. (1922). A supplement to the Flora of Cornwall. Truro, Cornwall.

Wiiimot, A. (1975). The rediscovery of the Wild Service tree in Derbyshire. Derbyshire Naturalists’ Trust
Newsletter 50: 6-8.

WITHERING, W. (1818). An arrangement of British plants, 6th ed. London.

(Accepted January 1993)

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Watsonia, 19, 231-245 (1993) 231

Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz (Cruciferae) in the
British Isles

A. J. SHOWLER
12 Wedgwood Drive, Hughenden Valley, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4PA
and
T. C. G. RICH

37 Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5DY

ABSTRACT

The taxonomy, reproduction, dispersal, habitats and distribution of Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz
(Cruciferae) in the British Isles are described, and all localities traced are listed. It is currently known from about
155 native and 27 introduced sites. It is a scarce plant in Britain; the main threats to its survival are woodland
replanting and clearance.

INTRODUCTION

Coralroot (Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz)* was first recorded in Britain by J. Goodyer, ‘at
Mayfield in Sussex in a wood called Highreede’”’, in 1634 (Wolley-Dod 1937), and it is now known to
be a very local, native plant of ancient woodlands in South East and Central England. It is widely
introduced elsewhere in England, Scotland and Ireland. On continental Europe, the plant is also
local, occurring widely from central France eastwards (though rare near the Mediterranean coast)
to the Black Sea, the Caucasus and northern Iran, and northwards to 64° in southern Scandinavia.

At least 13 species of Cardamine have been recorded in the British Isles. In addition to C.
bulbifera, there are five other native species: C. amara L., C. flexuosa With., C. hirsuta L., C.
impatiens L. and C. pratensis L. (Rich 1991). Cardamine chelidonia Lam., non L., C. glanduligera
O. Schwarz, C. heptaphylla (Villars) O. E. Schulz, C. kitaibelii Becherer, C. pentaphyllos (L.)
Crantz, C. raphanifolia Pourret and C. trifolia L. have been reported as introduced and are
variously naturalized. C. bulbifera is easily distinguished by the large pinkish-purple flowers, scaly
rhizomes and axillary bulbils. Some authors (e.g. Rose 1981) transfer C. bulbifera to the genus
Dentaria L.

Cardamine bulbifera is considered to be a scarce plant in Britain (Stewart & Pearman 1991). The
purpose of this paper is to document its ecology, occurrence and current status.

TAXONOMY AND VARIATION

Cardamine bulbifera shows little morphological variation. Schulz (1903) and Hegi (1958) noted a
number of varieties and forms, of which only two have been noted in Britain, in addition to the
typical C. bulbifera forma bulbifera. Forma ptarmicifolia (DC.) O. E. Schulz is distinguished by the
broadly serrate teeth on the leaves; the leaflets also tend to be ovate and more asymmetrical (Fig. 1),
and the plant is generally bigger and with browner bulbils. It is probably native in scattered localities
through Europe to the Caucasus but appears commonest in the Alps, and has been introduced to

*Nomenclature follows Stace (1991), and Jones (1964) for Cardamine.

2352 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

Ficure 1. Basal leaf shapes of Cardamine bulbifera. a—c, forma bulbifera (native). a. Fennels Wood; b. Booker
Common; c. Hawkhurst. d-f, forma ptarmicifolia (introduced). d. Silverdale; e. Trudoxhill; f. Warley Place.
The scale bar is marked in cm intervals.

and naturalized in a number of localities in Britain. Forma /actea (Wirtgen) O. E. Schulz has white
petals, and has only been cultivated in flower beds at Saville Gardens, Windsor Great Park (v.c. 17).
Rich (1991) provides a description of native British material.

Examination of herbarium material of typical C. bulbifera show clinal variations in leaf shape
across its natural distribution. The variation is most marked in basal leaves, but as these are rarely
collected the variation is illustrated from middle stem leaves which are generally present on
herbarium specimens (Fig. 2). Material similar in leaf shape to those of native British plants occurs
in most of western Europe, specimens from Belgium being identical. Plants with broad leaves tend
to occur mainly in the Alps. In Scandinavia, the leaflets tend to be longer and less toothed, and
eastwards towards the Commonwealth of Independent States, the leaf shape is often narrower. In
Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey, at the S.E. end of the range, the leaf margins often have pronounced
teeth (but not as pronounced as in forma ptarmicifolia).

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 233

pA

Figure 2. Clinal variation in representative middle stem leaf shapes of Cardamine bulbifera (distribution map
redrawn from Hegi 1958). Outlying localities are shown as dots (@). The leaves are not drawn to exact scale.

REPRODUCTION AND DISPERSAL

Amongst the British flora, C. bulbifera is unusual in that it mainly propagates vegetatively by the
axillary bulbils. The bulbils are probably reduced shoots with fleshy scale leaves (Hegi 1958), and
are typically about 1 cm long, and black to dark purple. They are readily dislodged from the plant
from June onwards. They fall to the ground and, after about four weeks, adventitious roots appear
from the axils of the scale leaves, and then a few first leaves. In the second year, the plant produces
the typical scaly rhizome with basal leaves, and in the third or fourth year, aerial shoots. Plants
grown from bulbils have flowered in their third years in Britain (Ferroussat 1982). Occasionally,
bulbils may start developing whilst on the plant; a plant brought to Maidstone Museum in late 1986
had some bulbils 10 cm long (E. G. Philp, pers. comm., 1989).

Many authors note that although flowering is common, C. bulbifera seldom produces ripe fruit or
viable seed. Schulz (1903) had only seen fruiting specimens five times, and noted that they were all
from near the coast, and that where it did fruit, bulbils were less numerous or not formed at all. This
latter observation does not appear to apply to British material, fruiting plants regularly having
bulbils. Hegi (1958) noted that fruit is only set under special conditions, usually in areas with high
humidity and fresh limestone soils. These observations appear to be based on only a limited
selection of material; examination of specimens at K and BM suggests that fruit set becomes more
frequent at the south east end of the range, and in Turkey, some populations reproduce solely from
fruit, lacking bulbils altogether. Reproduction by bulbils, does, however, seem to be the norm in
Western Europe, and there may be a trade-off between fruit set and bulbil production — if the latter
are stripped off the plant, fruit set is apparently more likely (Hegi 1958).

In the field in Britain, at least, it is generally not difficult to find a few fruits. Fruits are always
borne on the larger plants (typically 22-25 cm tall, compared to the normal average of 19-21 cm),

234 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

whose stems and foliage remain green and fresh until the seeds are shed. Thus if a patch of flowering
plants is revisited in June, there may be one or two fruits maturing on a small proportion of the
plants, whereas on the remainder, the small green ovaries which showed some initial development
will have dropped off and the plants will have started to die back. In July, when the fruits are ripe
(though green) the seeds may be scattered a considerable distance when the siliquae dehisce
explosively (as in some other species of Cardamine) (Showler 1988). These seeds can be germinated
successfully, and plants grown from seed may flower in their third year (Ferroussat 1982). Fruit set
appears to have been unaffected by the opening up of the tree canopy by the great storms of 1987 in
Britain (C. I. Pogson, pers. comm., 1988).

None-the-less, the sexual reproductive performance of the plant is well below its potential. The
plants flower for only a very short period of time in late spring, and Clapham (Clapham et al. 1987)
reports that they are rarely visited by insects. B. (1866) notes that the flowers have a faint, sweet
scent. Ferroussat (1982) noted that plants at Old Park Wood were pollinated by Orange-tip
(Anthocharis cardamines L.) and Green-veined White (Pieris napi L.) butterflies, together with the
Raspberry Beetle (Byturus tomentosus Degeer (B. urbanus Lindemann)) and flies. Occasional visits
of beetles and flies have been seen during the current survey, though it is not known if these were
pollinators. Often only a small proportion of the plants flower, many reproducing solely by bulbils.
The flowers may require cross-pollination (many crucifers have well-developed self-incompatibility
systems) to produce seed. Some stamens and ovaries may have retarded development (Hegi 1958),
pollen grains may degenerate, and some ovules do not develop at all. There is no support for the
observation of Deakin (1871) that the flowers ‘“‘are often imperfect’’. The species is a high polyploid
with 2n=96 (duodecaploid) (Clapham et al. 1987), and the reduced fertility may also involve
abnormal chromosome behaviour. Hegi (1958) points out that such reductions in fertility are often
associated with taxa of hybrid origin, but there is no evidence to suggest this in C. bulbifera.

Cardamine bulbifera spreads vegetatively by creeping rhizomes and often forms patches. -

Bulbils (and seed) may be dispersed naturally in a number of ways. Hegi (1958) reports that
bulbils are often carried by ants in continental Europe, but this has not been observed in Britain.
Many localities in Kent and Sussex are on, or close to, river banks and ditches, suggesting that
dispersal by water may occur; Rose (1966) suggested that this may govern its micro-distribution in
the Weald. Bulbils may also be transported by wheels, hooves or muddy boots; the majority of
localities in the Chilterns and close by (v.cc. 20, 21 and 24) are alongside footpaths, though this
could also reflect other ecological factors. It is also possible that small mammals play some part in
distribution, but this has not yet been noted.

Whatever the mechanism, dispersal is obviously a limiting factor of distribution. Plants are often
locally abundant but absent from apparently suitable sites nearby. On a wider scale, the distribution
is often irregular and disjunct, and there are many gaps between populations (e.g. Hegi 1958). The
plant does not appear currently to be limited climatically in Britain; it survives well in many
introduced localities outside its native range, often persisting for long periods of time and spreading,
as at Glenbervie (v.c. 91), where, since 1934 or before, it has colonised many parts of the extensive
grounds and now forms a very large population.

HABITATS

In South East England, C. bulbifera is associated with two distinct types of woodland; first, the wet,
generally acidic woodlands of the High Weald in Kent and Sussex, and second, the Chiltern Beech
woods which are drier with basic soils. These two types are referred to subsequently as the High
Weald and Chiltern.

The High Weald woodlands occur on both sides of the Kent-East Sussex border. They are for the
most part ancient woodlands, often now broken into quite small areas, called ‘shaws’ or ‘rews’ — thin
strips of woodland left between fields (Whitebread et al. 1989a, b). They have survived clearance
primarily due to the presence of the many small, steep-sided streams or gills, which make the land
unsuitable for agriculture. The soil is generally acidic to neutral (the soil pH ranged from 5 to 7) and
clayey, and the tree canopy is predominantly Quercus robur L., Fraxinus excelsior L. and Carpinus

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 235

betulus L. (Table 1). In the shrub layer, Corylus avellana L. is common, often with much Crataegus
laevigata (Poiret) DC. The herb layer is usually very dense with many spring flowers such as
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (L.) Chouard ex Rothm., Mercurialis perennis L., Ranunculus ficaria L.,
Lamiastrum galeobdolon (L.) Ehrend. & Polatschek and Allium ursinum L. Carex pendula
Hudson is common in the damper places, and it is here especially that C. bulbifera is to be found,
most frequently on the lower levels of the gills. [t is often easiest to find the plant by walking up the
stream beds, but even then the plants may not be easy to spot as in dappled sunlight small patches
can be easily overlooked amongst H. non-scripta and other species of a similar height, and they are
often very localised. For instance, by the Kent Ditch (a small stream marking the Kent-Sussex
border for much of its length), C. bulbifera can occur on one bank but not the other 50 cm away.
Many populations only have 15-20 flowering plants, usually, though not always, with juveniles, all
occurring within a radius of 2-3 m. Plants are not always restricted to stream banks, and may be
found nearby in damp, shaded areas of woodland. At a number of stations colonies are found on
damp, sloping road verges, though these are often associated with ditches or water seepage.

Almost all the Kent and East Sussex sites are on Weald Clay or Wadhurst Clay and are of the
High Weald habitat, as are the native sites in Surrey (two now destroyed) and those in the eastern
part of West Sussex. However, at Harting (v.c. 13) (where the plants are probably introduced),
High Rocks (v.c. 16) and Hawkenbury (v.c. 16), the plants are found on sandy soils. The single plant
found near Brown’s Wood (v.c. 14) is from a sandy road verge.

In contrast to the High Weald habitat, the Chiltern woodlands where C. bulbifera is also found
are typically with a canopy of Fagus sylvatica L., often with some Prunus avium (L.) L. and Fraxinus
excelsior, an understorey of Corylus avellana and Ilex aquifolium L., and a sparse herb layer (Table
1). The woodlands are relatively dry and on slopes, though aspect appears unimportant. The soil is
generally a very thin layer of clay with flints over chalk; the pH of the soil around the roots of the
plant ranges from about pH 6-0 to 7-5, and often there is a considerable amount of leaf litter.
Hughes (1988) and Robinson (1988) acknowledge that C. bulbifera is a plant of ancient woodland
and almost without exception, these woodlands are classified as such (Table 2). The herb layer
confirms this, typically consisting of sparse Mercurialis perennis, Rubus spp., Hedera helix L.,
Galium odoratum (L.) Scop., Arum maculatum L. and Lamiastrum galeobdolon. Hyacinthoides
non-scripta is often absent reflecting its preference for the more acidic soils, and Carex pendula, a
common associate in the High Weald, is totally absent.

Cardamine bulbifera can be found in such Chiltern woodlands in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire
and Middlesex, generally in small patches or strips along the edges of footpaths or close to them.
The sparse ground layer and gently sloping terrain makes the plants more conspicuous than in the
High Weald woodlands. Again there are frequently only 20—30 flowering plants (though 100-150 is
not uncommon), but the number of juveniles ranges from very few to several thousand. The plants
will grow through a thin covering of Mercurialis perennis, Rubus spp., or Hedera helix, and
sometimes C. bulbifera grows in open areas where leaf litter has blown clear, usually as a tight patch.
There are only two Chiltern sites on road verges, but this may be because wooded verges are much
less common in the Chilterns than the Weald. There is no association with water, and only two
Chiltern sites are anywhere near water courses and one of these is man-made.

The plants in Staffordshire in the ancient Needwood Forest are found in a habitat which
approximates to the Chiltern type, but are on flat land and on Keuper marl, not chalk.

Plants can often be found in replanted ancient woodland, provided that there has not been too
much disturbance to the soil and ground layer. They are able to survive in deciduous woodlands, but
are lost under dense conifer shade. Trimen (1862) noted that in Sussex “‘it appears to like copses
recently cleared of underwood”’.

Elsewhere in Europe, C. bulbifera also occurs in a similar range of acidic and basic woodlands
(e.g. Keller 1988), though most authors only note that it is characteristic of base-rich Beech woods.
Hartmann (cited in Hegi 1958) suggests that in the more continental areas it prefers damper soils,
and at lower altitudes, base-rich soils. In Southern Europe, it only occurs in the mountains, and
often on north-facing slopes.

Table 2 classifies the known stations by woodland type as identified in the N.C.C. Inventories of
Ancient Woodland (Hughes 1988; Robinson 1988; Whitebread et al. 1989a, b; Hutton 1990) for
each vice-county. It should be borne in mind that areas of less than two hectares are excluded from
these inventories so that some small sites are not classified.

236 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

TABLE 1. VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES RECORDED WITHIN 2 M OF CARDA-
MINE BULBIFERA IN THE HIGH WEALD AND CHILTERN HABITATS
Only species occurring in 15% or more of either site are included; a further 56 species
were also noted at lower frequencies.

Recorded in % of sites

HIGH WEALD* CHILTERNS

Species (n = 27) (n = 57)
Acer pseudoplatanus 15 12
Alnus glutinosa 19 0
Carpinus betulus 52 16
Corylus avellana 48 pee)
Crataegus laevigata 22 0
Fagus sylvatica Ligh 74
Fraxinus excelsior 26 318}
Ilex aquifolium 7 21
Prunus avium 0 16
Quercus spp. 26 9
Allium ursinum £9 Z
Arum maculatum 4 30
Carex pendula 30 0
Circaea lutetiana 15 5
Galium aparine 41 19
Galium odoratum el 33
Geranium robertianum 15 i,
Hedera helix 70 37
Heracleum sphondylium 15 2
Hyacinthoides non-scripta 30 30
Lamiastrum galeobdolon 26 21
Melica uniflora | 24
Mercurialis perennis 45 58
Ranunculus ficaria 19 fe ht
Rubus spp. 74 69
Urtica dioica 19 16
* excluding High Rocks.
DISTRIBUTION

In Britain, Cardamine bulbifera is currently known as a native species in Sussex (v.cc. 13 and 14),
Kent (v.cc. 15 and 16), Surrey (v.c. 17), Hertfordshire (v.c. 20), Middlesex (v.c. 21), Buckingham-
shire (v.c. 24) and probably Staffordshire (v.c. 39) (Fig. 3). It has not been recorded in its sole
Berkshire (v.c. 22) locality since 1944.

In view of their isolation from the other sites in South East England, and the regularity with which
the plant is introduced, the Staffordshire sites must be viewed with caution. The first record from
Pendeford (Pitt 1796) was unusual in that it occurred in “hedge sides on this farm’’; however, Pitt’s
list also included other species of old hedgerows (e.g. Rhamnus cathartica L., Frangula alnus Miller)
and is packed with detailed, careful botanical observations and there is no obvious reason to reject
the record. There are at least three localities around Needwood Forest, which have sometimes been
suggested to be introduced (Edees 1972), and there is an undoubted introduction at Trentham.
Edees (1972), whilst quoting it as “‘rare and of doubtful status” accepts Pendeford and Blithfield as
native localities. D. P. Earl (pers. comm, 1987) notes that colonies he has seen recently ‘“‘look native
on the Keuper Mar!” but also points out that none of these are far from houses and two are close to a
road or track, suggesting that they may have originally been planted. The evidence from Chiltern
populations, also associated with tracks, suggests that this need not necessarily be so, but ‘looking
native’ is not always a good guide to status either (Webb 1985). As the early dates of recording lend

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 237

TABLE 2. ASSOCIATION OF NATIVE POPULATIONS OF CARDAMINE BULBIFERA WITH
ANCIENT WOODLANDS AS CLASSIFIED IN THE N.C.C. INVENTORIES OF ANCIENT

WOODLAND
Ancient woodland
No. i. EET ARTEL ccs ca Other

Vice-county sites Semi-natural . Replanted habitats*
13. W. Sussex 8 4 1 3
14. E. Sussex 33 19 7 10
153 Kent 3 3 ze me

16. W. Kent 19 12 6 1
17. Surrey 1 - } 1 ue
20. Herts. 12 7 - 5
21. Middx. 2 2 - ~
24. Bucks. 56 38 13 5
39. Staffs. 2 = 9) oe
Total 136 85 (62%) 27 (20%) 24 (18%)

* includes sites too small (less than 2 ha) to classify.

support to its native status, and as the plant also occurs in disjunct localities elsewhere in Europe, we
currently accept the Needwood Forest plants as native.

Elsewhere in the British Isles, the plant has been introduced. It is often grown in gardens, perhaps
as an unusual plant — it is certainly a pretty, early-flowering plant which can tolerate dense shade,
though there are many other species with these attributes which flower for longer periods of time.
Clear evidence is hard to come by, but C. bulbifera appears to have been cultivated in large gardens
for many years (e.g. B. 1866). Once established, it can often increase rapidly and become almost a
weed, as at Uffculme (v.c. 3), and at Knightshayes Court (v.c. 4) and Cliveden (v.c. 24) where it
appears sporadically in flower beds. Escapes to adjacent verges or woodland, as at Bath (v.c. 6),
Wellingore Hall Park (v.c. 53) and Silverdale (v.c. 60), are not uncommon, and it may persist for
long periods of time. There are also many scattered records for introduced plants from the 1920s and
1930s, where it can no longer be found. Bulbils are easily collected, and the flourishing colony at
Trentham (v.c. 39) may well have originated from the plants at Yoxall, and the casuals in v.c. 95
could have come from Glenbervie, not many kilometres away. Interestingly, the majority of West
Country introductions are of forma ptarmicifolia suggesting a common origin. It would certainly be
instructive to learn more of the history of the known introductions.

The plant has also been recorded as introduced to some localities in Germany (Hegi 1958).

RECORDS

Records have been collated from national and county Floras, journais, correspondence with the
B.S.B.I. vice-county Recorders and numerous other botanists, and from the following herbaria:
BEL, BM, DBN, K, OXF, LANC, RNG, TCD and YRK. Full details, including population forms,
are lodged at the Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood.

In the following list of localities, vice-counties or sites where the plant is introduced are marked
with an asterisk (*). The records are given in order of vice-county, 10-km square, and tetrad (tetrad
nomenclature follows Ellis 1986). Exact grid references are given where known for extinct or
unvisited sites. The names for modern sites are largely those on the First or Second Series 1:25 ,000
or 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps. An estimate of the total number of plants is given for most sites
(sometimes only as the number of flowering plants counted). All undated sites have been visited
recently between 1987 and 1992 by A.J.S., often with help from co-workers, unless otherwise
stated. Sites where we have seen material of forma ptarmicifolia are noted.

*V.c. 3, S. Devon: Bere Ferrers (SX/4.6L), 1916, C. W. Bracken (Martin & Fraser 1939), presumed

238 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

Figure 3. Current 10-km square distribution of Cardamine bulbifera in Britain and Ireland. @ native 1987
onwards, © native pre-1987, < introduction (all dates), © record of uncertain status.

extinct. Plymstock (SX/5.5B), Plympton (SX/5.5N) and Harford (SX/6.5J), 1913, H. W. Smith
(Martin & Fraser 1939), presumed extinct. Dartington Hall (SX/7.6W), woodland area of garden,
C. Smith. Torbryan Plantation (SX/8.6I), “introduced by Mr Ogilvie and now spreading” (Martin
& Fraser 1939), presumed extinct. Venn Ottery (SY/0.9R), over 800 plants, shaded lane verge,
escaped from adjoining garden, W. Tucker (forma ptarmicifolia). Uffculme (ST/0.1R), garden of
Yondercott House, thousands of plants over 0-25 hectare, in thin, damp woodland, Miss R. G.
Laidlaw.

*V.c. 4, N. Devon: Sherwill (SX/7.6), 1884, Wainwright (Martin & Fraser 1939). Knightshayes
Court, National Trust (SS/9.1S), gardens by house, Miss R. G. Laidlaw (forma ptarmicifolia).
*V.c. 6, N. Somerset: Millards Hill, Trudoxhill (ST/7.4L), in shrubbery and roadsides, escaped from

Millards Hill House, P. Green & R. G. B. Roe (forma ptarmicifolia). Smallcombe Wood, Bath

(ST/7.6S), scattered throughout but more frequent near ruins of adjacent garden, R. Randall &

R. G. B. Roe (forma ptarmicifolia). Prior Park, Bath (ST/7.6), at one time abundant, destroyed

by building work (Murray 1896). Batheaston (ST/7.6Z), about 500 plants, shaded track behind

houses, probably dumped from garden, D. E. Green & R. G. B. Roe (forma ptarmicifolia).
*V.c. 11, S. Hants.: Millbrook (SU/3.1W), J. F. Rayner (1915); presumed extinct.

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 29,

*V.c. 12, N. Hants.: Long since disappeared from East Ockley House (SU/5.5Q), D. H. Scott.
Small copse near Preston Candover (SU/6.4), 1879, H. R. P. Fitzgerald, and Basingstoke (SU/
6.5), 1916, G. W. Willis (Townsend 1904; Rayner 1929).

V.c. 13, W. Sussex: *Hotham Park, Bognor (SZ/9.9J), garden of former Bognor Museum, now
demolished (H. W. Matcham teste M. Briggs). *Hunstan Copse (SU/8.0, R/Q), H. L. F.
Guermonprez, ancient wood; searched for recently without success by N. J. H. Sturt, and
probably last seen in the 1940s by F. Rose (pers. comm. to Mrs M. Briggs, 1987). *Harting Combe
(SU/8.2C), one large clump, road side in Beech wood. A record for SU/8.2D (Hall 1980) is
probably an error for this site. Half-way between Midhurst and Petworth (SU/9.2); this record,
cited in Arnold (1907) and Wolley-Dod (1937), is based on a specimen said to be in herb. Borrer,
which cannot be traced at K. Although the area is suitable, there are no other records and this site
must be treated with caution. Warnham (TQ/1.3), “small copses in the parish’’, 25 April 1862, H.
Trimen (Trimen 1862); exact site not traced, and presumed extinct. Langhurst Copse (TQ/1.3S),
wooded verge south of, 2000+ plants. Tickfold Gill (TQ/1.3T), by stream in wood, 29 plants
(“‘hundreds” were reported for this site in 1987, F. Rose etal. (pers. comm. to M. Briggs, 1987) so
possibly overlooked). Nuns Wood (TQ/1.3, X and Y), a few plants in the woodland at the
southern end, Mrs M. Briggs, 1961, and very sparse in western stream gulley in 1988. Great
Benhams (TQ/1.3Y), north of, about 200 plants, shaded bank of Boldings Brook by bridge; this
site is declining due to invasion by Heracleum mantegazzianum (A. Knapp, pers. comm., 1992).
Horsegills Wood, Rusper (TQ/1.3Y), wet woodland, 600+ plants, Mrs M. Briggs, 10 May 1991.
Terry’s Cross (TQ/2.1H), 500 plants in hedge. (The record for TQ/2.2M (Briggs 1990) is an
error.) Faygate (TQ/2.3), near, C. E. Salmon (Wolley-Dod 1937), probably extinct. There is a 40-
column record card held at B.R.C. with details ““Rusper, 11 June 1957, Collyers School
Herbarium” which has the grid reference ““TQ/20—.32-”. As this grid reference refers to Roffey,
Horsham, about 5 km south of Rusper, and C. bulbifera is known near Rusper in TQ/1.3, this
record is dubious. Unfortunately, the Collyers School Herbarium cannot now be traced (Kent &
Allen 1984) and it is impossible to check if the grid reference was correctly transcribed, or was
added later to the B.R.C. card. :

V.c. 14, E. Sussex: Withyham (TQ/4.3X), 140 plants in wood by Hewkins Bridge and also in
churchyard, Miss E. J. Rich, 1992. Mayfield, Lawyers Wood (TQ/5.2T), Miss E. J. Rich, 6 July
1987; fruiting plants seen in 1992. Highreede Wood, Mayfield (TOQ/5.2), J. Goodyer 1634; exact
site not traced (Wolley-Dod 1937). Old Place Farm (TQ/5.2Y), one plant, E. side of road, Mrs P.
Donovan, 1992, and roadside copse, Miss E. J. Rich, fruiting in 1992. Coggins Mill, by bridge
(TOQ/S.2Y), Miss E. J. Rich, 1992. Heronry Wood (TQ/5.2Z), 15 plants, wet muddy area close to
entrance of wood near stream. P. C. Hall noted it as abundant in this wood when he was recording
for the Sussex plant atlas (pers. comm., 1991) so possibly some colonies were overlooked.
Furnace Wood (TQ/5.2Z), 6 m long patch on east verge of lane, Mrs P. Donovan, 1992. Barnky
Wood (TQ/5.2Z), four scattered groups in wet woodland, some on stream bank. TQ/5.3N, Hall
(1980), further details not traced. Houndsell Place (TQ/5.3V), in ‘wild garden’ (wood), P. C.
Hall, 26 April 1970. Mark Cross (TQ/5.3), in a hedge by the road side about a mile (1.5 km) from
(Deakin 1871); presumed extinct. Great Wood (TQ/5.3X), P. C. Hall, 31 May 1969. Coggins
Mill, (TQ/6.2D) stream bank 200 m east of, Miss E. J. Rich, 1992. Tidebrook (TQ/6.2E), large
numbers of plants along 50-100 m length of road verge in woodland, and 20 flowering plants in
damp, shady woodland to north. Mousehall (TQ/6.2E), 110 plants in lane east of Mill, and two in
garden of Mousehall Cottage on old dam embankment, Mrs E. Gibb, 1992. Sharnden (TQ/6.2E),
about 40 plants, wet woodland. Hawksden Park Wood, west of Hare Holt (TQ/6.21), about 15
plants in hedgebank and ditch. Foxholes Wood (TQ/6.2G), J. Goodyer, 1634; not seen
subsequently (Wolley-Dod 1937). TQ/6.2K, Hall (1980), exact site not recalled, possibly Cox’s
Mill (pers. comm., P. C. Hall, 1991). Burwash Weald (TQ/6.2L), three sites: steep bank near
Mousehole Farm, 325 plants; Willingford bridge, 25 flowering plants on steep woodland stream
bank and then clumps along the north bank of the R. Dudwell for about 1-5 km S.W. of bridge (F.
R. Philps, pers. comm., 1987); Blackbrooks, about 100 scattered, flowering plants in wood.
Coalpit Wood and Wet Wood (TQ/6.2M), about 500 plants in damp woodland. Wood N.W. of
Stonegate Station (TQ/6.2, N & T), about 100 plants in damp Hornbeam wood. Rye Green Farm
(TQ/6.2R), two sites: woodland west of farm with about 100 scattered, flowering plants; Bog
Wood, 100 flowering plants on south bank, 60 on north bank. Bateman’s (TQ/6.2R), 140 plants

240 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

flowering along 25 m of dense hedge, and 500 plants in copse to north. Fonthill Farm (TOQ/6.2W),
farm track, 60 plants. Copse between Boarders Farm and Dudwell House (TQ/6.2X), P. C. & J.
F. Hall, 31 March 1968; site now destroyed. Shoyswell Wood (TQ/6.2, ?Y/Z), Mrs M. Warren,
1972 (there is some doubt about the exact location of this site as the original grid reference was
given as TQ/688.261). Burgham (TQ/699.284Z), un-named wood N.W. of, Mrs M. Warren,
1972. Wardsbrook Farm (TQ/6.2Z), about 500 plants in wood by stream. Singehurst Farm (TQ/
6.2Z), neglected, small, swampy wood S.E. of, probably only a few plants, Mrs L. B. Burt, 1984;
not seen in 1989 but probably overlooked. Rivenhall (TQ/6.3B), large patch (5 m long) on road
verge with a few plants in ditch behind, Mrs M. Vincent-Smith, 1992. Brown’s Wood, road verge
opposite Coker’s Down (TQ/6.3D), one flowering plant. (The record for TQ/6.3E in Briggs
(1990) refers to High Wood, v.c. 16.) Brown’s Wood, near Sunninglye Farm (TQ/6.3J), with 180
plants on verge in hedge, 30 flowering plants on verge in edge of wood, and 215 plants in wood.
Sluice Wood (TQ/6.3M), thinly scattered on stream bank in dense woodland, mostly on north
side of stream, one large patch on south side of stream. Win Bridge (TQ/6.3M), 30+ flowering
plants in small copse by administrative county (but not v.c.) boundary (presumably same site as
Bayham Abbey (Arnold 1907, etc.)). Floshet Wood (TQ/6.3N), nine plants in wood by stream;
this site is in the administrative county of Kent. Park Wood, near Sidley Green (TQ/7.1, F/K), H.
J. Sargent (Wolley-Dod 1937); not seen recently. Goldspur Wood (TQ/7.1J), one very large
clump. Hollington Wood (TQ/7.1V), A. H. Simpson, 1918 (K); now apparently built on, though
recorded for this tetrad in Hall (1980). Beauport Park (TQ/7.1, ?W/X) (Wolley-Dod 1937); this
site is now a caravan park and the plant is presumed extinct. Bluemans (TQ/7.1X), wet, shady
woodland, with 50 flowering plants (many fruiting). Brookside Farm, wood (TQ/7.2C), 10+
plants on edge of recent woodland/verge. Fleet Wood (TQ/7.2D), about 40 flowering plants on
edges of muddy bridleway in damp, shady conditions. Little Boarzell, Swiftsden House (TQ/7.2,
E & J), about 120 flowering plants (and more vegetative) mainly in the wild garden but also on
verge. Wood between Mountfield and Robertsbridge (TQ/7.2, F/G), 1944, Miss Hanson
(Peatfield 1944). Etchingham, Gigmore Wood (TQ/7.2H), 20 plants in ancient woodland. Peagle
Wood (TQ/7.2J), 85 plants in wood on Sussex side of Kent Ditch, and damp woodland close to
road in adjacent tetrad (TQ/7.2P), about 3000 plants, many flowering. Copse in fork of A265 and
minor road to Merriments Shaw (TQ/753.284J), P. C. Hall, 8 May 1970; wood cleared and plant
extinct by 1988. TQ/7.2M, Hall (1980), further details not traced. Merriments Shaw (TQ/7.2P),
several patches with over 400 flowering and many vegetative plants in ancient woodland on Sussex
side of Kent Ditch. Crossroads Farm (TQ/7.2P), about 200 plants in wood by A229 on Sussex side
of Kent Ditch, and about 75 plants in wood 300 m south west of cross-roads. Terrace Wood (TQ/
7.2, S/T), about 200 plants on both sides of A229, plus one by stream. Bodiam Wood (TQ/7.2T),
one large patch near wet hollow. Records from “about Hastings” presumably refer to sites at
Hollington, Beauport Park and Bluemans (Peatfield 1943), and there are no localised sites in TQ/
1.

V.c. 15, E. Kent: Holman’s Wood (TQ/777.287U), woodland with wet gills, F. Rose; not seen 1991,
but probably still present. Kitchenham Farm (TQ/7.2Y), wood by Kent Ditch, E. G. Philp,
sometime between 1971 and 1980. Detling, Maidstone (TQ/7.5), A. D. Melvin, 21 June 1867
(BEL); this is a surprising record. N.E. of Hawkhurst (TQ/763.313Q), last seen 1950s (E. G.
Philp, pers. comm., 1991). Rolvenden, wood east of Halden Lane Farm (TQ/8.3L), 50+
flowering and many vegetative plants. Little Halden (TQ/8.3L), 17 flowering plants on steep
north facing bank by stream near ancient woodland, plus one downstream; this is probably the
same general locality as Littke Oven Wood (Hanbury & Marshall 1899). Little Halden (TQ/
861.326R), F. Rose, 1949 (MNE), site now destroyed .

V.c. 16, W. Kent: TQ/5.3P, Philp (1982), likely to be near High Rocks, but further details not
known. High Rocks, Tunbridge Wells (TQ/5.3U), one large dense patch by railway with about
2400 plants, and two smaller patches'to west with 250 plants; about 100 plants in scattered
colonies on dry sandstone ridges and rocks at eastern end of rocks; more plants north of rocks by
stream. Hungershall Park, Tunbridge Wells (TQ/5.3U), 300 flowering plants in dry woodland,
presumably the same locality as Tunbridge Wells Common, K. E. Bull (Wallace 1954). Mount
Sion (TQ/5.3Z), in a wood (Forster 1816); probably built on. *Platt (TQ/616.562), D.
McClintock, c. 1960, patch in woodland and in a hedge nearby, probably escaped from garden.
Palmers Farm, wood (TQ/6.3E), about 100 flowering and more vegetative plants in ancient

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 241

woodland. High Wood (TQ/6.3E), scattered plants in five areas, with 60 flowering plants on
verge, 100 in cleared strip, and 100 in woodland, and 300 plants on dry sandy trackside in ancient
woodland, and 130 in deep grass on cleared edge of wood. Mouseden (TQ/6.3E), on stream banks
in fragments of ancient woodland, three groups with 17, 12 and 75 plants, extending into tetrad J.
Pembury, wood east of Larkfield Hall (TQ/6.3J), twelve plants by stream. N.W. of Lamberhurst
(TQ/661.377T), E. G. Philp, last seen about 1957, not refound, area spoiled by pheasant
management. TQ/7.2J, Philp (1982), further details not traced. Kent Bridge Farm (TQ/7.2P),
two sites: 1120 plants on bank of ditch in wood; 40+ plants on shaded road verge to north.
Winch’s Plantation (TQ/7.2P), 80 flowering plants in ancient woodland, well above stream level.
Peagle Wood (TQ/7.2P), a few plants on Kent side of Kent Ditch. Merriments Shaw (TQ/7.2P),
several plants on Kent side of Kent Ditch (see also v.c. 14). Goudhurst (TQ/708.374D), near
A262 west of, F. Rose, last seen 1950s; site now destroyed. Little Pix Hall Farm (TQ/7.3F), wood
north of, only two flowering plants seen, possibly more present. Furnace Wood (TQ/7.3H), south
side, one dense patch with 30 flowering plants and a few stragglers in woodland by track. Wet
Wood (TQ/7.3H), several plants near stream in replanted, wet ancient woodland; extinct at
another site at TQ/733.358. N of Hawkhurst, (TQ/757.313K), last seen 1950s (E. G. Philp, pers.
comm., 1991); possibly same as Highgate (Hanbury & Marshall 1899). Hedgingford Wood (TQ/
7.3M), two sites; north side, two patches in woodland near stream, one with 600, the other to
south with 650 flowering plants, and N.E. corner, 23 plants by stream in Hornbeam wood.
Hartley, Forestry Commission wood (TQ/7.3M) west of, 42 plants on edge of ride just clear of
conifers, an old site to east has been lost due to conifer planting. Another site at TQ/750.384M has
disappeared under conifers.

V.c. 17, Surrey: *Hog’s Back (TQ/0.5), demesne of ‘Greyfriars’, south-facing Beech wood, one
patch, J. R. Akeroyd, May 1968. *Box Hill (TQ/1.5Q), by the River Mole, Miss B. M. C.
Morgan, 1966, probably planted (Lousley 1976). About 250 plants seen in 1989, though few were
flowering. Grove Copse (TQ/1.3T), many plants in 1949, only one visible in 1966, D. P. Young.
Timber Gill (TQ/1.3T), about 100 plants in wooded ravine. Lower Gages Farm, ravine of Fylls
Brook (TQ/184.378Y), numerous small plants seen on edge of stream, Surrey Flora Committee
meeting, 1967; extinct by 1989 (and probably long before) due to activities of pigs. In deep ravine
near Garrett Farm, Ockley (TQ/1.3; precise farm not traced), both on Sussex and Surrey banks,
E. Straker, 15 May 1880 (BM); presumed different from above sites and now extinct. (The record
for Waddington (Brewer 1863) is an error for Lathraea squamaria (Salmon 1931).)

*V.c. 18, S. Essex: Warley Place (TQ/5.9V), still to be found in 1992 after 55 years in the derelict
garden of A. E. Wilmott’s home, where it was introduced (forma ptarmicifolia), D. C.
Bloomfield (Jermyn 1974).

V.c. 20, Herts.: Baldwins Wood (TQ/0.9E), L. J. Stearn, pre-1967; not seen 1989-1991 but possibly
overlooked. Bottom Wood (TQ/0.9G), one patch with 15 flowering stems. Chorleywood, Great
Greenhills Wood, west of M25 (TQ/0.9H), 200 plants (see also tetrad M). Chorleywood, west of
Dell Farm (TQ/0.91), thousands of plants; also E.N.E. of Dell Farm, over 2000+ plants on south
and west side of wood. *Chorleywood Common (TQ/0.9I), 640 plants in secondary woodland
N.E. of pond; probably introduced. Bullscroft Spring (TQ/0.91), patch about 4 m7, G. Salisbury
& J. Saunders, 1990. Sarrattmill Bridge, N.W. of (TQ/0.9J), 250 flowering plants in thin strip of
woodland. Limeshill Wood (TQ/0.9J), ‘‘a scattering of plants amongst Hyacinthoides on a steep
bank’’, G. Salisbury, 1991. Hanging Lane Wood (TQ/0.9J), over 2000 plants widespread in
woodland. Springwell, Garrett Wood (= High Wood near Rickmansworth (Webb & Coleman
1849)) (TQ/0.9L), numerous plants remaining in Beech wood, though half of the wood (mainly
the Middlesex part, where it was once abundant) has been lost to a quarry. Chorleywood, Great
Greenhills Wood east of M25 (TQ/0.9M), 3000-4000 in west half, and many thousands in the east
half, one of the largest, continuously covered areas seen. Beechengrove Wood (TQ/0.9N),
“masses over quite a large area’, G. Salisbury, 1991. Loudwater (TQ/0.9N), road verge
bordering large house, 150 plants possibly relict from Loudwater Wood (Webb & Coleman 1849),
and possibly the same as “‘larch plantation above Loudwater to the north, but adjoining the road
from Croxley Green to Solesbridge”’ (Jackson 1887). Another Jackson (1887) record “in a wood a
little further towards Solesbridge Wood” probably refers to Long Spring (TQ/052.970N) (T. J.
James, pers. comm., 1991). Scrubbs Wood (TQ/0.9, N/P), L. J. Stearn, presence now doubtful,
and probably the same locality as Blunt Wood, 20 April 1947, R. A. Graham, also not seen

242 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

recently. Sawpit Spring (TQ/059.982P), P. J. Ellinson, 1992; a small wood mostly destroyed
during construction of the M25. Harrocks Wood (TQ/0.9T), 400 plants in scattered colonies.
Assumed to be the same site as “wood at Red Heath”, Mrs E. Shute (Webb & Coleman 1849).
Whippendell Wood (TQ/0.9T), many, mostly small, scattered colonies (including Rousebarn
Lane, P. J. Ellison), over 3000 plants. Lees Wood (TQ/0.9U), S. & P. Blackmore, 2 June 1978. A
B.R.C. 40-column record card from “wood opposite Chandlers Cross, May 1922, P. W.
Richards” (NMW), presumably referring to Harrocks Wood or Whippendell Wood, was
allocated the grid reference TL/0.0 for the B.S.B.I. Maps Scheme (Perring & Walters 1962)
rather than TQ/0.9; this appears to be an error and there are no other records for TL/0.0. There is
also a record for ““Brickett Wood, West Watford” (OXF). Bricket Wood (TL/1.0F) was in the
19th century an ancient wood (now the Building Research Station) and could conceivably have
supported the species as it was species-rich, calcareous and damp, but there are no other records
for this site (T. J. James, pers. comm., 1991).

V.c. 21, Middlesex: Harefield Church (TQ/0.8P), wood east of, many plants in ancient mixed
woodland. Park Wood (TQ/0.9K), 100+ plants along west end of footpath in ancient wood. Jacks
Lock (TQ/0.9K), copse N.E. of, last seen by R. M. Hamilton in 1972 who described it as
“abundant”; wood now over-grown and not refound in 1989. Springwell, Garrett Wood (TQ/
0.9L); see v.c. 20.

V.c. 22, Berks.: Last recorded in Park Wood, Bisham (SU/8.8M) (presumably same as Bisham
Wood; Druce 1926), 29 April 1944, A. J. M. Bailey. A specimen in RNG labelled ““Newbury, C.
Grant, 1966’, has a grid reference referring to the University Campus in Reading.

V.c. 23, Oxon: Recorded from Oakley Hill, near Chinnor (SU/7.9P) but probably in error (R.
Fitter, pers. comm., 1990).

V.c. 24, Bucks.: Bloom Wood (SU/8.8U), about 3000 plants in ancient woodland. Horton Wood
(SU/8.8U), thousands of plants in ancient Beech wood. Warren Wood (SU/871.899U), no other
details available. *Cliveden, National Trust (SU/9.8C), in the gardens near the pond. Booker
Common and Spring Coppice (SU/8.9F), a large population with about 800 plants flowering in
ancient Beech wood. Yewtree Hill Plantation (SU/8.91), 13 plants on edge of ancient woodland.
The Coppice (SU/8.9I), 500+ plants in ancient Beech wood. Park Wood (SU/8.9J), Buckingham-
shire tetrad record collected 1965-1985 (R. Maycock, pers. comm., 1988), but not refound 1991-
1992. Common Wood (SU/8.9M), several thousand plants in ancient woodland, plus a few young
plants on disturbed land 200 m W.S.W. Piggott’s Wood (SU/8.9P), three populations with 300,
660 and 630 plants in main ancient wood, and one small colony with 20 plants on west side.
Deangarden Wood, near Keep Hill (SU/8.9Q), about 500+ plants in ancient Ash-Beech
woodland. The Rye (SU/8.9R), 30+ plants scattered in woodland (probably ancient). Millfield
Wood (SU/8.9S), about 500 flowering plants in ancient Beech wood. Hanging Wood (SU/8.9S),
2000-3000 plants, ancient woodland. Green Wood (SU/8.9S), about 1700 plants in four small
patches in ancient Beech woodland. Gomm’s Wood (SU/8.9T), about 5000 plants in ancient
Beech woodland. Hughenden Valley, ancient Beech woods north of Boss Lane Farm (SU/8.9T),
several thousand plants. Longrove Plantations (SU/8.9T), about 500 plants in replanted
woodland. Hughenden Valley, Citers Wood (SU/8.9U), Buckinghamshire tetrad record, 1978
(R. Maycock, pers. comm., 1988), not refound 1991-1992. Fennell’s Wood (SU/8.9V), 400+
plants in ancient Beech wood. Deangarden Wood, near Abbey Barn Farm (SU/8.9V), about 360
flowering and more vegetative plants in ancient Ash-Beech woodland. Barrowcroft Wood (SU/
8.9V), 20+ plants in ancient Ash-Beech woodland. Highfield Wood (SU/8.9W), several thousand
flowering and numerous vegetative plants scattered through ancient Beech woodland. Gomm
Valley (SU/8.9W), two small patches, old woodland bank in Nature Reserve, M. Young, May
1991. Kings Wood (SU/8.9W) about 800 plants in ancient Beech wood. Woolman’s Wood (SU/
9.8D), about 1000 plants, edge of clearing in replanted ancient woodland. Lower Pyebushes (SU/
9.8U), scattered in replanted ancient Oak-Ash wood. Cut-throat Wood (SU/9.9A), scattered in
ancient Beech wood, about 3000 plants. Hogback Wood (SU/9.9F), about 2400 plants in ancient
woodland. Seagrave’s Farm (SU/9.9G), wood N.W. of, 500 plants in ancient Beech woodland,
and 120 plants to east in narrow strip of ancient woodland. Ash Grove (SU/9.9J), 3500 plants near
railway in replanted ancient woodland. Keeper’s Wood (SU/9.9J), about 1000 plants in new
plantation of Beech and Oak. Great Beards Wood (SU/9.9L), scattered populations totalling
about 6000 plants in replanted ancient woodland (some under conifers), and 100 plants in wood to

CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 243

north. Blue Close Wood (SU/9.9L), thousands of plants, on edge of pine plantation and likely to
disappear. Owlsears Wood (SU/9.9L), 315 plants on edge of ancient wood and bank of old hedge.
Bottom Wood and Starveacre Wood (SU/9.9L), 180 flowering plants in replanted ancient
woodland. Stockings Farm (SU/9.9M), ancient woodland west of, three large populations with
3500, 300 and 210 plants. Wheatsheaf Wood (SU/9.9Q), 35 plants in recent Beech wood. Great
Legs Wood (SU/9.9, Q & V), 2000-3000 plants in four main areas in ancient Beech wood. SU/
9.9R, Buckinghamshire tetrad record collected 1965-1985, site details unavailable (R. Maycock,
pers. comm., 1988). Ongar Hill Farm (SU/9.9S), wood west of, J. Pitt, 1977; not found in 1989,
now overgrown. Parsonage Wood (SU/9.9T), 50+ plants in ancient Beech woodland. The Ash
Beds (SU/9.9V), 370 plants by track in mixed, recent woodland. *Stowe, National Trust (SP/
6.3Y), in the Japanese gardens, R. Maycock; several thousand plants of a variant approaching
forma ptarmicifolia were seen in 1992. SP/8.0Q, Buckinghamshire tetrad record collected 1965—
1985, site details unavailable (R. Maycock, pers. comm., 1988). Hyde Heath, Hyde House Wood
(SP/9.0F), D. Ferguson, 1986. White’s Wood (SP/9.0F), 200 plants, all vegetative, under dense
Spruce canopy, and 250, also all vegetative, under Beech. White House Farm (SP/9.0K),
Gracelets Wood north of, 3000 plants in old game covert. Monk’s Wood (SP/9.0K), numerous
plants in ancient wood and on bared strip. Elvidge Wood (SP/9.0K), ancient Beech wood west of,
500+ plants. Lower Bois, Hodds and Hilsbury Woods (SP/9.0Q); good numbers of plants spread
along N. edge of ancient wood, and a few plants in N.W. corner of Lower Bois Cemetery. The
Larches (SP/9.0X), only one plant seen in neglected, ancient, deciduous woodland. Newland
Park (TQ/0.9B, possibly also in tetrad C), C. J. Smith, 1979, recent woodland. Carpenters Wood
(TQ/0.9D), 120 plants in ancient woodland. Chenies (TQ/0.9E), 500 plants in wood adjoining
ancient woodland. Chenies Bottom (TQ/0.9E), in two main groups with 52 and 60 plants plus a
scattering of vegetative ones elsewhere. West Wood (TQ/0.9E), a very dense patch with 1350
plants in replanted ancient woodland. Turveylane Wood (TQ/0.9J); two small populations, one
with about ten plants, the other with about 20 plants, replanted ancient woodland. Mount Wood
(TQ/0.9J), three large groups plus scattered plants elsewhere in ancient woodland, about 650
plants. Denham Green, Ranston Covert (TL/0.8P), about 30 plants in ancient Beech Wood at
foot of very steep slope.

V.c. 39, Staffs.: Pendeford, ‘‘hedge sides on this farm” (SJ/8.0), Pitt (1796). Blithefield, grove by the
churchyard (SK/0.2), Mr Stanmers (Garner 1844); this site was thought to be a probable
introduction by Perring & Walters (1962), though on what basis is not known; Pendeford is at
the west end of Needwood Forest and if accepted as native at the eastern end, could well be
native here too. Needwood Forest (SK/0.1 or 0.2), Garner (1844). Ridge (1922-1929) “‘failed
to find the plant anywhere in Needwood Forest”, and others have followed his caution in
accepting the record. Yoxall (SK/1.2L), 40+ flowering plants on wooded road verge, replanted
ancient woodland. Edees (1972) also gives “‘abundantly in a copse between Newchurch and

Scotch Hill . . . and in the wood, formerly known as Coalpit Slade, on the east side of the
road near Darleyoak Farm”. *Ash Green, Trentham (SK/8.4, ?P/Q), wood of park, about 3000
plants.

*V.c. 40, Salop: Broncroft Castle (SO/S.8), Miss M. B. Fuller, 1978-1992 (Sinker et al. 1985).

*V.c. 53, S. Lincs.: Wellingore Hall Park (SK/9.5Y), 1962, Miss E. J. Gibbons. Small Hornbeam
copse, with Mercurialis perennis and Adoxa moschatellina, probably escaped from the Hall
gardens (Mrs I. Weston, pers. comm., 1988).

*V.c. 55, Leics.: Glenfield, Leicester (SK/5.01) ‘‘shady border in gardens of the Gynsills”, 1971
(Primavesi & Evans 1988); this site is now partly under a hotel.

*V.c. 57, Derbys.: Between Marple and Strines, near the River Goyt (SJ/9.8), T. Barker (Linton
1903). Long Eaton (SK/4.3J) (Clapham 1969). Sheffield (SK/3.8L), in woodland in Graves Park,
first noted 12 April 1938, but no longer known (M. Shaw, pers. comm, 1992).

*V.c. 60, W. Lancs.: Silverdale (SD/4.7S), several patches in woodland, escaped from adjoining
Nursery. During a visit in 1988, Mr Kaye described C. bulbifera as more or less a weed, which he
had dug out in masses.

*V.c. 62, N.E. Yorks.: Scalby (TA/0.9A), “long established; the Natural History of the Scarborough
District lists it as ‘Rare. Scalby Churchyard, 1964 et seq... .’. It was then in a much more
restricted area than now. I assume it was originally planted ona grave. . . since it reached the wall
of the churchyard it has not looked back” (T. F. Medd, pers. comm., 1988). This colony even

244 A. J. SHOWLER AND T. C. G. RICH

received a mention in The Dalesman, January 1900 ‘— it thrives throughout the village”’ (an over-
statement).

*V.c. 69, Westmorland: Bowness (SD/4.9), W. Clitheroe, 1940 (forma ptarmicifolia).

*V.c. 72, Dumfriess.: Dardarroch, Dunscore (NX/8.8N), roadside verge, C. Rogers, 14 May 1981;
Mrs M. E. R. Martin, 1988 (forma ptarmicifolia). The status of another record from Maxwelton
House requires confirmation. Hooker (1870) listed C. bulbifera as ‘“‘doubtfully native” in Ayr
(v.c. 75), Lanarks (v.c. 77) and Perth (v.cc. 87-89) but no specimens or further details have been
traced. Watson (1873) attributes the Ayr record to a specimen from a James Wilson.

*V.c. 91, Kincardines.: Glenbervie House (NO/7.8Q), very widely distributed in the garden, known
since at least 1934. The biggest introduced colony.

*V.c. 95, Moray: Dyke (NH/9.5Z), one plant, garden of Rose Cottage, M. McC. Webster, 1972,
introduced with plants from Blackhills (see next record). Blackhills House (NJ/2.5U), woodland
policies, M. McC. Webster, 1963 (Webster 1978).

*V.c. H9, Co. Clare: Ballyvaughan (M/2.0), outside P. O’Kelly’s house in a field and adjacent
hedge, 1987.

*V.c. H21, Co. Dublin: Malahide Castle (O/1.3), in the demesne, 1980, J.G. D. Lamb (Lamb 1983).
Rathfarnham (O/1.3), Marley Park, 1981, P. J. Jackson (Jackson 1983) (forma ptarmicifolia).

CURRENT STATUS

Cardamine bulbifera has thus been recorded in about 200 native sites; it is probably still present in
about 155 sites, has been lost from about 30 sites, and about 17 are untraceable or unchecked. Most
of the native sites have disappeared due to woodland clearance, but replanting, especially with
conifers, is currently the main threat to the remaining populations. It has also been recorded from
about 45 introduced sites of which it is still present in 27.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to thank Margret Baecker for help with translation, Peter Flint for checking invertebrate
nomenclature, the Nature Conservancy Council for providing the Ancient Woodland Inventories,
all those who have provided information: J. R. Akeroyd, D. C. Bloomfield, Lady A. B. M. Brewis,
Mrs M. Briggs, I. Brown, Mrs L. B. Burt, R. M. Burton, P. Casselden, Mrs P. Donovan, D. P. Earl,
J. Edelsten, P. J. Ellison, R. Fitter, B. R. Fowler, Miss M. B. Fuller, Mrs E. Gibb, P. Green, P. C.
Hall, P. A. Harmes, W. Havers, D. Hughes, S. L. Jury, T. J. James, R. Kaye, A. G. Knapp, D. H.
Kent, Miss R. G. Laidlaw, J. Lambert, A. C. Leslie, L. A. & Mrs P. D. Livermore, R. T. Mabey,
Mrs M. E. R. Martin, H. W. Matcham, R. Maycock, D. McClintock, Mrs E. M. J. Macphie, T. F.
Medd, E. C. Nelson, Ms E. M. Nic Lughadha, Mrs P. Nicholson, E. G. Philp, F. R. Philps, C. I.
Pogson, A. L. Primavesi, R. D. Randall, Miss E. J. Rich, F. Rose, G. Salisbury, Ms M. E. Scruby,
Miss M. R. Shaw, Mrs C. Smith, C. J. Smith, Mrs J. E. Smith, Mrs A. H. Sommerville, A. McG.
Stirling, N. J. H. Sturt, R. Thomas, W. H. Tucker, W. Turner, Mrs M. Vincent-Smith, Mr & Mrs C.
Webb, Mrs I. Weston, Mrs E. Wiltshire and M. G. Young; and the Keepers of BEL, BM, DBN, K,
OXF, LANC, RNG, TCD and YRK for access to or loan of specimens.

A.J.S. would like to thank the Botanical Research Fund and Buckinghamshire College of Higher
Education for help with travelling expenses.

REFERENCES

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CARDAMINE BULBIFERA IN THE BRITISH ISLES 245

Druce, G. C. (1926). The flora of Buckinghamshire. Arbroath.

Epees, E. S. (1972). Flora of Staffordshire. Newton Abbot.

Exuis, R. G. (1986). Tetrads. B.S.B.I. News 43: 9.

FerroussaT, K. (1982). Cardamine bulbifera at Old Park Wood. Herts and Middlesex Trust for Nature
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Forster, T. F. (1816). Flora Tonbridgensis. London.

Garn_R, R. (1844). The natural history of the county of Stafford. London.

Ha t, P. C. (1980). Sussex plant atlas. Brighton.

Hansury, F. J. & MARSHALL, E. S. (1899). Flora of Kent. London.

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Hooker, J. D. (1870). Student’s Flora of the British Islands. London.

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Hutton, D. (1990). Kent inventory of ancient woodland. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough.

Jackson, B. D., ed. (1887). A Flora of Hertfordshire. London.

Jackson, P. J. (1983). Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz — A first record for Ireland? Jr. Nat. J. 21: 49.

JERMYN, S. T. (1974). Flora of Essex. Colchester.

Jones, B. M. G. (1964). Cardamine L., in Tutin, T. G. et al., eds. Flora Europaea 1: 285-289. Cambridge.

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Kent, D. H. & ALLEN, D. E. (1984). British and Irish herbaria. London.

Lams, J. G. D. (1983). Cardamine bulbifera in Co. Dublin. Ir. Nat. J. 21: 136.

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Martin, W. K. & Fraser, G. T. (1939). Flora of Devon. Arbroath.

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(Accepted October 1992)

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Watsonia, 19, 247-257 (1993) 247

Orobanche reticulata Wallr. populations in Yorkshire
(north-east England)

Mel-Y SROEBY:

Division of Biological Sciences, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LAI 4YQ

ABSTRACT

In the British Isles, Orobanche reticulata Wallr. (Orobanchaceae) has only been recorded with certainty from
Yorkshire. Its distribution and abundance within this area are reviewed, and the circumstances surrounding its
original discovery and those of other early records are described. The plant, a protected species, has been
recorded from at least 68 separate populations in ten 10-km squares, and 52 of these populations are extant,
although many are very small; it is particularly frequent in two separate but limited riverside areas.

INTRODUCTION

Orobanche reticulata Wallr. (Orobanchaceae) occurs in the British Isles as a root parasite of thistles,
especially Cirsium species (Asteraceae). All confirmed records are from Yorkshire (v.cc. 61, 62, 64,
65) where it occurs mainly, but not exclusively, on the magnesian limestone. In Europe its principal
area of distribution is in the alpine region but there are also many outlying, isolated localities in
northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Holland, and north Germany (Hegi
1965; Chater & Webb 1972; Meusel et al. 1978). The plant also occurs in Russia, the Balkans, North
Africa, and extends eastwards into western Asia.

Its restriction to such areas of Yorkshire is unique amongst British native plants, and perhaps
because of this, doubts have been raised about its status (e.g. Pugsley 1926). Roman roads and
settlements occur near some of the earliest known localities and so an early introduction is a
possibility. However, when its British distribution is considered in the context of its overall
European pattern, where similar fragmented occurrences are frequent, especially near the limits of
its range, it seems most likely that the plant is genuinely native in Britain. Variability witnessed in
some populations (Foley 1992) supports this view, whilst an apparent reliance on a limited host
range suggests a persistent, isolated group of native populations.

O. reticulata is confirmed from 68 separate populations in ten 10-km squares, mainly in central
Yorkshire (v.c. 64) where there are two principal areas of distribution: between Leeds and
Wetherby and near Ripon. It also occurs at an isolated locality in v.c. 61, as well as on the extreme
south-western borders of v.c. 62 and v.c. 65, but has not been recorded from v.c. 63. In the few large
populations, the number of plants varies from one year to the next, but many populations are very
small, often with less than ten flowering plants annually. Owing to its rarity and very limited
distribution, it is a scheduled species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and
has been given a Red Data Book rating of 11E — Endangered (Perring & Farrell 1983).
Unfortunately, the host species are a great nuisance to farmers and landowners, and consequently
are frequently destroyed. O. reticulata therefore comes under an additional threat to that from
which other plants suffer.

In the field, confusion with other Orobanche species is unlikely although this may occur with
robust O. minor Sm. which occasionally shares the same host. Nevertheless, O. reticulata is quite
distinctive, being tall (up to c. 70 cm) and robust, with a fairly dense inflorescence, especially in the
upper part, and with cream-coloured corollas marked distally with blue-purple glands. The corolla
is cylindrical-campanulate and has a curved dorsal line which is especially characteristic amongst
British broomrapes. The stigma lobes are mauve-purple and the filaments glabrous to sparsely hairy
proximally, but can be somewhat glandular above. Even as a herbarium specimen, the plant is still

248 M. J. Y. FOLEY

distinctive, particularly with regard to its corolla shape, and in this state confusion is really only
likely to occur with O. rapum-genistae Thuill., or with O. elatior Sutton.

Many infraspecific taxa have been described from populations in continental Europe, and these
are summarised by Beck-Mannagetta (1930) and Gilli (1966), although none was recognised by
Chater & Webb (1972). British plants have been referred to O. reticulata var. procera (Koch) Beck,
which was differentiated from other varieties by its shorter, curved (not nearly straight) corollas.
However, further work may reveal that var. procera cannot be maintained even at varietal level.
Colour variants and forms of O. reticulata are much less frequent in Yorkshire than in Europe, but
some records have been noted recently (Jones 1989; Foley 1992).

In Britain, typical habitats are those of its hosts, rough pastures, road verges, and especially river
banks, river flood plains and associated light scrub. Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. appears to be the
most frequent host, but C. vulgare (Savi) Ten., C. eriophorum (L.) Scop., C. heterophyllum (L.)
Hill and Carduus nutans L. are recorded, and also occasionally Cirsium palustre (L.) Scop. (e.g.
1932, Vachell, NMW). Scabiosa, Knautia (Dipsacaceae) and Cistus (Cistaceae) species are also said
to be parasitised in Europe. As with other Orobanche species, some claims for host can be
erroneous, since actual attachment to the roots is difficult to establish in the field. O. reticulata
seems to be at least partially perennial in Britain, flowering in early July, with the dead flower spikes
persisting for several months afterwards.

The account given below is based upon field work carried out over several years during which all
extant populations were visited by the author, many on several occasions. Estimates of plant
numbers were made and the various habitats assessed. Many herbarium specimens have also been
examined and if necessary re-determined by the author or by F. J. Rumsey. Relevant archival
records have also been consulted.

THE ORIGINAL DISCOVERY AS A BRITISH PLANT

In August 1907 H. E. Craven, a pharmaceutical chemist of Roundhay, Leeds, found an Orobanche
at Hetchell Crags, south-west of Wetherby, which he was unable to name. It appeared to be
parasitic on Cirsium eriophorum and was closest to O. minor. The following year, on seeing a letter
from G. C. Druce in the Pharmaceutical Journal in which he referred to the Botanical Exchange
Club, Craven wrote to Druce, asking for further details and enquiring whether membership of the
Club would enable him to get doubtful plants named as he had a few puzzling plants, one of which
was an Orobanche. Craven offered to send Druce some fresh specimens and this he did on 31 July
1908, having kept two plants in water, which had apparently become rather shrivelled. He also
offered to send a spike pickled in formalin, as well as duplicates from his previous year’s (1907)
collection, for Druce to forward to Beck-Mannagetta of Prague, the authority on European
Orobanche. A detailed description of the fresh plant and some duplicates were sent to Druce in
August 1908, and Druce exhibited the Orobanche at the Linnean Society that autumn, convinced
that it was not a known British species. During the summer of 1908, Craven also sent plants to E. M.
Holmes for naming. Holmes agreed that it was not previously known in Britain but suggested it
might be a hybrid; he also showed a specimen to the herbarium curator at Kew who was unable to
identify the plant. However, some months later, apologising for the delay due to illness, Beck-
Mannagetta replied to Druce (9 January 1909) naming the plant Orobanche reticulata f. procera
(Koch) Beck (= O. procera Koch). An original specimen sent to Beck-Mannagetta is in his
herbarium (PRC) and Beck-Mannagetta’s letter is appended to a sheet in Druce’s herbarium (OXF)
on which the latter mounted a specimen described “First as British” — presumably one of Craven’s
original specimens. Other early collections by Craven are in BM and MANCH. During the summer
following Beck-Mannagetta’s determination of the Hetchell plants as O. reticulata, Craven (17 July
1909) despatched most of his remaining duplicates for Druce’s retention, along with a map and a
detailed sketch of the habitat at Hetchell stating that the Orobanche grew there and nowhere else.
He also remarked that the tenant farmer had mown down all the thistles during the previous
summer (1908) and that he was concerned for the future of the plant. (This point is also made in
subsequent annotations to another sheet (1909, Lees & Pickard, YRK).)

Another Yorkshire botanist involved in the early recognition of the plant in Britain was F. A.
Lees. On receiving Beck-Mannagetta’s determination from Druce, Craven informed Lees and

OROBANCHE RETICULATA IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 249

presumably sent him a specimen, since one is preserved in Lees’ herbarium (July 1908, Craven,
BM); on the label, in Lees’ handwriting is the comment “Orobanche procera, Koch (teste Dr Beck,
per Druce ad Craven 12.1.09)’’. Also attached to the sheet are three photographs of the plant at
Hetchell Crags taken by J. H. Gough on 19 July 1913. On 29 July 1909, Lees, with J. F. Pickard,
went to see the plant at Hetchell, and one of the three specimens which they collected is preserved
(29 July 1909, Lees & Pickard, YRK). Writing to Druce on the following day, Lees commented that
the parasitised Cirsium eriophorum appeared to be very unhealthy, and that he had established the
connection from the Orobanche to the roots of the thistle. In this same letter Lees asked Druce to
publish a description of the plant which he subsequently did (Druce 1909a), and also offered to send
him specimens. Despite this, and Craven’s offer of a map on 17 July, Druce, along with A. H.
Evans, had already visited the site the previous month since a specimen exists which he collected at
the time (30 June 1909, Druce, OXF). This is added to a sheet of material collected by Craven in
1908, although Druce (1909a) stated that his visit was in July. From his correspondence with Druce,
it appears that Lees was the first person to raise the suggestion that the plant could be a Roman
introduction. He was aware that close to Hetchell Crags is the Pompocali, where the Romans had
their summer camp, and that there were also Roman roads and earthworks nearby.

Whilst the credit for the discovery of O. reticulata in Britain (and at Hetchell Crags) goes to
Craven, this is perhaps not strictly correct. The plant was first found there on 16 August 1902 by J. F.
Pickard (Lees’ companion in July 1909) but the specimen which he collected was erroneously
identified as O. elatior by Pickard and Lees (see notes on herbarium sheets: 1909, Pickard, BM;
1909, Lees & Pickard, YRK; 1910, Pickard, BM), and considered to be ““O. major’ by Lees (quoted
by Cheetham & Sledge (1941)). Shortly afterwards, Pickard was away on business for two years (see
annotation, 1909, Lees & Pickard, YRK) and presumably did not question this identification
further. Craven subsequently re-found the plant at Hetchell, and not satisfied with these diagnoses
(Lees 1909), had it re-determined as described above. Pickard’s 1902 specimen has so far not been
traced. Although evidence points to the contrary, Druce appears to have indicated that the first
correct determination of the plant was his own, given directly on receipt of Craven’s original
specimens (Druce 1909a, 1911). However, in another statement, Druce (1909b) stated only that he
was convinced it was not a British plant, and had therefore sent a specimen to Beck-Mannagetta for
identification (see also Druce’s letter in herb. Beck (PRC)). Beck-Mannagetta’s reply to Druce
(9 January 1909) reads as a determination rather than a confirmation, and that is probably the case.

Shortly after Craven’s letter to Druce on 17 July 1909, it was thought that the Orobanche had been
exterminated at Hetchell. This resulted from a report in the Yorkshire Weekly Post of an address
given by J. G. Wilkinson, who was blind, to a Leeds Naturalist Club meeting. To disprove this, on 25
August 1909, Pickard and Wilkinson went to the place where Pickard saw the plant in 1902 (and also
in July 1909 with Lees) and found two in flower and eleven in fruit. Pickard stated that Wilkinson
considered that this locality was a different one “higher up on the slope and further on than
Craven’s’’, and Pickard was of the opinion that Craven’s population had been exterminated. Even
though Wilkinson was blind, he was considered reliable, and it is likely that there had been two
separate populations, with Craven’s being lost shortly after discovery. Examination of the general
area around the present site at Hetchell, together with the sketch which Craven sent to Druce,
contemporary notes on the flora, and Druce’s description (1909a) of Craven’s site — ‘‘a grassy slope
with bushes” — all support this view. Ironically, immediately after his visit in 1909, Druce had
received assurances from the landlord at Hetchell, that the thistles would be preserved.

OTHER EARLY RECORDS

Although the acceptance of O. reticulata as a British plant dates from the Pickard/Craven find,
specimens exist from other localities well before this date. These were, however, erroneously
referred to other Orobanche species. In the Leeds/Wetherby area a specimen was collected in 1868
from Roundhay Lime Hills (Lees & Abbott, CMM); it was identified as O. major (= O. rapum-
genistae) and thought to be growing on whin (Ulex europaeus), but is undoubtedly O. reticulata.
Roundhay is only a few kms from Hetchell Crags. Shortly after the Hetchell discovery, the plant was
also recognised from the large and already known broomrape colony at Hook Moor, Aberford (a
few kms south-east of Hetchell) whence it had variously been recorded as O. major and O. minor.

250 Mi J..Y JEOLEEN,

Several specimens exist from here which are thus mistakenly labelled, with one collected as O.
major as early as 1878 (Webster, CMM). Despite assertions about the host for this specimen — “‘One
root especially was only one or two inches from the gnarled stem of Ulex being far advanced to
ripeness. I did not trace any actually to the root of Ulex, altho’ I have no doubt” — and another
identified as O. minor ‘‘on Trifolium’ (1883, Williamson, YRK), both are nevertheless O.
reticulata. This illustrates the difficulty in being positive about which plant is actually parasitised.
The first contemporarily confirmed record at Hook Moor may be that of F. Ashwell (1916, LES) and
there is also a specimen from the previous year (1915, Cockerline, LES), but which may not have
had contemporary confirmation.

Another early record for O. reticulata is from Linton Common (again quite near Hetchell Crags)
where it was described by the finder as O.major. The date on the sheet (Pickard, CMM) is unclear,
being either 1901 or 1907. By 1907, Pickard might have been wary of this plant, following his
involvement at Hitchell in 1902 with what he thought was O. elatior, and so 1901 is perhaps the more
likely date. There is also a later annotation to a herbarium sheet (1909, Lees & Pickard, YRK)
stating that Pickard had also found and pressed the plant at Linton Common, where it was rare, but
that it was still there in 1936.

A second main centre of distribution is in the Ripon area of v.c. 64. In contrast to the Leeds/
Wetherby localities for which many early records can be confirmed by herbarium specimens, there is
little similar from here. The only specimen of O. reticulata so far traced which approximates to the
date of the Pickard/Craven find at Hetchell is one described as O. major “‘on gorse?’’, collected by
C. A. Cheetham on 18 July 1903 (C.A.C., BM). Unfortunately the label simply states ‘““Ripon”’ with
no further details of the locality. This specimen is erroneously referred to O. rapum-genistae by Lees
(Cheetham & Sledge 1941). It was not until 1939 that a localised Ripon area specimen was preserved
— from Bridge Hewick (Rob, YKN), although possible evidence for the plant’s early presence in the
area can be gained from the old Floras. In the Ripon area, nearly all modern records for O. reticulata
have been from riverside habitats, and the plant is now especially frequent there along an 8 km
stretch of the Ure, where at least 38 separate populations are extant. This lends credence to the
suspicion that some of the nineteenth century riverside Flora localities for other Orobanche species
in this area were misidentifications for O. reticulata. Those given for O. minor near Nunwick, at
Sleningford, Howe-upon-Swale, Ure Banks, Burnistone, and Bishopton (Baker & Nowell 1854;
Baker 1863; Slater 1883/4; Lees 1888), and for O. rapum-genistae below Tanfield (Cheetham &
Sledge 1941) are mostly close to extant O. reticulata populations, and may well have been mistaken
for that plant. Misidentifications for O. reticulata have already been shown to occur for some
nineteenth century specimens collected elsewhere as O. major and O. minor. Flora records from
Roundhay and from Lotherton Moor (Hook Moor) both given by Lees (1888) must, in fact, have
been O. reticulata, and it is very likely that the same applied near Ripon.

Unfortunately it is rare for specimens of Orobanche to have been preserved from localities near
Ripon; ironically one of the few traced is undated (but prior to 1922) and was collected close to the
Ure between Ripon and Hutton Conyers (Lees, CMM). Lees finally determined this specimen as O.
reticulata but it is in fact O. elatior. An isolated occurrence lying to the east of the main area of
distribution was at Backhouse’s Nurseries, York (1886, Backhouse, K) where it was found in a
garden on Cirsium heterophyllum, presumably a casual occurrence. This is probably the first correct
identification of the host plant in Britain.

The first record from south-east Yorkshire (v.c. 61) was made in 1953 at North Grimston (Sledge
1954), at which site the plant is extant. In the same year it was also found at a nearby quarry (W. A.
Sledge, pers. comm.), but was not seen there again until 1992 during this survey; it is not known
elsewhere in v.c. 61. There are apparently only three instances of the plant being definitely recorded
from v.c. 62, and two of these are rather obscure. The first is an 1852 specimen (the earliest so far
traced from Yorkshire) of atypical O. reticulata collected from near Thirsk as O. elatior (Fowler,
OXF). Interestingly, there is also a collection (two sheets as O. minor) made in the previous year
from Sowerby, also near Thirsk (Baker, 1851, herb. Boswell-Syme, BM); the specimens are
intermediate between O. reticulata and O. minor and may possibly represent the hybrid. This record
deserves further investigation since natural hybrids of O. reticulata are not recorded in Britain
although they have recently been deliberately cultivated (Jones 1989). Whilst Fowler’s 1852 plant is
distinct from those collected by Baker, it is quite possible that they could be from the same
population. (Dead flower spikes, similar to the Sowerby plants, and again possibly of hybrid origin,

OROBANCHE RETICULATA IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 251

were seen near the Ure in 1992.) The second vice-county collection of O. reticulata is slightly more
recent and is typical, although labelled O. minor (1881, Webster, BM) but is unfortunately
unlocalised simply as ‘“N.E. Yorkshire” (see also Bennett 1917). Thereafter, it was not until 1984
that the plant was found in a riverside habitat in the extreme south-west of the vice-county, where a
flourishing colony survives. Before about 1980 there were apparently no records from v.c. 65, but
nine populations are now known, all on river margins, where only the past vagaries of the river
channel have resulted in their inclusion within that vice-county.

Outside Yorkshire, there are several dubious or erroneous records for O. reticulata. One which
may be significant is that given as O. major from Nottinghamshire (1835, Cooper, in herb. H. C.
Watson, K). The magnesian limestone does extend southwards into that county, but some of
Cooper’s specimens are considered to be of dubious provenance (Rumsey & Jury 1991) and this one
would benefit from independent verification. A record from Cheshire (v.c. 58) (Druce 1918; Perring
& Walters 1962; Perring & Farrell 1983) is erroneous since the specimen is O. minor (1918,
Dallman, OXF), as is an earlier one from Guildford (v.c. 17) quoted by Druce (1918) (1916,
Kennedy, OXF). Another error is that for Falmouth Dock (v.c. 1) in 1917 which again was O. minor
(F. J. Rumsey, pers. comm.). A record for var. pallidiflora (Wimm. & Grab.) Beck based on a
specimen collected from Brecon (v.c. 42) in 1905 (Knight, BM) has also been shown to be an error
(Pugsley 1940; Graham 1957; Rumsey & Jury 1991); a duplicate from this collection is in PRC.
Reports from E. Norfolk (v.c. 27) (Jones 1989) including one of an Orobanche parasitising Cirsium
vulgare are thought to be errors for other species (A. L. Bull, pers. comm.).

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

The magnesian limestone formation occurs as a narrow band running north-south from Durham to
Nottinghamshire. In the area of distribution of O. reticulata it is rarely more than 10 km wide, and is
crossed in a roughly eastwards direction by the rivers Swale, Ure, Nidd, Wharfe and Aire.
Magnesian limestone is well-known for :ts species-rich flora.

10-km squares and tetrads (2 X 2-km squares) for which there are confirmed records for O.
reticulata are mapped in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 respectively, and fall within an area approximately 50 km
square. The two principal centres of distribution in the vicinity of Leeds/Wetherby and Ripon, the
disposition of the magnesian limestone formation and the principal rivers of the area, can all be
clearly seen.

Following the recognition of O. reticulata as a British plant there was a lull in the discovery of new
localities until the 1930s find by the river at Bridge Hewick, Ripon. Since then, other riverside ones
have been found some distance upstream from this site, many of which survive, and the plant is
particularly frequent in that area. Downstream also, new localities have occasionally come to light,
including one on the Ouse (formed by the confluence of the Ure and the Swale) found in 1984, the
first confirmed modern record for v.c. 62; there are, however, no definite records near the Swale
itself. Apart from a small population just south of Ripon and away from the Ure, all other post-1930
colonies in this northern (Ripon) area are on river banks or flood plains, and it seems clear that
rivers play an important role in dispersing seed. Also, plants often occur close to river banks and
eventually may be dislodged by water erosion. It is quite possible that these together with their host
will sometimes become established elsewhere. Favoured habitats for O. reticulata are near the
upper flood limit by the river bank, and especially the flat pasture borders nearby; occasionally they
grow some distance from the river but in places where winter flooding occurs. These are also the
areas where the host species are plentiful.

In the southern (Leeds/Wetherby) area most newly-found localities are again in similar habitats
on the banks of the Wharfe, where propagation or dispersal has presumably occurred in a similar
manner. Population sizes can vary, but some appear to persist for many years with just a few plants
annually. The Linton Common locality is such an example. Here, even at the beginning of this
century only a few plants were recorded, and the same is the case today. Similarly at Hetchell Crags
where the plants occur on the magnesian overlay of the gritstone substrate and well away from the
river, numbers have apparently never been high. Cheetham & Sledge (1941) quoted a contempor-
ary account of F. A. Lees in which he stated that an increase in thistles had been observed at
Hetchell Crags between 1870 and 1879 but that he was certain that the broomrape was not present

252 Me J: Yo ROEEY

FicurE 1. The British distribution of O. reticulata shown on a 10-km square basis for which there are confirmed
records: @ 1991 onwards; O 1901-1990; x up to 1900.

during that time; this suggests a relatively recent colonisation just prior to its discovery there in
1902. During the 1920s about 20 plants were known at Langwith Scrub (W. A. Sledge, pers. comm.)
and today similarly small numbers still persist close by.

At Hook Moor, the classic site was unfortunately ploughed out about 1940, but surprisingly, and
despite reservations expressed at the time (Sledge 1942), what is still the largest British population
occurs on road embankments within the vicinity. Earth from the former site may have been
removed and used in construction of the present embankments and thus led to the plant’s presence
there, although natural recolonisation cannot be ruled out. Being on steep slopes, this is very well
drained and is also multi-aspect. It is rather different from the moister riverside localities favoured
elsewhere, and as the plant thrives here, it suggests that it may be a preferred habitat to the more
opportunistic riverside ones. Close to this re-colonised area, there is at least one, more natural, yet
very small population on an arable field border, probably a remnant of the former pre-1940 colony.

OROBANCHE RETICULATA IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 253

50

40

40 50

FicurE 2. The British distribution of O. reticulata showing tetrads from which there are confirmed records: @
1991 onwards; O 1901-1990; x up to 1900; the major river pattern and the disposition of the magnesian
limestone (hatched) are also indicated.

Roundhay limehills are mainly commercially developed nowadays and the plant is presumably
long extinct. Craven, the original discoverer in Britain, lived at Roundhay at the turn of the century
and would presumably have recorded it if he had known it there, and so it had perhaps gone even in
his day. Nothing is known of the plant’s habitat or frequency there, but Roundhay and Hook Moor
are both well away from major rivers, and could be remnants of an earlier area of distribution, from
which it has subsequently expanded.

All the localities mentioned occur on, or just eastwards of, the magnesian limestone formation.
Those to the east of it are usually close to major rivers and their occurrence there is likely to be a
result of downstream dispersal by water into habitats rich in alluvial deposits. No records for O.
reticulata have been traced to the west (upstream) of the magnesian limestone, and this reinforces
the argument for the downstream river dispersal through and away from this formation. However, a
magnesian limestone soil is not an essential requirement as shown by the plant’s occurrence in v.c.
61 on the chalk at North Grimston, where it formerly thrived (W. A. Sledge, pers. comm.) but is
now much less abundant. This locality is separated from all others and distant from any rivers, and
its presence there could possibly be from accidental introduction, since it has only been known since
1953.

Within the last 60 years or so, O. reticulata appears to have become more widely distributed in
Yorkshire than formerly, but whether this is due to a genuine expansion of range or results from
being previously overlooked, is uncertain. Some populations are highly stable, appearing on the
same area of thistle year after year, but others are more dynamic. These latter may change in size
and spatial distribution, apparently dying out (at least temporarily) in one part of the population,
only to appear a short distance away. Whether this depends on the vigour of the host or on some

254 Me's. Y: FOLEY.

other local factor, is not clear. Observations in the field indicate that it is not the most dense stands
or the most robust thistles which are parasitised, but often smaller plants in scattered groups,
although it is not clear whether this state is caused by, rather than the cause of the parasite’s
distribution. However, even in the most favoured localities O. reticulata can remain highly
localised, with vast numbers of the host plant remaining un-parasitised, and it is assumed that
critical ecological factors control its ultimate viability.

SUMMARY

Of the 68 recorded populations of O. reticulata, at least 52 survive. The majority are on the
magnesian limestone formation and whilst this might not be an essential ecological requirement,
calcareous soils are favoured. Many populations have been found recently, but it is uncertain
whether these are newly-formed, or are much older and had been overlooked or even misidentified.
Many are small in numbers, but this is no indication of length of colonisation, since some colonies
are known to have persisted for over 70 years whilst consisting of only a few plants.

Of the extant populations, more than 85% are within the influence of river flood water and
dispersal and population formation by such means must clearly take place. Interestingly, these are
mostly restricted to two short reaches of the Ure and Wharfe and it is difficult to explain the absence
of similar records from the Nidd, which crosses the magnesian limestone between these two rivers.
Maybe a population has never developed sufficiently close to the Nidd to allow other riverside ones
to become established by water-borne means? Two other Yorkshire rivers which cross the
magnesian limestone also lack confirmed records in their vicinity, but the Swale does so over a very
narrow exposure and well to the north of the plant’s restricted area of distribution, whilst the Aire
although closer, is heavily industrialised. It is interesting that Potamogeton X suecicus K. Richter is
apparently also restricted in England (excluding the River Tweed on the Scottish border) to largely
similar reaches of the Ure and Wharfe, and is again not recorded from other rivers within the area.
New populations of O. reticulata will doubtless continue to form in favoured riverside localities but
colonisation elsewhere is likely to be rare, and if it occurs off the limestone, may originate from
inadvertent introduction.

The main threats to its survival result from the deliberate destruction of its hosts, from adverse
agricultural practices, and through engineering operations such as road construction. Some
populations may be lost when river banks are eroded, whilst gravel extraction is yet another threat.
Nevertheless it appears to be relatively resilient, occasionally reappearing at sites from which it was
thought to be extinct. There is much scope for investigation of the autecology and population
dynamics of O. reticulata.

RECORDED LOCALITIES AND RELEVANT HERBARIUM SPECIMENS

Whilst it is recognised that the number of flowering spikes can fluctuate annually and that two or
more may sometimes represent just a single plant, an attempt has been made to estimate a typical
size for each population. This is indicated using the following notation: A = 1-10 plants; B = 11-50;
C = 51-200; D = 201-1000; E = 1000+; X = probably extinct. Even if in fairly close proximity to
others, populations are considered to be separate if they are clearly observed as such in the field
even when consisting of just one or two plants. All populations shown as extant (A—E) have been
checked since 1991.

Localities which are not on the magnesian limestone formation are indicated by (*); those well
away from the influence of river flood water by (#).

Being a protected species, precise details of the populations are not given here, but have been
deposited at English Nature, York, and the Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood.

Herbarium specimens quoted earlier in the text are not usually repeated here, but their existence
is indicated by the code (Hb) inserted after the locality name. Others of relevance are listed after
each locality entry and although not exhaustive, they represent the majority of the more interesting,
historical specimens held in major national, or locally important herbaria. The fact that O. reticulata
is a Red Data Book plant is stressed and therefore further collections should not be made, but the

OROBANCHE RETICULATA IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND 255

specimens quoted used for reference or examination. Where specimens have been redetermined
these are shown in this section as follows: (i) by F. J. Rumsey, (ii) by M. J. Y. Foley.

Notts., v.c. 56:
Based upon the single unlocalised (Hb) record of a specimen of doubtful provenance.

SE Yorks... v.c..61:
SE/8.6, North Grimston (* #), found in 1953 (Sledge 1954) on chalk, well away from magnesian
limestone and river influence. Recently decreased, but still survives (B); herbarium specimens:
1953, Sledge (CMM, RNG). In 1953 also recorded at a nearby quarry but not seen again until 1992
(B). It is possible that there has been a recent introduction nearby at Wharram.

NEE. “Y orks:; v.c. 62:
SE/4.6, Linton-on-Ouse (*), first found in 1984, probably formed from a population further
upstream (B). There is also an unlocalised herbarium specimen from north-east Yorkshire (Hb)
collected as O. minor (ii).
SE/4.8, near Thirsk (* #) in 1852, based upon atypical specimens (Fowler, OXF). Two other sets
of specimens collected near here (at Sowerby) in 1851 (Baker, BM) may be of hybrid origin and
are possibly from the same population. Apparently not recorded since (X).

Mid-W. Yorks., v.c. 64:
SE/3.3 Roundhay Lime Hills (#), the early specimen as O. major (ii), (1868, Lees & Abbott,
CMM) is the only record traced. The site is now mostly developed and industrialised (X).
SE/3.4, East Keswick A, first noted in 1990 in a rough pasture (C). The following year several
interesting variants were observed (Foley 1992); East Keswick B, overgrown scrub, known since
about 1985 (B); Hetchell Crags (Hb), calcareous grassland above the gritstone escarpment, the
locality from which the first identified British O. reticulata specimens were collected by Craven in
1907 (B). It is probable that two populations formerly existed here, one becoming extinct in 1909
(X); herbarium specimens from Hetchell include: 1907, Craven (MANCH); 1908, Craven (OXF);
1908, Druce ex Craven (PRC); 1908, Craven (BM, CGE); 1908, Craven (OXF); 1909, Lees &
Pickard (CMM); 1909, Pickard (LES, CGE); 1910, Palmer (BM); 1913, Horrell (LES); 1919,
Cockerline (LES); 1951, Boniface (NMW); 1966, Hodgson (LANC); Whitwell, north bank of
river, first found in 1991 by P. P. Abbott (A); Langwith Scrub, known from this riverside locality
since the 1920s (W. A. Sledge, pers. comm.) and thought extinct, but a few plants were found
close by in 1991 (A). Lees’ (1888) record for O. major at Langwith Woods is very likely an error
for O. reticulata and there are also herbarium specimens probably from here: 1917, Horrell (OXF,
LES); Linton Common (Hb), recorded just after the beginning of this century, and still present in
small numbers (A).
SE/3.6, South Ripon (#), an area of limestone grassland, where occasional plants have been
found since 1989 including a single plant in 1992 (A); Roecliffe (*), a rough riverside pasture, first
recorded in 1969 in small numbers. Thought to be extinct, but four plants were found close by in
1992 (A).
SE/3.7, near Queen Mary’s Dubbs, five populations found in 1992, but a further one lost to
ploughing some years earlier (A, A, A, A, B, X); Ripon Parks, formerly several populations with
five still remaining on the flood plain of the Ure on Ministry of Defence land. Two others were lost
when the ground was ploughed in the early 1980s. Fasciated plants have been recorded from this
locality (A, A, A, A, C, X, X); Norton Conyers A, east bank of the Ure, ten populations mostly
found in 1992, one of which possibly contained hybrid plants (x O. minor) (A, A, A, A, A, A,B,
B, B, B); near Nunwick, four populations found recently (A, A, B, B); north of Ure Bank found
in 1992 (A); Bridge Hewick (Hb) where two separate populations flourished about 1940-1950 on
opposite banks of the Ure. Rob (1953) commented that the plant had decreased here, but there
were about 70 plants at one population in 1954 (H. J. M. Bowen, pers. comm.). Apparently
extinct at one of the old localities but four populations were found near the other in 1992 (A, A,
A, B, X). Herbarium specimens from Bridge Hewick include: 1952, Bangerter (BM); 1954, Rob
(YKN); 1954, Bowen (RNG). Other specimens only partially localised and probably from near
here are: Ripon, as O. major (i), 1903, C.A.C. (BM); near Ripon, 1956, Branson (E, RNG).
SE/4.3: Hook Moor (#) (Hb), one of the classic sites from which specimens can be found in most
major herbaria (often under the alternative locality names of Micklefield or Lotherton Moor),
one such early specimen dating from 1878. Formerly widespread prior to the site being ploughed

256 M. J. Y. FOLEY

in about 1940. Since then good populations have developed on road embankments within the
vicinity, plants or seed possibly having been brought in with the soil during road construction, or
even formed by natural re-colonisation. Probably the strongest British population (D, possibly
E); there are two other nearby localities: a probable relict population on an arable field border.
(A), and another on a road embankment to the north (A). Three other records in the period
1952-1972 from other areas of Hook Moor (#) have not been recently confirmed (X, X, X).
Herbarium specimens include: as O. eu-minor (ii), 1881, Webster (BM); as O. minor (i), 1881,
Webster (E); 1892, Foggitt (BM); 1919, Sledge (CMM); 1922, Barnett (LES); 1922, Roper (LDS);
1929, Jones (LDS); 1930, Foggitt (BM); 1932, Vachell (NMW); 1932, Vachell & Knowling
(NMW); 1936, Sledge (LIV, RNG); 1936, Jackson (K); 1937, Lousley (LIV, RNG, K); 1937,
Woodhead (LANC); 1938, Chapple (OXF); 1939, Lousley (NMW); 1946, Lousley (E, RNG);
1946, Libbey (LTR); 1949, Raven (LTR); 1953, Frankland (three sheets) (LIV); 1988 (photo-
graphs only), Rumsey (RNG). There is an unlocalised specimen probably from here: near Leeds,
as O. rubra (i), 1922, Rogers (CGE).
SE/4.4, near Tadcaster, the sole record is based upon a semi-localised herbarium specimen
collected in 1935 (W.R.W., K) and now presumed extinct (X); near the Dunsforths, rumoured to
have been found here in the mid-1980s, but no definite records traced.
SE/5.5: The Nurseries near York (* #), based on Backhouse’s 1886 specimen (K). At this date,
Backhouse’s nurseries were in what are now the south-western suburbs of the city. Presumably a
casual introduction with no records since (X).

N. W. Yorks., v.c. 65:
SE/3.7, Badger Bank, five separate populations on the east bank of the Ure (A, A, A, A, B);
Norton Conyers B, east bank of the Ure, first found in 1988, including one broken, fasciated
plant, Norris & Lloyd-Evans (LES) (A); North Stainley, on a nature reserve on the west side of
the Ure. Recorded here in 1984, this population has apparently died out, but a second one
appeared close by in 1992 (A). There is a further population a short way downstream (A); Low
Batts, discovered here about 1980 (B).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In the compilation of information for this paper, I am very grateful to many people for their help.
These include the herbarium curators at BM, CGE, CMM, E, HAMU, K, LANC, LDS, LES, LIV,
LTR, MANCH, NMW, OXF, PRC, RNG, YKN, YRK, as well as the following who have assisted
with details for some of the localities or with other information: P. P. Abbott, J. Deane, D. L.
Grant, D. E. Haythornthwaite, T. F. Medd, B. Molesworth, A. Norris, C. D. Preston, F. J.
Rumsey, C. Slater, W. A. Sledge, M. Thallon and S. Warwick. I am also grateful to M. S. Porter for
help in the field and to English Nature for sponsoring part of the work.

REFERENCES

BakER, J. G. (1863). North Yorkshire: studies of its botany, geology, climate, and physical geography. London.

BAKER, J. G. & NowELL, J. (1854). A supplement to Baines’ Flora of Yorkshire. London.

BrEcK-MANNAGETTA, G. R. (1930). Orobanche L. in A. Engler, ed. Das Pflanzenreich 4 (261): 1-348. Leipzig.

BENNETT, A. (1917). Orobanche reticulata Wallroth. Naturalist 42: 165.

CHATER, A. O. & Wess, D. A. (1972). Orobanche L., in Tutin, T. G. et al., eds. Flora Europaea 3: 290.
Cambridge.

CHEETHAM, C. A. & SLEDGE, W. A., eds. (1941). Supplement to the Yorkshire Floras by the late F. Arnold Lees.
London.

Druce, G. C. (1909a). Plant notes, etc., for 1908. Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Br. Isl. for 1908, 334-337.

Druce, G. C. (1909b). Short notes. J. Bot., Lond. 47: 110.

Druce, G. C. (1911). Short notes. J. Bot., Lond. 49: 301.

Druce, G. C. (1918). Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Br. Isl. for 1917, 392.

Fo.ey, M. J. Y. (1992). Some British Orobanche variants. B.S.B.I. News 60: 64.

Git, A. (1966). Bestimmungsschliissel der mitteleuropaischen Varietaten und Formen von Orobanche.
Verhandlungen der Zoologisch-Botanischen Gesellschaft in Wien. Sonderabdruck aus Band 105 u. 106: 179.

OROBANCHE RETICULATA IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND Pony

GraHaM, R. A. (1957). Plant notes. Proc. bot. Soc. Br. Isl. 21: 243.

Hec1, G. (1965). I/lustrierte Flora von Mittel-Europa 6, 2nd ed. Miinchen.

Jones, M. (1989). Taxonomic and ecological studies in the genus Orobanche L. in the British Isles. Ph.D. thesis,
University of Liverpool.

Legs, F. A. (1888). The flora of West Yorkshire. London.

Legs, F. A. (1909). Additional Note. Naturalist 34: 99-100.

MEUSEL, H., JAGER, E., RAUSCHERT, S. & WEINERT, E. (1978). Vergleichende Chorologie der Zentraleuropidis-
chen Flora. Karten 2: 412. Jena.

PERRING, F. H. & FARRELL, L. (1983). British red data book: 1. Vascular Plants, 2nd ed. Lincoln.

PERRING, F. H. & WALTERS, S. M., eds. (1962). Atlas of the British flora. London.

Pusey, H. W. (1926). The British Orobanche list. J. Bot., Lond. 64: 16-19.

Pucsey, H. W. (1940). Notes on Orobanche L. J. Bot., Lond. 78: 105-116.

Ros, C. M. (1953). Field meetings 1952. B.S.B.I. Year Book: 49.

Rumsey, F. J. & Jury, S. L. (1991). An account of Orobanche L. in Britain and Ireland. Watsonia 18: 257-295.

SLATER, H. H. (1883/4). The flora of Ripon and neighbourhood. Botanical Transactions of the Yorkshire
Naturalists’ Union 1: 155.

SLEDGE, W. A. (1942). Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Eightieth Annual Report. Naturalist 67: 10.

SLEDGE, W. A. (1954). Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union: Annual Report 1953. Naturalist 79: 27.

(Accepted January 1993)

so sie

Watsonia, 19, 259-263 (1993) 259

Skunkweed (Navarretia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn.)
and other Polemoniaceae in Britain

E. J. CLEMENT
54 Anglesey Road, Gosport, Hants, PO12 2EQ
and
M. F. GARDNER and S. G. KNEES

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR

ABSTRACT

The discovery of a large population of Skunkweed, Navarretia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn. (Polemoni-
aceae) in Windsor Great Park, Berks. (v.c. 22) has prompted further investigation into this little known alien,
which is described, illustrated and discussed in conjunction with related species. A key is given to separate four
relevant genera.

INTRODUCTION

Skunkweed, Navarretia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn. (Polemoniaceae), has a long history of
periodic occurrence in Britain but is not treated in recent Floras (Clapham et al. 1987; Stace 1991).
In early July 1990, M.F.G. was informed that a large population of N. squarrosa had been
discovered on private land within Windsor Great Park (v.c. 22, Berks.). On investigation it was
found that the colony of several thousand plants was thickly scattered on more or less bare sandy
ground which had until recently been a rubbish dump. This site had been sown the previous autumn
with a grass and wild-flower amenity mixture, the grass seed of which had originated from Oregon.
Germination of the sown mixture had been almost non-existent and instead the area was sparsely
covered by mainly mosses and several early colonising species such as Spergularia rubra (L.) J. & C.
Pres] and Gnaphalium uliginosum L. It was interesting to note that grasses were almost absent. The
whole area was almost flat with a few slight hollows which presumably held water during the winter.
In June these were covered with the annual White Forget-me-not Plagiobothrys scouleri (Hook. &
Arn.) I. M. Johnst., a member of the Boraginaceae which is also a native of western North America
(Stace 1991).

In 1991 both N. squarrosa and P. scouleri reappeared in considerable numbers suggesting that
seed had been successfully set the previous year. However, long-term persistence is unlikely, as the
ground will probably become overgrown again. In mid-June only small seedlings of N. squarrosa
were present and on walking through these plants their foetid smell, resembling petrol or rotten
eggs, was very prominent.

DESCRIPTION OF NAVARRETIA SQUARROSA
The genus Navarretia (Polemoniaceae) contains 30 annual species of which 29 are native to western
N. America and one is native to Chile and Argentina (Mabberley 1987). Many species of Navarretia

look somewhat similar and the following description defines N. squarrosa.

Navarretia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn., Bot. Beechey’s Voy. 8: 368 (1839). Fig. 1.
Synonyms: Hoitzia squarrosa Eschsch., Mém. Acad. Sci. St Pétersb. 10: 283 (1826); Gilia pungens

260 E. J. CLEMENT, M. F. GARDNER AND S. G. KNEES

NAVARRETIA SQUARROSA

FiGurE 1. Navarretia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn., Skunkweed.

Douglas ex Hook., Bot. Mag. 57: t. 2977 (1830); Gilia squarrosa (Eschsch.) Hook. & Arn., Bot.
Beechey’s Voy. 4: 151 (Oct. 1833); Aegdchloa pungens (Douglas ex Hook.) Benth., Edward’s Bot.
Reg. 19: sub pi. 1622 (1 Oct. 1833); Navarretia pungens (Douglas ex Hook.) Hook., Fl. Bor. Am. 2:
75 (1838).

Erect annual 5-35 cm, with usually one main stem, rather stout and rigid, the lateral branches more
or less well developed producing a top-heavy plant narrowing to a slender base; all parts except
flowers glandular-viscid, with a strong, unpleasant odour (hence the vernacular name). Leaves
alternate, sessile, 1-5—3-5 x 1-2-5 cm, varying from bipinnate to pinnately and palmately dissected,

SKUNKWEED IN BRITAIN 261

the linear lobes spinescent. Flowers in capitate, bracteate clusters; calyx tube 7-10 mm, scarious
between the ribs, with unequal, subulate, spinescent lobes; corolla 7-13 mm, infundibuliform, blue
to whitish, barely exceeding the calyx; stamens 5, slightly unequal, inserted in corolla throat;
stigmas 3. Capsule ellipsoid, 3-locular, each loculus with 6-8 or more ovules. Seeds 0-6-0-8 mm,
dark brown, irregularly angled-ovoid, rugose. Native to western N. America, from Vancouver
Island in the north, south to California (Hitchcock et al. 1959).

Cantua pungens Torrey, Ann. Lyc. Nat. Hist. N. York 2: 221 (1828) was described on the basis of
a specimen collected by Edwin P. James in 1820, in the valley of the Loup Fork (Nebraska). This is
obviously not the same specimen as the type of Gilia pungens Douglas ex Hook. (collected by David
Douglas on the Multnahomack River, California); because the respective type descriptions of C.
pungens and G. pungens differ in several important points (e.g. C. pungens: flowers solitary,
axillary; G. pungens: flowers in capitate clusters), C. pungens is not considered to be synonymous
with Navarretia squarrosa, although Index Kewensis considered it to be so (R. R. Mill, pers.
comm.). The type locality of C. pungens is also far outside the geographical range of N. squarrosa.

Voucher specimens of Navarretia squarrosa and Plagiobothrys scouleri have been deposited in
RNG, E, herb. E.J.C. and herb. M.F.G. Specimens of N. squarrosa were also collected and
distributed by the University of Reading through the Société pour |l’Echange des Plantes
Vasculaires de l’Europe et du Bassin Méditerranéen. It is interesting to note that the oils within the
plant are volatile and pressed specimens soon totally lose their foetid odour. N. squarrosa seems to
be very poorly represented in the literature and in herbaria as a British adventive. For example,
there are no specimens held by BM, CGG and K.

HISTORY OF OCCURRENCE IN BRITAIN

1828-1830

The species was probably first cultivated in Britain in 1829 or 1830, when plants were raised by the
Horticultural Society of London from seed collected by David Douglas in North America. He
collected seed from plants growing on moist ground in mountain valleys near to the sources of the
Multnahomack river, one of the southern branches of the Columbia river in western North
America. Plants from this collection were subsequently illustrated in the Botanical Magazine, tab.
2977 (Hooker 1830) and although not garden worthy, references to Navarretia squarrosa have
persisted in horticultural literature to the present day (Huxley 1992).

1915-1933

The species was first collected as an alien by Miss I. M. Hayward in August 1915 under Ladhope
Bridge, Galashiels, Selkirks., v.c. 79, where it was growing on shingle beside Gala Water and had
presumably been introduced with wool shoddy (Druce 1916; Hayward & Druce 1919). It was
determined by A. Thellung as Gilia pungens Douglas ex Hook. & Arn. Some eight years later it was
collected from Sleaford, S. Lincs., v.c. 53, by Miss Landon where it was thought to have been
introduced with chicken corn (Druce 1924); again determined by Thellung, this time as G.
squarrosa Hook. & Arn. (OXF). The same year it was also collected from Hythe Quay, Colchester,
N. Essex, v.c. 19, where it was thought to have been introduced with malting refuse. Plants were still
being recorded from the same locality the following year (Brown 1930, OXF). The next recorded
occurrence was reported by Miss C. M. Rob from Topcliffe, near Thirsk, N. E. Yorks., v.c. 62,
where it came up in a newly made lawn. In this case the plant may have been introduced with sawn
wood which originated from California and was used for constructing the doors of the house
(Pearsall 1934).

1978-1979

Nearly half a century passed before the species was seen again in Britain, this time as a weed in a
rose bed by Mrs M. Baecker at Carr Bank, Milnthorpe, Westmorland, v.c. 69, in 1978 and 1979
(Clement 1979, herb. E.J.C.).

262 E. J. CLEMENT, M. F. GARDNER AND S. G. KNEES
OCCURRENCE ELSEWHERE

Navarretia squarrosa has also been recorded as a bird seed alien in the Netherlands (Ooststroom &
Reichgelt 1963) and as a ruderal in Denmark (Hansen 1979). Outside Europe it is recorded in the
floras of New Zealand and Australia, having first been noted early in the century by Black
(Robertson 1957); it persists there to the present day (Toelken 1986; Webb et al. 1988).

OTHER POLEMONIACEAE IN BRITAIN

There is only one member of the Polemoniaceae native to Britain and Ireland. Jacob’s Ladder,
Polemonium caeruleum L., occurs in limestone grassland, on screes, on rock ledges and on the
borders of woodland in northern England and is reported (Stace 1991) as a sporadic garden escape
elsewhere. However, B. Wurzell (pers. comm.) warns that since a number of similar Polemonium
species, varieties and hybrids are grown in gardens, no wild plant of such provenance should be
attributed to P. caeruleum without careful verification. Stace (1991) also lists Phlox paniculata L..,
another North American species, as sporadically naturalised on rough and waste ground in
England. At the last published tally (Druce 1928), twelve alien Polemoniaceae were listed, the
genus Gilia contributing most taxa. None of these was included in the two more recent lists of British
plants (Dandy 1958; Kent 1992). Phlox dr'ummondii Hook. and P. subulata L. have been observed
as adventives on urban wasteland (B. Wurzell, pers. comm.)

KEY TO THE GENERA OF POLEMONIACEAE OCCURRING IN BRITAIN

The following key may aid the identification of three of the commonest genera most likely to be
confused with Navarretia:

1. “Calyx green and herbaceous throughout’... 20.50... 02.5000 oce nse eee 1. Polemonium
1. Calyx with prominent scarious or hyaline intervals between the green and more herbaceous

COSTAE i ondeesieniinss seevmiccedwrerccuineineatenijanis aultinn wicitttie see ke oo a dniniencs eco dae ee eee Eee Ee 2
2. Staminal filaments very unequally inserted; leaves opposite ................... ee eeeee eee ee 2. Phlox
2. Staminal filaments equally or almost equally inserted; leaves alternate ................. een eens 3
3. Calyx-lobes obviously unequal; leaf segments spine-tipped ......................206- 3. Navarretia
3. Calyx-lobes equal or nearly so; leaf-segments not spine-tipped ....................:eee eee ee 4. Gilia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to the following for their assistance in the accumulation of information for
this paper: Miss S. Andrews, Mrs M. C. Foster, Dr S. L. Jury, Miss S. K. Marner, Miss A. M. Paul,
Mr M. C. Tebbitt and Dr P. F. Yeo. Thanks are also due to Dr J. R. AKeroyd and Dr R. R. Mill for
their helpful comments on earlier drafts of the paper and Mr B. Wurzell for providing further useful
information on other alien Polemoniaceae. Mrs O. M. Stewart is especially acknowledged for
preparing the drawing.

REFERENCES

Brown, G. C. (1930). The alien plants of Essex. The Essex Naturalist 22: 41.

CLAPHAM, A. R., Tutin, T. G. & Moore, D. M. (1987). Flora of the British Isles, 3rd ed. Cambridge.
CLEMENT, E. J. (1979). Adventive news 15. B.S.B.I. News 23: 12.

Danpy, J. E. (1958). List of British vascular plants. London.

Druce, G. C. (1916). Plant notes, etc., for 1915. Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Br. Isl. 4: 203.

Druce, G. C. (1924). Plant notes, etc., for 1923. Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Br. Isl. 7: 46.

Druce, G. C. (1928). British plant list, 2nd ed. Arbroath.

SKUNKWEED IN BRITAIN 263

Haywarp, I. M. & Druce, G. C. (1919). The adventive flora of Tweedside. Arbroath.

Hansen, A. (1979). Floristiske meddelelser. Urt 4: 122-124.

Hircucock, C. L., Cronquist, A., OwnBEY, M. & THompson, J. W. (1959). Vascular plants of the Pacific
Northwest, 4: Ericaceae through Campanulaceae. Seattle.

Hooker, W. J. (1830). Gilia pungens. Sharp-leaved Gilia. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine 57 (n.s. 4): plate 2977.

Hux ey, A. J. ed. (1992). Navarretia, The new Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening 3: 296.
London.

KENT, D. H. (1992). List of vascular plants of the British Isles. London.

MasBERLEY, D. J. (1987). The plant book. Cambridge.

Ooststroom, S. J: & REICHGELT, T. J. (1963). Aanwinsten voor de Nederlandse adventief-flora, 5. Gorteria 1:
141-143.

PEARSALL, W. H. (1934). New county and other records, 1933. Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Br. Isl. 10: 533.

Rosertson, E. L. (1957). Polemoniaceae. Flora of South Australia 4: 707. Adelaide.

Stace, C. A. (1991). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge.

TOELKEN, H. R. (1986). Polemoniaceae. Flora of South Australia 3: 1133. Adelaide.

Wess, C. J., SYKES, W. R. & GARNOCK-JONES, P. J. (1988). Polemoniaceae. Flora of New Zealand 4: 957-961.
Christchurch.

(Accepted January 1993)

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Watsonia, 19, 265-267 (1993) 265

Who was the author of Montbretia crocosmiiflora?

E. C. NELSON

National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland

ABSTRACT

Montbretia crocosmiiflora, the basionym of Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora (Iridaceae) was published by Victor
Lemoine in The Garden, 1880, not by E. Morren; the correct citation of the current name is Crocosmia x
crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N.E.Br.

INTRODUCTION

Montbretia crocosmiiflora is the basionym of the currently accepted name for the well-known
garden plant, Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora (Iridaceae), which has escaped and become widely
naturalized in coastal parts of the British Isles (Stace 1991; Nelson 1993). Although the generic
name Montbretia has long since been abandoned, it remains in everyday use as the vernacular name
especially for the naturalized plant. C. x crocosmiiflora is an artificial hybrid created by Victor
Lemoine of Nancy, France, who pollinated C. pottsii (Baker) N. E. Br. with pollen from C. aurea
(Hook.) Planch.; the seedlings first bloomed in August 1880.

For many years standard botanical accounts (e.g. de Vos 1984) credited publication of Montbretia
crocosmiiflora to C. J. Edouard Morren (1881), and the usual citation of the hybrid’s name was
Crocosmia X crocosmiifiora (Lemoine ex E. Morren) N. E. Br. (cf. de Vos 1984). Kostelijk (1984)
pointed out that Morren’s account, published in La Belgique Horticole 31 late in 1881 to accompany
plate 472, was predated by a note printed in the October 1881 number (118) of The Floral Magazine,
edited by Richard Dean, but Kostelijk (1984) and Wijnands (1986) omitted to note that the
September issue of the same periodical had an earlier account, reading as follows

‘“.. . Montbretia crocosmaeflora, a novelty sent by Mons. Lemoine, Nancy, France; much the

same in colour as M. Pottsii, but perhaps a little more yellow, and the flowers larger.”’
Kostelijk (1984) proposed altering the citation to C. X crocosmiiflora (Lemoine ex Burb. & Dean)
N. E. Br.; this was noted by Wijnands (1986), and taken up by Trehane (1989), Stace (1991) and
Kent (1992) among others.

EARLY DESCRIPTIONS OF LEMOINE’S HYBRID

Kostelijk’s bibliographic search was not exhaustive. The following are even earlier accounts in
which the binomial Montbretia crocosmiiflora was used:

The Garden 21 August 1880 (p. 188)
‘New Hybrid Montbretia. - Mons. V. Lemoine, of Nancy, sends us a new bulbous plant, which
he has obtained by fertilising Montbretia Pottsi . . . with Tritonia (Crocosma [sic]) aurea. The
progeny Mons. Lemoine proposes to name Montbretia crocosmaeflora. The flowers, he says, are
four or five times the size of M. Pottsi; and this successful cross he considers to be the starting
point for the production of a race of beautiful hardy varieties. The flowers sent are borne in the
same manner on the spike as those of M. Pottsi, but they are much larger and of a deeper colour.
The cross seems to be precisely intermediate between the two parents.”

The Garden 30 July 1881 (p. 125) ;
“Montbretia crocosmaefiora, similar in every respect to M. Pottsi [sic] . . . but more robust in
habit, and having larger flower-spikes.”

266 E. C. NELSON

The Gardener’s Chronicle 30 July 1881 (p. 153)
“Mr Barron also showed Montbretia crocosmaeflora [sic], one of Mons. Lemoine’s novelties,
much the same colour as M. Potsii [sic], perhaps a little more yellow, but the flowers larger — a
very good plant... .”

The Garden 27 August 1881 (p. 203)
“MONTBRETIA CROCOSMAEFLORA - A very promising plant with orange and red
flowers, very bright, but somewhat withered owing to its journey from Nancy .. . From M.
Lemoine.”

DISCUSSION

The first quotation from The Garden (18: 188, dated 21 August 1880) must have been written very
shortly after the seedlings bloomed for the first time; it contains a diagnosis that is adequate under
the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Greuter et al. 1988; Art. 32.2) to validate the
binomial Montbretia crocosmiifiora. It must be stressed that both the binomial and at least part of
the description are explicitly attributed to Lemoine, and the passage is written in the present tense.

But, by including the clause ““Mons. Lemoine proposes to name . . .”, does the author perhaps fall
foul of Art. 34.1, that a name is “not validly published ... when it is merely proposed in
anticipation of . . . a particular circumscription’?

The two subsequent notes, both published almost one year later on 30 July 1881, do not
contravene any articles of the current /.C.B.N. and thus the binomial was validly published as early
as 30 July 1881 — unless description in the issue of The Garden of 21 August 1880 is not ruled out.

Deciding which of the 30 July 1881 issues of the separate periodicals was the first published seems
a pointless exercise, but they predate The Floral Magazine notices by at least one month, so that the
protologue of Montbretia crocosmiiflora may be credited to one or other of these, or both. At this
period The Gardener’s Chronicle was edited by M. T. Masters, and The Garden by its founder,
William Robinson, and thus possible citations might include ‘Lemoine ex Masters’, and ‘Lemoine
ex W. Robinson’.

The publication of names in reports of horticultural shows is a matter that is not addressed by the
I.C.B.N. There is no reason to reject names, accompanied by diagnostic statements, when included
in such reports, except when they contravene particular articles of the code. Under the J.C. B.N.
(Art. 29, Berlin 1988), publication in non-scientific newspapers was forbidden after 1 January 1953;
thereby there is the implication that before that date publication of binomials in such periodicals is
valid. The descriptions of Montbretia crocosmiifiora quoted above appeared in reports of the Royal
Horticultural Society’s exhibition on 26 July 1881, and it is possible that London newspapers of 27
July contained reports in which there were descriptions — I have made no attempt to trace any such
reports. It is even possible that French periodicals and newspapers contained even earlier reports of
the first flowers in August 1880, for example.

The consequences of this conundrum is that it is impossible unambiguously to assign Montbretia
crocosmiiflora to a single author. Both Masters and Robinson were describing the same plant,
having seen the same specimens on the same day, although it cannot be established that Masters or
Robinson personally wrote the news items concerned; they were the editors of the respective
periodicals, and one of their journalists could have contributed the show reports. Furthermore,
because of the real possibility that newspapers printed in August 1880 and July 1881 carried
descriptions and the binomial, it may be impossible to determine if the original place of publication
was really The Gardener’s Chronicle or The Garden.

CONCLUSIONS

Each of the quoted descriptions is of the same, indeed the original hybrid, so the best solution to this
conundrum is to accept that the name was first devised and used by Victor Lemoine, that it was
published validly in The Garden on 21 August 1880, and that because the clause “proposes to name”
is in the present tense this diagnosis need not be regarded as provisional and thus contrary to Art.
34.1. Thus the citation should read:

THE AUTHOR OF MONTBRETIA CROCOSMIIFLORA 267

Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora (Lemoine) N. E. Br., Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa

20: 264 (1932).

Basionym: Montbretia crocosmiiflora Lemoine, The Garden 18: 188 (21 August 1880) [as
‘crocosmaeflora |; The Garden 29: 125 (30 July 1881); The Gardener’s Chronicle 16 (n.s.): 153 (30
July 1881); The Garden 20: 203 (27 August 1881); The Floral Magazine no. 117 (September 1881);
The Floral Magazine no. 118, tab. 472 (October 1881); La Belgique Horticole 31: 229, tab. 14
(1881) [with formula “x Montbretia aureo-pottsi’’|.

TYPIFICATION OF MONTBRETIA CROCOSMIIFLORA

de Vos (1984) designated the illustration published in La Belgique Horticole 31 (tab. 14) as the
lectotype of Montbretia crocosmiiflora Lemoine ex Morren, but this is not acceptable (see J.C. B.N.
Art. 7) and must be rejected. In this instance the published illustration cannot be a lectotype but
could be selected as a neotype, as long as there are no herbarium specimens preserved of the original
materials received from Lemoine by Robinson in August 1880. However, better candidates for
selection as neotypes would be herbarium specimens prepared from the material displayed at the
Royal Horticultural Society in July 1881.

ORTHOGRAPHY

The earliest notes used either ‘crocosmiaeflora’ or ‘crocosmaeflora’. These are improperly formed
compounds; under the J.C. B.N. (Art. 73), the epithet should be corrected to ‘crocosmiiflora’, as is
standard practice.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

My thanks are due to Dr R. K. Brummitt, for his helpful comments.

REFERENCES

DE Vos, M. (1984). The African genus Crocosmia Planchon. JI S. Afr. bot. 50: 463-502.

GREUTER, W. et al. (1988). International code of botanical nomenclature adopted by the Fourteenth International
Botanical Congress, Berlin, July-August 1987. KOnigstein.

Kent, D. H. (1992). List of vascular plants in the British Isles. London.

KosTELuK, P. J. (1984). Crocosmia in gardens. The Plantsman 5: 246-253

Morren, C. J. E. (1881). Notice sur le Montbretia crocosmiaefiora (hybrida) de M. V. Lemoine. x Montbretia
aureo-pottsi. La Belgique Horticole 31: 299-303, tab. 14.

NELson, E. C. (1993). Ergasiophygophytes in the British Isles — plants that jumped the garden wall, in ELtis, R.
G. & Perry, A. R., eds. Plants wild and garden. Cardiff.

STAcE, C. A. (1991). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge.

TREHANE, P. (1989). Index hortensis. Vol. 1, Perennials. Wimborne.

WUNANDS, D. O. (1986). The correct citation of Montbretia crocosmiiflora. Bothalia 16 (1986): 51.

(Accepted February 1993)

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Short Notes

CONTRIBUTIONS TO A CYTOLOGICAL CATALOGUE OF THE BRITISH AND IRISH
FLORA, 3

This note continues our series presenting the results of a cytological survey of British and Irish
vascular plants (Hollingsworth et al. 1992). Here we report the chromosome numbers of 88 species
from 95 populations. A suffix ‘S’ denotes supernumerary chromosomes. Only one plant per
population was counted, except where stated. All counts were made on squashes of root-tips.
Voucher specimens have been deposited in LTR.

Ajuga reptans L., 2n = 32: Leics., v.c. 55, Swithland Wood, SK/53.12.

Alchemilla glaucescens Wallr., 2n = c. 110: Westmorland, v.c. 69, Crosby Gill, NY/61.11.

Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm., 2n =c. 107: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Carnforth, SD/507.706.

Allium scorodoprasum L., 2n = 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Potts Corner, SD/41.57.

Andromeda polifolia L., 2n = 48: Westmorland, v.c. 69, Meathop Moss, 3 km N.E. of Lindale, SD/
44.81.

Apium inundatum (L.) Reichb.f., 2n = 22: Caerns., v.c. 49, Cilan, near Abersoch, SH/29.24.

Barbarea vulgaris R.Br., 2n = 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/488.640.

Brassica napus L. subsp. oleifera (DC.) Metzger, 2n = 38: Dorset, v.c. 9, c. 1-5 km W. of Burton
Bradstock, SY/47.89.

Calystegia soldanella (L.) R.Br., 2n=22: Caerns., v.c. 49, Pwllheli, SH/37.34.

Cardamine amara L., 2n = 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Carnforth, SD/507.706.

Carex acutiformis Ehrh., 2n = 38: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Lancaster University campus, SD/48.57.

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium L., 2n=42: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Millbeck footbridge, SD/
648.638.

Circaea lutetiana L., 2n = 22: Dorset, v.c. 9, Kingcombe Meadows, c. 1:5 km N.E. of Toller
Porcorum, SY/55.99; W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Millbeck footbridge, SD/648.638.

Crataegus monogyna Jacq. subsp. nordica Franco, 2n = 34: Caerns., v.c. 49, Penarwel valley, near
Llanbedrog, SH/32.32.

Crithmum maritimum L., 2n = 20: Dorset, v.c. 9, Weymouth, landward side of Fleet Lagoon, SY/
66.76.

Dactylorhiza purpurella (T. & T. A. Stephenson) So6, 2n = 80: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, SD/5.7.

Daphne laureola L., 2n = 18: Dorset, v.c. 9, Todber, ST/79.19.

Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott, 2n = 164: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Yealand Conyers, SD/509.745.

Equisetum telmateia Ehrh., 2n = c. 216: Caerns., v.c. 49, track from Carreg to Porth Oer (Whistling
Sands), SH/16.29.

Eryngium maritimum L., 2n = 16: Caerns., v.c. 49, Pwllheli, south beach, SH/37.34.

Euonymus europaeus L., 2n = 32: Dorset, v.c. 9, Winterborne Kingston, SY/86.97.

Euphorbia peplus L., 2n = 16: Dorset, v.c. 9, Portland, Church Ope Cove, SY/69.70.

Fraxinus excelsior L., 2n = 46: Leics., v.c. 55, Outwoods, Jubilee Wood, SK/511.165; Leics., v.c.
55, Swithland Wood, SK/53.12; W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near Silverdale, SD/
480.776.

Geum rivale L., 2n = 42: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Forton, SD/486.534.

Geum urbanum L., 2n = 42: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/473.594.

Glaucium flavum Crantz, 2n = 12: Dorset, v.c. 9, c. 1-5 km W. of Burton Bradstock, SY/47.89.

Hydrocotyle vulgaris L., 2n=96: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Leighton Moss R.S.P.B. reserve, near
Silverdale, SD/488.757.

Hypericum androsaemum L., 2n = 40: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/473.594.

Hypericum elodes L., 2n= 16: S. Devon, v.c. 3, Dartmoor, SX/66.80.

270 SHORT NOTES

Kickxia elatine (L.) Dumort., 2n = 36: Dorset, v.c. 9, near Blandford Forum, ST/88.06.

Lamium album L., 2n = 18: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, W. of Heysham, SD/427.616.

Lemna gibba L., 2n = 40: Cambs., v.c. 29, River Delph, bridge c.6 km E. of Chatteris, TL/470.858.

Lemna minor L., 2n = 40: Cambs., v.c. 29, River Delph, bridge c. 6 km E. of Chatteris, TL/470.858.

Ligustrum vulgare L., 2n= 46: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near Silverdale, SD/
483.775.

Lithospermum officinale L., 2n=28 + 1S: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near
Silverdale, SD/479.776.

Littorella uniflora (L.) Asch., 2n = 24: Caerns., v.c. 49, Mynydd Cilan, SH/29.24.

Lotus pedunculatus Cav., 2n = 12: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/483.628;
Westmorland, v.c. 69, Lowick Common, SD/292.847.

Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd., 2n = 66: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Millbeck footbridge, SD/648.638.

Lysimachia nummularia L., 2n = 43: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Capernwray, SD/528.714.

Lysimachia vulgaris L., 2n = 84: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/484.641.

Malva sylvestris L., 2n = 42: Dorset, v.c. 9, c. 1-5 km W. of Burton Bradstock, S Y/47.89; W. Lancs.,
v.c. 60, near Bank Houses, W. of Cockerham, SD/430.531.

Marrubium vulgare L., 2n = 34: Dorset, v.c. 9, Bats Head, SY/79.80.

Medicago lupulina L., 2n = 16: Dorset, v.c. 9, c. 1-5 km W. of Burton Bradstock, SY/47.84 (two
plants); W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune estuary, edge of new sports centre, near Lancaster, SD/
463.624.

Menyanthes trifoliata L., 2n =54: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/458.612.

Myosotis stolonifera (DC.) Gay ex Leresche & Levier, 2n = 24: Westmorland, v.c. 69, Lowick
Common, SD/292.847.

Myrica gale L., 2n = 48: Dorset, v.c. 9, Hartland Moor N.N.R. (W. side of road), c. 4km S.E. of
Wareham, SY/96. 85.

Nepeta cataria L., 2n = 36: Dorset, v.c. 9, between Blandford Forum and Thornicombe, ST/87.04.

Nymphoides peltata Kuntze, 2n = 54: Cambs., v.c. 29, Block Fen gravel pit, near Chatteris, TL/
431.839.

Oenanthe crocata L., 2n=22: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, estuary of River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/
460.621.

Ononis repens L. subsp. repens, 2n = 60: Caerns., v.c. 49, Abersoch, N. end of Porth Fawr, SH/
5 a

Oxalis acetosella L., 2n =22: Dorset, v.c. 9, Kingcombe Meadows, c. 1:5 km N.E. of Toller
Porcorum, SY/55. 99,

Parietaria judaica L., 2n = 26: Dorset, v.c. 9, Portland Church Ope Cove, SY/69.70.

Persicaria amphibia (;,) Gray, 2n = 96: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Carnforth, SD/507.706.

Persicaria bistorta (L.) Samp., 2n = 48: S. Lancs., v.c. 59, Rochdale, Norden, Lower Mancroft Gate
Farm, SD/841.148; Westmorland, v.c. 69, near Arnside, SD/457.767.

Persicaria maculosa Gray, 2n = 22: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/465.624.

Petasites hybridus (L.) P. Gaertner, B. Mey. & Scherb., 2n=60: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near
Quernmore, SD/508.599.

Pimpinella saxifraga L., 2n = 40: Dorset, v.c. 9, Fontmell Down, c.5 km S.S.E. of Shaftesbury, ST/
88.18.

Polystichum aculeatum (L.) Roth, 2n = 164: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/473.594.

Populus nigra L. subsp. betulifolia (Pursh) W. Wettst., 2n = 38: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster,
SD/454.615.

Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop., 2n = 35: Westmorland, v.c. 69, Lowick Common, SD/292.847.

Primula veris L., 2n = 22: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Silverdale, SD/470.749.

Prunella vulgaris L. (white-flowered), 2n = 28: Westmorland, v.c. 69, Broughton Beck, SD/
285.825.

Ranunculus flammula L. subsp. flammula, 2n = 32: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Heysham Moss, dismantled
sidings, SD/422.604.

Ranunculus penicillatus (Dumort.) Bab. subsp. pseudofluitans (Syme) S. Webster var. vertumnus C.
Cook, 2n = 48: Mid-W. Yorks., v.c. 64, Bishop Monkton, SE/32.66.

Ribes nigrum L., 2n = 16: Westmorland, v.c. 69, near Arnside, SD/477.782.

Ribes rubrum L., 2n= 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/473.594.

SHORT NOTES LTA

Rosa arvensis Hudson, 2n = 14: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Lancaster, SD/459.613.

Rumex obtusifolius L. subsp. transiens (Simonkai) K. H. Rech., 2n=40: Surrey, v.c. 17,
Richmond, River Thames, TQ/1.7.

Ruppia maritima L., 2n = 20: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Carnforth, SD/482.702.

Salix viminalis L., 2n = 38: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, W. of Heysham, SD/428.612.

Samolus valerandi L., 2n = 26: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, near Carnforth, SD/483.704.

Sanguisorba minor Scop. subsp. minor, 2n = 28: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Leighton Moss R.S.P.B.
Reserve, near Silverdale, SD/489.758.

Sanicula europaea L., 2n=16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Leighton Moss R.S.P.B. Reserve, near
Silverdale, SD/489.759.

Scirpus sylvaticus L., 2n = 62: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/485.638.

Sedum forsterianum Smith, 2n = c. 90: Rads., v.c. 43, Stanner Rock, 4 km N.W. of Kington, SO/
26.58.

Silene vulgaris Garcke subsp. vulgaris, 2n = 24: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, River Lune, near Lancaster, SD/
488.640.

Sonchus oleraceus L., 2n = 32: Dorset, v.c. 9, c. 1:5 km W. of Burton Bradstock, SY/47.89.

Sorbus aucuparia L., 2n=34: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near Silverdale, SD/
481.776.

Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleiden, 2n = 40: Cambs., v.c. 29, River Delph, bridge c. 6 km E. of
Chatteris, TL/470.858.

Stachys arvensis (L.) L., 2n = 10: Dorset, v.c. 9, Chamberlayne’s Heath, c. 8 km N. of Wool, SY/
83.91.

Stachys officinalis (L.) Trev., 2n = 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near Silverdale,
SD/478.773.

Taxus baccata L., 2n = 24: Dorset, v.c. 9, Hod Hill, near Blandford Forum, ST/85.10.

Thalictrum flavum L., 2n = 84: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, estuary, near Carnforth, SD/493.714.

Trifolium medium L., 2n= 80: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, Gait Barrows N.N.R., near Silverdale, SD/
478.772.

Valeriana dioica L., 2n = 16: W. Lancs., v.c. 60, above Saltmire Bridge, by canal, SD/519.754.

Veronica anagallis-aquatica L., 2n = 36: Dorset, v.c. 9, near Sydling St Nicholas, ST/63.00.

Veronica beccabunga L., 2n = 18: Westmorland, v.c. 69, near Arnside, SD/477.782.

Veronica officinalis L., 2n = 36: Caerns., v.c. 49, Garn Fadryn, SH/27.35.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We should like to thank English Nature and the R.S.P.B. for permission to collect plant material
from their reserves.

REFERENCES

Ho.LiincswortH, P. M., GornaL_, R. J. & BatLey, J. P. (1992). Contributions to a cytological catalogue of the
British and Irish flora, 2. Watsonia 19: 134-137.

A.-K. K. A. AL-BERMANTI, K. I. A. AL-SHAMMARY, J. P. BAILEY & R. J. GORNALL
Botany Department, The University, Leicester, LEI 7RH

POLYGONUM MARITIMUM L. IN EAST SUSSEX (V.C. 14)

On 18 June 1992 a number of plants of Polygonum maritimum L. (Polygonaceae), Sea Knotgrass,
were discovered growing on the beach at Brighton, East Sussex by one of us (A. S.). This was an
exciting find as this very rare plant has never before, to our knowledge, been recorded from East
Sussex (v.c. 14) and was last recorded in West Sussex (v.c. 13) by W. Borrer, although no station is
given and there is apparently no specimen in his herbarium. A previous record from Bognor in 1854

212 SHORT NOTES

by Professor I. B. Balfour was thought by H. C. Watson to be Polygonum oxyspermum C. A. Meyer
& Bunge ex Ledeb. subsp. raii (Bab.) D. A. Webb & Chater, and consultation of the herbarium of
the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (E) confirms this.

Following notification to English Nature, under the terms of the Wildlife & Countryside Act
1981, as a fully protected species under Schedule 8, a specimen was collected (herb. P. A. Harmes)
and confirmed by Dr J. R. Akeroyd. About 14 plants were found, of which eleven or so were
growing together in a clump, seeming at first glance to be a single plant. They ranged in size from
seedlings, with stems no more than 8 cm, up to mature plants with stems 60 cm in length. The plants
were procumbent and were in flower and fruit, which continued throughout the summer and they
were still flowering in late November. They grew well above the high tide mark and seemed to have
a preference for areas of fine shingle. The presence of a number of plants growing in a clump
suggests that this species may have been flowering here un-noticed in previous years, and had
seeded itself.

The small shingle beach where the plants were found was already well-known for its botanical
interest and supports a number of plants found nowhere else along this coast. Species recorded here
already include Atriplex glabriuscula, A. littoralis, A. portulacoides (Halimione portulacoides),
Crambe maritima, Cakile maritima, Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. maritimus, Beta vulgaris subsp.
maritima, Honkenya peploides, Spergularia media, Calystegia soldanella, Crithmum maritimum,
Glaucium flavum, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Parapholis strigosa, Elymus atherica (E. pycnan-
thus) and Catapodium marinum. Nomenclature follows Stace (1991).

The beach is largely composed of flint pebbles with patches of fine shingle or sand, as well as areas
with some humus cover. It is only about 110 m in length and, at its widest, about 50-60 m down to
the high tide mark, with vegetation restricted to about half of the area. For such a small site it has a
surprisingly rich maritime flora. The beach is enclosed on three sides by a groyne, the sea wall and
the western breakwater of Brighton Marina. This breakwater is about 640 m long and was
completed in about 1972. The beach in its present form and position probably dates from this time
and if this is the case, then all the plants here are recent colonists.

A build-up of shingle above the high tide mark has probably occurred here as the western
breakwater prevents its eastern drift. It seems also that this breakwater traps great amounts of
jetsam which is washed or blown on to the beach above the shingle ridge, where it tends to
accumulate. The jetsam consists of plastic, polystyrene, wood, ropes, nets, tar and cans as well as
plant material, including Fucus vesiculosus L. (Bladder-wrack), fruit and seeds, and accumulates in
lower-lying parts of the beach to form a rich mulch in which seeds can be seen germinating. As the
Channel current (North Atlantic Drift) and the prevailing wind through the summer come from the
south-west, it seems quite possible that seed of P. maritimum could have originated from sites in
Cornwall or S. Hants., or from the Channel Isles or Northern France. Less likely is the possibility
that seeds were brought in by birds; Greenfinches are the only seed-eating species (apart from
Sparrows) which frequent the beach.

P. maritimum is a characteristic species of the coasts of the Mediterranean region and is at the
northerly edge of its range in southern England. The recent confirmation of this plant at three other
stations in mainland Britain, together with records from S. E. Ireland and the Netherlands, suggest
that it may be extending, or at least consolidating, its range and this might be related to the hotter,
more Mediterranean-type summers that we have experienced in the south of England in recent
years (Akeroyd 1991). If this is the case, then we may see it turning up on other suitable beaches in
this country in the future. Table 1 shows the number of plants known in mainland Britain (excluding
the Channel Isles).

TABLE 1. POLYGONUM MARITIMUM L. IN BRITAIN

Location _Number of plants in colony
W. Cornwall (v.c. 1), Gunwalloe 250
E. Cornwall (v.c. 2), Lantic Bay 1
S. Hants. (v.c. 11), Christchurch 49

E. Sussex (v.c. 14), Brighton 14

SHORT NOTES 273

There are other factors which have enabled coastal plants to become established at this locality.
Unlike many other shingle beaches in Brighton, this one is not regularly bulldozed, perhaps because
there is no access. It is not used much by the public and the amount of sea-borne rubbish as well as
the tar deter most people. Past threats to the beach have come from plans to extend Volk’s Electric
Railway, from Southern Water’s proposal to dump chalk, as well as from over-zealous beach
cleaning. These are hopefully no longer a threat, though beach parties and camp fires still occur.
Brighton Borough Council has, however, recently declared the beach a Site of Nature Conservation
Importance and there is a proposal to extend the adjacent S.S.S.I. to include this site. We hope
these measures will protect the plants here and we will be monitoring the site to see if P. maritimum
survives and increases.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We should like to express our gratitude to the following for their assistance in the compilation of this
note: Dr J. R. Akeroyd, Mrs M. Briggs, P. Bowman, Miss R. Murphy, D. Pearman, Mrs O. M.
Stewart and R. Walls. Mrs C. J. Tatar kindly typed the manuscript.

REFERENCES

AKEROYD, J. R. (1991). Wildlife Reports. Higher Plants. British Wildlife 2: 182-183.
Stace, C. A. (1991). New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge.

P. A. HARMES
10 Hillcroft, Mile Oak Road, Portslade, East Sussex, BN4 20D
A. SPIERS

69 Elm Grove, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 3ET

WHITE-BLOSSOMED PINGUICULA GRANDIFLORA LAM. (LENTIBULARIACEAE) IN
THE BURREN, COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND

Pinguicula grandiflora Lam. (Leith Uisce, Kerry (or Large-flowered) Butterwort) has been
reported occasionally from Ireland with white flowers. There are late 19th century records, the
earliest by ‘Veronica’ (a nom-de-plume used by Frederick W. Burbidge, curator of Trinity College
Botanic Garden, Dublin (cf. Nelson 1987)) being published in The Garden on 11 September 1886:
“As peculiar to Ireland, or nearly so, we have . . . Pinguicula vulgaris var. grandiflora [i.e. P.
grandifiora|, in white, rosy lavender and dark violet forms” ([Burbidge] 1886). Scully (1916)
recorded that in Co. Kerry while “colour variants are very rarely met with . . . forms with pure
white flowers are . . . occasionally seen and have been gathered in the Gap of Dunloe by Lady
Godfrey and on the east side of Caragh Lake by Capt. Creaghe-Haward . . . pale lilacforms. . . by
Mrs. Jenner from the Gap of Dunloe, and are recorded in the Irish Nat[uralist] 1906, p. 154, as
occurring also on the shores of the Lower Lake, Killarney.’’ No one has reported white-blossomed
Kerry Butterwort in more recent decades.

In 1903 P. grandiflora was discovered by Professor Ambrose Birmingham at Lisdoonvarna, Co.
Clare (Nelson & Walsh 1991), a habitat to the north of the long-known ones in counties Cork and
Kerry. In 1949, even further north, near Ballyvaughan, another colony was found (Heslop-Harrison
1949), and in 1973, at about the same latitude, yet another (Roden 1984). These latter colonies,
growing in the environs of springs issuing from Carboniferous limestone, are within the region
known as The Burren (Webb & Scannell 1983; Nelson & Walsh 1991).

In 1956, D. A. Webb collected a plant of P. grandiflora ‘“‘with very pale, almost white flowers”
near Ballyvaughan and sent it to Steiger (1987) — nothing more is recorded about this plant,
although Webb & Scannell (1983) reported that “for several years around 1970, a small proportion
of the plants . . . had flowers of a very pale lilac colour, but searches in 1974 and 1975 failed to
rediscover them.”

274 SHORT NOTES

During the summers of 1989, 1990, and 1991 in one of The Burren populations, white-flowered
plants were seen and photographed by the present author, on the first occasion in company with Mr
and Mrs J. Leonard. The flowers were entirely white, without any purple or pink marks or tints;
however in 1990 a very young bud of one particular plant, just as it began to rise above the rosette,
had a light pink flush but this was not apparent on the fully open flowers at anthesis. In 1989 and 1990
plenty of seed was produced and shed by the white-blossomed plants.

Steiger (1987) published a photograph of a series of flowers of P. grandiflora variants, including
examples named P. grandiflora f. pallida (Gaudin) Casper and P. grandiflora subsp. rosea (Mutel)
Casper. In f. pallida the corolla throat was purple, and in subsp. rosea not only was the calyx purple
but the corolla throat was lined with darker pink. The white-blossomed Burren examples did not
have coloured markings on the corolla and the calyx is entirely devoid of red pigment. A search of
the literature (see e.g. Casper 1962, 1966) suggests that no entirely white variant of P. grandiflora
has been described hitherto. P. grandiflora subvar. albescens Rouy (1909: “‘corolle blanche lavée de
rose’) could be interpreted as including The Burren variant. (Schlauer (1986) listed “‘P. grandiflora
Lam. var. albescens Rouy” but I can find no trace of any legitimate publication of the combination at
varietal level.) However Rouy’s subvariety has been relegated to synonymy under P. grandiflora
subsp. rosea (Casper 1962, 1966) which certainly cannot encompass white-flowered plants
(‘‘corollae . . . fauce violacea vel pallida violacea-pilosa . . .”; Casper 1962: 85).

To designate the variant with a white corolla as a variety is extravagant, and thus I proposed
elsewhere (Nelson & Walsh 1991: 214, 318) that these occasional white-flowered plants should be
placed within a distinct form, P. grandiflora f. chionopetra. I suggest (without having any specimens
to confirm the proposition) that f. chionopetra may also still occur in Co. Kerry, having been
reported from that county before 1903 by Scully (1916).

Pinguicula grandiflora Lam. forma chionopetra E. C. Nelson forma nova.

Corolla candidissima, vel aliquando alabastrum novellum colore roseo suffusum; calyx flavovir-
ens nihil rufescens vel purpurascens.

Corolla pure white, or at most the very young unopened flowers tinted pink; calyx yellow-green
without red or purple tints.
Hototypus: 35 mm Kodachrome 64 colour transparency (no. 16, 25.05.90; accession number
1991.1) [precise locality withheld], County Clare, 12 May 1990, E. C. Nelson (DBN).

The epithet chionopetra is derived from chion (snow) and petra (rock), alluding to the white
flowers and the unique rocky habitat; it is equally appropriate for plants from Co. Kerry should this
form be collected there again.

A colour photograph is designated as the holotype because, for conservation reasons, I
considered it was unacceptable to remove material from the solitary plant for preservation as an
herbarium specimen. This is permissible under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature,
Art. 9, whereby an illustration may be a type of an infraspecific name.

REFERENCES

[BuRBIDGE, F. W.] ‘Veronica’ (1886). The Irish flora . . . The Garden 30: 239.

Casper, S. J. (1962). Pinguicula grandiflora, in Revision der Gattung Pinguicula in Eurasien. Feddes
Repertorium Specierum novarum 66: 74-87.

Casper, S. J. (1966). Pinguicula grandiflora, in Monographie der Gattung Pinguicula. Bibliotheca botanica 127-
128: 163-168.

Hestop-Harrison, J. (1949). Pinguicula grandiflora Lam. in N. Clare. Ir. Nat. J. 9: 311.

NELson, E. C. (1987). Who was Veronica of The Garden? Garden History Society Newsletter 20: 3-4.

NELson, E. C. & WALsu, W. F. (1991). The Burren. A companion to the wildflowers of an Irish limestone
wilderness. Aberystwyth & Kilkenny.

Ropen, C. M. (1984). New stations for Pinguicula grandiflora Lam. and Saxifraga X polita (Haw.) Link in the
west of Ireland. Jr. Nat. J. 21: 369.

Rovy, G. C. C. (1909). Pinguicula grandiflora, in Flore de France 11, 199-200. Paris.

SCHLAUER, J. (1986). Nomenclatural synopsis of carnivorous phanerogamous plants. A world carnivorous plant
list. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 15: 59-117. ;

SHORT NOTES 275

ScuLLy, R. W. (1916). Flora of County Kerry. Dublin.

STEIGER, J. F. (1987). Pale-flowered varieties of Pinguicula grandiflora. Carnivorous Plant Newsletter 16: 104-
LOS:

Wess, D. A. & SCANNELL, M. J. P. (1983). Flora of Connemara and the Burren. Cambridge.

E. C. NELSON
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland

CORKSCREW RUSH (JUNCUS EFFUSUS L. FORMA SPIRALIS (J. McNAB) HEGI)
(JUNCACEAE) IN IRELAND AND BRITAIN

Henderson (1992) suggested that the spiral-stemmed variant of Juncus effusus L. (Juncaceae),
found in western Scotland and the Northern Isles of Scotland, represents a taxon different from the
“original”, long-cultivated one variously called, in common parlance, Corkscrew Rush, Irish Rush,
or Spiral Rush. He also stated, incorrectly, that the latter had only been reported once from the
wild.

The corkscrew rush (J. effusus var. spiralis J. McNab) was first collected by David Bishop (a Scot,
one-time curator of Belfast Botanic Garden — see Anon. 1849; Nelson 1984, 1987) in ‘‘the wilds of
Connemara’’, western Ireland, before 1849 and not in “Northern Ireland. . . in 1869” as noted by
Henderson (1992) repeating McNab’s (1873a, 1873b) faulty recollection. The exact date of
discovery cannot now be ascertained but Bishop died in 1849, so he must have collected the
Corkscrew Rush some time earlier. Indeed, the first report of the variant appeared in an obituary of
Bishop (Anon. 1849):

“this extraordinary plant was exhibited at a meeting of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh, from

the collection at Dalkeith, by Mr. James M’Nab, and created great interest .. .”

I cannot trace a report of this particular exhibit. Several decades later, in April 1873, James McNab
read a brief account of the Corkscrew Rush to the Botanical Society in Edinburgh (McNab 1873a,
1873b), and indicated that it had been on display at the British Association for the Advancement of
Science’s 1871 meeting in Edinburgh; again I cannot trace any specific mention of the rush’s
appearance at the Association.

Henderson (1992) separated the western Scottish Spiral Rush from the Irish one by stating that
the latter has ‘‘quite erect [stems] . . . much more obviously spiral six to eight turns as against two or
three [in Scottish plants]’’, but this is not the case. I have examined living individuals of the Irish
Corkscrew Rush, as cultivated in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, and nursery-grown
plants (source unknown) (September 1992); these possessed stems with as many as 14 complete
rotations in the spiral, ranging to stems with a single attenuated rotation (the stem was merely
curved), as well as erect, untwisted stems. The largest proportion of the spiral stems (50%) had
fewer than five rotations; only 33% had 5—9 rotations. The stems projected at all angles, the less
spiralled ones tending to spread almost horizontally (i.e. these were suberect) because of the spiral.
Thus cultivated plants, propagated vegetatively from long-established Irish stock, do not have the
characteristics suggested by Henderson (1992); his variety is dubiously distinct from the cultivated
plant.

Several herbarium specimens in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (see below), have
remarkable corkscrewing stems, but clearly these particular stems were selected because of their
form; they do not represent accurately the habit and range of spiralling in the original clone. The
earliest illustration of the Corkscrew Rush from Ireland (The Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural
Gazette, 10 May 1873: 647 (McNab 1873a; reprinted in McNab 1873b: 503)) showed a plant with
erect and spreading stems, some markedly spiralled but many merely curved (Fig. 1), exactly as in
those cultivated plants I have examined. A photograph published by Tutenberg (1905) also clearly
displays variation in habit. Those authors presumably had plants derived from Bishop’s original
collection.

As for Irish populations, Praeger (1934: 406), repeating records of this taxon from Inishturk (Co.
Mayo, v.c. H27) off the Connemara coast (Praeger 1907: 123 — ‘“‘the form with spreading stems was
several times observed’’), stated that it had

“spreading loosely spiral stems . . . The spiral rush just mentioned would appear to be an Atlantic

276 SHORT NOTES

| es d
(On Fa

eres

\

. &
i ee
oe ce

SST Peel PTT AT
Figure 1. Corkscrew Rush, Juncus effusus L. forma spiralis (McNab) Hegi; illustration published in The
Gardeners’ Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette, 10 May 1873: 647 (designated as neotype herein).

form: it is common on many of the Irish western islands, and is stated to be abundant in
Orkney .. .”

Praeger (1934: 424) also repeated records from Inishmurray (Co. Sligo, v.c. H28) —
‘Perhaps the most curious plant of the island was a diffuse form of Juncus conglomeratus [= J.
effusus; fide Praeger (1934)], the stems of which, instead of growing erect in a compact clump as
usual, spread out at every angle, from horizontal to vertical, giving the whole plant a very strange
appearance . . . this curious rush was abundant in damp places with the typical form.” (Praeger
1896: 178)

—and from Achill Island (Co. Mayo, v.c. H27; Praeger 1934: 408) —
“Near Sraheens village occurred a form with widely spreading stems, many of them spirally
curved, with several convolutions. I have gathered the same form from Inishmurray, Co. Sligo.
Mr Beeby informs me that in Orkney these spiral forms are frequent.” (Praeger 1904: 285)

Spence (1906, 1914, 1919) reported spiral-stemmed J. effusus from Orkney (v.c. 111), and Druce
(1922: 524) and Scott & Palmer (1987: 343) recorded this variant from Shetland (v.c. 112); the
latter authors suggested that the spiralling stems are deformed by wind —
“Juncus effusus var. spiralis McNab’, recorded from various localities by Druce [1922], was
surely no more than a wind-blown state with slightly curved stems, not the monstrosity with
corkscrew-like stems which James McNab grew .. .”

The Spiral Rush has been recorded in Surrey (v.c. 17) (see list of specimens below, and Leslie 1981),

and collected in Carmarthenshire (v.c. 44, see below).

SHORT NOTES 277

For at least a century, botanists have assigned to McNab’s variant all plants of J. effusus producing
spiral stems. Having examined herbarium material and living plants, I have been unable to detect
any difference between the variable Irish original and Henderson’s newly described taxon. Perhaps
a case can be made on the basis of habit — that western Scottish plants lack any erect stems — but the
range of variation within ‘populations’ of vegetatively propagated plants is so substantial that such
an argument could not be justified. I conclude, therefore, that all plants of this species with spiral
stems, irrespective of the degree of spiralling or angle of inclination, should be placed, as generally
done by previous authors, within the same taxon. Henderson’s varietal epithet is deemed
unnecessary and is here relegated to synonymy.

The status of the Spiral Rush is debatable. McNab (1873b) and Henderson (1992) reported that
seedlings have spiralling stems so it is a distinct genotype. While horticulturists have considered it
little more than a cultivar (J. effusus ‘Spiralis’ is then the valid name; cf. Nelson 1984), its occurrence
in the wild, especially in western Ireland and Scotiand, suggests that it deserves recognition as a
botanical variety or form. As the variant is clearly distinguished from the common rush only by its
spiral stems, both erect and spreading, I suggest it is best treated as a botanical form; it does not
warrant recognition at varietal level.

Hegi (1909: Bd 2: 147, fig. 274) was the first author to employ the epithet ‘spiralis’ at form level
(Juncus effusus f. spiralis). Hegi did not attribute the epithet to any author and did not cite McNab’s
original paper, but it is unlikely that he was doing anything other than employing McNab’s well-
known epithet for the cultivated Irish plant at a revised rank; he was not describing a new taxon. To
argue that Hegi was describing a new taxon is unhelpful, because his epithet ‘spiralis’ becomes
illegitimate (Arts. 24. note 1: 64.4) and a new epithet becomes necessary for the form. Praeger
(1934: entry no. 406) also used J. effusus f. spiralis; he did not acknowledge Hegi but did refer to
Spence’s note (1919) which in turn referred to an earlier account (Spence 1906) that contains explicit
mention of McNab’s description (1873b). The synonymy may be summarised as follows:

Juncus effusus L. forma spiralis (J. McNab) Hegi, J/lustrierte Flora von Mittel-Europa, 1909: Bd.
2(16), 147.

Basionym: J. effusus var. spiralis J. McNab, Gard. Chron. 10 May 1873: 647, fig. 125; Trans. bot.
Soc. Edinb. 11 (1873): 502-504.

Neotype: [here designated] icon in Gard. Chron. 10 May 1873: 647, fig. 125.

Synonym: J. effusus var. suberectus D. M. Henderson, Watsonia 19 (1992): 133-134.

Holotype: Big Sand, Gairloch, W. Ross, v.c. 105, 6 December 1988, D. M. Henderson (E!).

Other specimens examined:

Sandy edge of site of Frensham Great Pond, Surrey, v.c. 17, [19 August 1943], A. J. Wilmott
19430819 (BM); ‘“‘grouse moor . . . Carmarthenshire Vans”, v.c. 44, 12 August 1904, E. Milner-
Jones (K); Orkney, v.c. 111, 1 September 1906, M. Spence (E),; Deerness, Orkney, v.c. 111,
September 1908, M. Spence (BM); Rannsdale, Orphir, Mainland, Orkney, v.c. 111, 10 September
1923, H. H. Johnston 2474 (E, BM, K); Sutherland, Flotta, Orkney, v.c. 111, 15 August 1932, J.
Sinclair 762 (E); Mainland, Shetland, v.c. 112, June 1890, R. M. Barrington (DBN); roadside, Lax
Firth, Mainland, Shetland, v.c. 112, 27 July 1950, J. E. Lousley (K); by burn of Sandibanks,
Scalloway, Mainland, Shetland, v.c. 112, 25 July 1950, J. E. Lousley (K); near Sraheens, Achill
Island, v.c. H27, 30 July 1904, R. Li. Praeger (DBN); boggy place centre of island [Inishtrahull, Co.
Donegal], v.c. H34, 16 August 1939, D. J. Sullivan (DBN).

Cultivated specimens:

Edin[burgh] Bot. Garden, September 1876, F.M.W. (E); Botanic Garden [Edinburgh], 1886, (E);
Wakehurst Place, Sussex (acc. no. 000-69-19251), 20 July 1980, S. Andrews (K); sine loc. (“Herb.
Hort. Kew’), Aug. 1881 (K).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I must express my gratitude to Arthur Chater, Dr R. K. Brummitt, C. D. Preston and Dr John
Edmondson for their helpful comments on a draft of this paper, and to the Royal Botanic Garden,

278 SHORT NOTES

Edinburgh, the National Museums & Galleries on Merseyside, Liverpool, the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew, and the Natural History Museum, London, for loans of herbarium specimens.

REFERENCES

Anonymous (1849). ‘““Mr David Bishop . . . [obituary]. Cottage Gardener 2: 306-307.

Druce, G. C. (1922). Flora zetlandica. Rep. botl Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isl. 6: 457-526.

Heai, G. (1909). [Juncus effusus f. spiralis]. Illustrierte Flora von Mittel-Europa. Bd. 2(16): 147, fig. 274.
Munich.

HENDERSON, D. M. (1992). A new spiral variant of Juncus effusus L. (Juncaceae). Watsonia 19: 133-134.

Lesuiz, A. C. (1981). The flora of Wisley and Ockham Commons, with Chantley Heath, Surrey. London
Naturalist 60: 21-26.

McNags, J. (1873a). Remarks on Juncus effusus spiralis and the varieties of ferns. Gard. Chron. 10 May 1873:
647.

McNas, J. (1873b). Remarks on Juncus effusus spiralis and the varieties of ferns. Trans. bot. Soc. Edinb. 11:
502-504.

NELson, E. C. (1984). [Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’] in An Irish flower garden, pp. 23-24. Kilkenny.

NELson, E. C. (1987). Scottish connections in Irish botany and horticulture. Scottish Nat. 1987: 3-31.

PRAEGER, R. L. (1896). The plants of Inishmurray, Co. Sligo. Irish Nat. 5: 177-178.

PRAEGER, R. L. (1904). The flora of Achill Island. Irish Nat. 13: 265-289.

PRAEGER, R. L. (1907). The flora of Inishturk. Jrish Nat. 16: 113-125.

PRAEGER, R. L. (1934). The botanist in Ireland, entry number 406. Dublin.

Scott, W. & PALMER, R. (1987). The flowering plants and ferns of the Shetland Islands. Lerwick.

SPENCE, M. (1906). Note on Juncus effusus, var. spiralis. Trans. bot. Soc. Edinb. 23: 233.

SPENCE, M. (1914). Flora orcadensis, p. 78. Kirkwall.

SPENCE, M. (1919). Juncus effusus spiralis. J. Bot., Lond. 57: 69.

TUTTENBERG, F. (1905). Juncus effusus var. spiralis. Gartenflora 54: 406-407, abb. 53.

E. C. NELSON
National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland

Watsonia, 19, 279-295 (1993) 279

Plant Records

Records for publication must be submitted to the appropriate Vice-county Recorder (see B.S.B.I. Year Book
for 1993), and not the Editors. The records must normally be of species, hybrids or subspecies of native or
naturalized plants belonging to one or more of the following categories: Ist or 2nd v.c. record; 1st post-1930 v.c.
record; only extant v.c. locality, or 2nd such locality; a record of an extension of range by more than 100 km.
Such records will also be accepted for the major islands in v.cc. 102-104 and 110. Only 1st records can normally
be accepted for Rubus, Hieracium and hybrids. Records for subdivisions of vice-counties will not be treated
separately; they must therefore be records for the vice-county as a whole. Records of Taraxacum are now being
dealt with separately, by Dr A. J. Richards, and will be published at a later date.

Records are arranged in the order given in the List of vascular plants of the British Isles by D. H. Kent (1992),
from which the species’ numbers, taxonomy and nomenclature are taken. The B.S.B_I. is to set up a procedure
to register changes to this list, and a number of records of additional species have been held over until the new
arrangements are in place. The Ordnance Survey national grid reference follows the habitat and locality. With
the exception of collectors’ initials, herbarium abbreviations are those used in British and Irish herbaria by D. H.
Kent & D. E. Allen (1984). Records are field records if no other source is stated.

Records from the following vice-counties are included in the text below: 2, 4-6, 9, 11, 14, 17, 21, 22, 24-30, 35,
38, 39, 41-53, 57-59, 64, 67-73, 75, 77-81, 83, 85-87, 89, 93, 98-103, 108.

The following signs are used:

* before the record: to indicate a new vice-county record.

+ before the species number: to indicate that the plant is not a native species of the British Isles.

+ before the record: to indicate a species which, though native in some parts of the British Isles, is not so in the
locality recorded.

[] enclosing a previously published record: to indicate that the record should be deleted.

4/1.1. EQUISETUM HYEMALE 42, Brecs.: Stream-bank near Hay-on-Wye, SO/243.404. W. J. H.
Price, 1992. 2nd record. 98, Main Argyll: Stony flush, Coire Dearg, Fraochaidh, NN/043.518.
R. Leishman et al., 1992. 2nd record. 108, W. Sutherland: Banks of burn, Allt na h-Airbhe, NC/
12.23. P. A. & I. M. Evans, 1992, herb. I.M.E. 2nd confirmed post-1930 record.

4/1.8 X 9. EQUISETUM PALUSTRE X E. TELMATEIA (E. X FONT-QUERI) *11, S. Hants.: Roadside,
South Baddesley, Boldre, SZ/349.966. M. W. Rowe, 1991, E, det. C. N. Page.

9/1.1. PILULARIA GLOBULIFERA *108, W. Sutherland: Loch Borralan, NC/26.10. E. Charter,
1983. Shallow water, Cam Loch, NC/22.12. P. A. & I. M. Evans, 1992, herb. I.M.E. 1st and 2nd
records.

11/1.1 X 2. POLYPODIUM VULGARE X P. INTERJECTUM (P. X MANTONIAE) *64, Mid-W. Yorks.:
Hackfall Wood, Grewelthorpe, SE/23.77. D. J. & J.S. Tennant, 1991, det. R. H. Roberts. 5,
Ayrs.: Cliffs, Ailsa Craig, NX/02.99. B. Zonfrillo, 1992, det. A. McG. Stirling.

11/1.2. POLYPODIUM INTERJECTUM *64, Mid-W. Yorks.: Near Beezley Falls, Ingleton, SD/
70.74. D. J. Tennant, 1979. Scotton Banks, Knaresborough, SE/33.57. D. J. Tennant, 1985. 1st and
2nd records, both det. R. H. Roberts.

15/2.5c. ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES subsp. PACHYRACHIS *67, S. Northumb.: Calcareous rock
wall, Hareshaw Linn near Bellingham, NY/842.854. J. M. Ide, 1992, BM, det. A. C. Jermy.

15/2.6. ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES-RAMOSUM *46, Cards.: Wheelpit and shafts of leadmine,
Esgair-Fraith, SN/741.912. S. P. Chambers & J. A. Martin, 1992.

17/1.1. POLYSTICHUM SETIFERUM 59, S. Lancs.: Base of wall near Chorlton Brook, Chorlton,
SJ/813.931. D. Bishop, 1991. 1st post-1930 record.

17/3.2 X 3. DRYOPTERIS FILIX-MAS X D. AFFINIS (D. X COMPLEXA) *58, Cheshire: Trackside,
Roman Lakes, Marple, SJ/968.876. B. Porter, 1992, NMW, det. H. Corley.

280 PLANT RECORDS

17/3.3b. DRYOPTERIS AFFINIS subsp. CAMBRENSIS *83, Midlothian: Rocky moorland slope N. of
White Craig, NT/072.543. D. R. McKean, 1992, det. A. C. Jermy.

17/3.8 X 9. DRYOPTERIS CARTHUSIANA X D. DILATATA (D. X DEWEVERI) *83, Midlothian:
Marshy area in wood, Hermands Birchwood S.W.T. Reserve near West Calder, NT/0.6. A. F.
Dyer, 1986, E, conf. C. N. Page.

26/2.2. NUPHAR PUMILA *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Kirriereoch Loch, NX/364.866. O. M. Stewart,
1991, E.

+28/6.1 X var. ACONITUM NAPELLUS X A. VARIEGATUM (A. X CAMMARUM) *44, Carms.:
Roadside verge, Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen, SN/422.196. G. Hutchinson, 1990, NMW.
*50, Denbs.: Roadside, Trefnant, SJ/056.712. G. Battershall, 1992.

28/13.7. RANUNCULUS PARVIFLORUS 24, Bucks.: Grazed turf by old gravel pit S. of Ritchings
Park, TQ/038.782. D. Green, 1992. Ist post-1930 record.

28/13.14. RANUNCULUS REPTANS *98, Main Argyll: Sandy silt on loch shore, Loch Awe near
Collaig, NN/022.204. B. H. Thompson, 1992, LTR, det. R. J. Gornall.

28/17.3. THALICTRUM FLAVUM 45, Pembs.: Tall fen, Castlemartin Corse, SR/899.997. F. A.
Abraham, 1992. 2nd record.

729/2.1. MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM *77, Lanarks.: Roadside bank between Biggar and Coulter,
NT/0.3. A. C. & P. Macpherson, 1992.

+30/1.1. PAPAVER ORIENTALE *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Disused quarry E. of Haugh of Urr, NX/
805.673. O. M. Stewart, 1992.

+31/2.2 CORYDALIS CAVA 6, N. Somerset: Dominant plant in ground flora, Terrace Wood,
Ston Easton, ST/630.540. S. Preddy, 1992. 1st record since 1922 record from Ston Easton.

40/2.1 X +2. ALNUS GLUTINOSA X A. INCANA (A. X PUBESCENS) *46, Cards.: Wet alder wood
and adjacent waste ground, Llanilar railway station, SN/628.752. A. O. Chater, 1992, NWW.

+40/2.2. ALNUSINCANA “50, Denbs.: Roadside wood, Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, SJ/169.506. J. A.
Green, 1992.

+43/3.1. ATRIPLEX HORTENSIS *58, Cheshire: Shore just above tideline, Hoylake, SJ/210.890.
V. Gordon, 1992.

43/3.4. ATRIPLEX LONGIPES *77, Lanarks.: Tidal shore of R. Clyde, Linthouse, Glasgow, NS/
53.66. P. Macpherson, 1985, herb. P. M., det. J. M. Mullin. Not refound.

43/4.1a. BETA VULGARIS subsp. MARITIMA 75, Ayrs.: Shingle near mouth of Pinbain Burn,
Lendalfoot, NX/138.916. A. McG. Stirling, 1992. Only extant locality.

43/6.4. SALICORNIA OBSCURA *6, N. Somerset: Bare mud of lower salt marsh, St George’s
Wharf, Easton-in-Gordano, ST/495.779. M. A. R. & C. Kitchen, 1991, det. F. Rose.

43/6.6. SALICORNIA FRAGILIS *6, N. Somerset: Pebbly, sandy bare area in lower salt marsh, St
George’s Wharf, Easton-in-Gordano, ST/492.775. M. A. R. & C. Kitchen, 1991, det. F. Rose.

+46/1.4. ARENARIA BALEARICA 43, Rads.: Silty concrete top of unfinished dam, Dolymynach
Reservoir, SN/909.619. R. G. Woods, 1992. 2nd record.

46/7.11. CERASTIUM PUMILUM 50, Denbs.: Limestone grassland, Rhyd y Foel, SN/917.777,
and Colwyn Bay, SN/830.799. Both G. Battershall, 1992. 1st and 2nd post-1930 records.

46/9.1. MOENCHIA ERECTA *41, Glam.: By paths through Agrostis curtisii heath on S.-facing
hillside E. of Nottill, SS/537.885. Q. O. N. Kay, 1992, NMW. 44, Carms.: Dry, S.-facing bank
near Cynghordy, SN/820.390. I. K. Morgan, 1992, NMW, conf. G. Hutchinson. 2nd post-1930
record.

46/17.3. SPERGULARIA MARINA *80, Roxburghs.: Edge of A6088 road near Southdeanrig, NT/
646.085. Edge of A68 road near Mossburnford, NT/663.155: Both M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb.

PLANT RECORDS 281

R. W. M. Corner. ist and 2nd records. 81, Berwicks.: Edge of A697 road near Carfraemill, NT/
517.526. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. 1st inland record.

746/18.1. LYCHNIS CORONARIA *51, Flints.: Track leading to disused sand pit near Ddél Uchaf
N.R., Ysceifiog, SS/140.715. J. Hughes, 1992.

746/22.2. SAPONARIA OCYMOIDES *28, W. Norfolk: Steep wooded bank, King’s Lynn, TF/
625.189. R. M. Payne, 1992.

46/25.5. DIANTHUS DELTOIDES *79, Selkirks.: Rocky basic pasture, Tinnis Top, Old Tinnis,
NT/383.292. D. J. Methven, 1992, conf. R. W. M. Corner.

747/1.7. PERSICARIA AMPLEXICAULIS *39, Staffs.: Rough grassland by A515, Draycott in the
Clay, SK/159.295. J. Clarke, 1992, herb. B. R. Fowler.

47/1.11 X 14. PERSICARIA MACULOSA X P. HYDROPIPER (P. X INTERCEDENS) *30, Beds.: Bank of
R. Great Ouse, Great Barford, TL/13.52. J. G. & C. M. Dony, 1987, LTN, conf. J. Timson.

47/1.12. PERSICARIA LAPATHIFOLIA 80, Roxburghs.: Field margin, Clarilaw, Hawick, NT/
525.184. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. R. W. M. Corner, det. J. R. Akeroyd. 1st confirmed post-
1930 record.

-47/1.16. PERSICARIA MINOR 44, Carms.: Edge of pond, Gwaith Go-Bach Pond, Dinefwr Castle
Woods, SN/619.221. I. K. Morgan, 1992, NMW, det. G. Hutchinson. 2nd record. 67S:
Northumb.: Stony lake margin, Greenlee Lough, NY/772.695. G. A. & M. Swan, 1992, herb.
G.A.S., det. J. R. Akeroyd. 2nd record.

47/4.1. POLYGONUM MARITIMUM *14, E. Sussex: Stable shingle beach, W. side of Brighton
Marina, TQ/33.03. A. Spiers, 1992, herb. P. A. Harmes, conf. J. R. Akeroyd. 15 plants. (see pp.
271-273.)

47/4.5. POLYGONUM BOREALE *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Vegetable patch, New Abbey, West
Maryfield, NX/970.664. O. M. Stewart, 1991, conf. D. R. McKean. Still present in 1992. Turnip
field, Milnmark, NX/657.820. O. M. Stewart, 1992, E, conf. J. R. Akeroyd. 1st and 2nd
records. 103, Mid Ebudes: Ground trampled by cattle, The Reef, Tiree, NM/006.449. B. H.
Thompson, 1990, GLAM, det. B. T. Styles. 2nd record.

47/5.41 X +2. FALLOPIA JAPONICA X F. SACHALINENSIS (F. X BOHEMICA) *50, Denbs.: Waste
ground, Wrexham, SJ/338.490. K. Watson, 1992, conf. V. Gordon. *59, S. Lancs.: Waste
ground beneath Pier, Southport, SD/833.177. V. Gordon, 1992, det. A. P. Conolly.

47/8.13b. RUMEX CRISPUS subsp. LITTOREUS *58, Cheshire: Boulder clay sea-cliffs, Thurstas-
ton, SJ/23.83. G. M. Kay, 1992. *98, Main Argyll: Coastal shingle and rock, Loch Gilp, NR/
86.85. A. McG. Stirling & B. H. Thompson, 1992. Rocky shore, W. coast of Kerrera, NM/80.29.
B. H. Thompson, 1992. Ist and 2nd records.

47/8.13b X 18. RUMEX CRISPUS subsp. LITTOREUS X R. PULCHER (R. X PSEUDOPULCHER) *25,
E. Suffolk: Stable shingle, Aldeburgh, TM/46.56. G. D. Kitchener, 1992, herb. G. D. K., conf. J. R.
Akeroyd. Recorded here in 1976 by J. R. Akeroyd & C. D. Preston. Ist ever record of this hybrid
with subsp. littoreus as R. crispus parent.

47/8.13 x 19. RUMEX CRISPUS X R. OBTUSIFOLIUS (R. X PRATENSIS) *103, Mid Ebudes:
Garden, Isle of Erraid, NM/30.20. J. W. Clark, 1992, E, det. D. R. McKean.

47/8.20. RUMEX PALUSTRIS *24, Bucks.: Dry, overgrown ditch between Colnebrook and
Sutton, TQ/025.781. D. Green, 1992, AYM.

48/1.10d. LIMONIUM BRITANNICUM subsp. CELTICUM *69, Westmorland: On limestone, Frith
Hall, estuary of R. Leven, SD/3.7. W. H. Pearsall, 1916, YRK. Stonework of Arnside railway
viaduct, SD/4.7. C. Webb, 1988, LANC. 1st and 2nd records of species, both det. M. Ingrouiile.

51/1.7b. HYPERICUM MACULATUM subsp. OBTUSIUSCULUM *81, Berwicks.: Woodland edge near
Carfraemill, NT/510.529. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. 1st record since 1938 and only
extant locality.

282 PLANT RECORDS

51/1.12. HyPERICUM PULCHRUM 75, Ayrs.: Ailsa Craig, NS/01.00. B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL. 1st
record from Ailsa Craig.

52/1.1. TILIA PLATYPHYLLOS +*50, Denbs.: Hedge, Colwyn Bay, SH/837.778. G. Battershall,
1992.

53/1.1. MALVA MOSCHATA +*98, Main Argyll: Area of hard-standing, Loch Ederline, NM/
870.029. A. McG. Stirling & B. H. Thompson, 1992.

753/1.2. MALVA ALCEA *41, Glam.: Waste ground, Sully, ST/163.679. S. G. Lambert, 1991,
NMW, det. D. McClintock. 1st Welsh record.

+53/1.6. MALVA PUSILLA *28, W. Norfolk: Waste ground by track in Oxborough Wood, TF/
722.012. J. E. Caffney, 1992, det. N. K. B. Robson.

53/3.1. ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS 28, W. Norfolk: Dikeside, Marshland St James, TF/503.103.
R. M. Payne, 1992. 2nd record.

57/1.4 X 6. VIOLA RIVINIANA X V. CANINA (V. X INTERSITA) *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Disused
railway, Waterside, NX/723.676. O. M. Stewart, 1992, det. A. J. Silverside.

57/1.6. VIOLA CANINA 83, Midlothian: Forest ride, Gladsmuir, NT/919.572. J. Muscott, 1992.
1st post-1930 record.

457/1.11 X 12 X alt. VIOLA X WITTROCKIANA *71, Man: Dumped garden rubbish, Ramsey
Mooragh, SC/451.955. L. S. Garrad, 1989.

61/2.2 X 3. SALIX FRAGILIS X S. ALBA (S. X RUBENS) *47, Monts.: River bank, Cilcewydd,
Welshpool, SJ/227.034. I. C. Trueman, 1991, det. C. A. Sinker. y

+61/2.6. SALIX DAPHNOIDES 44, Carms.: Coastal dunes, Pembrey Forest, SN/405.012. R. D.
Pryce et al., 1992, NMW, det. G. Hutchinson.

61/2.9 xX 12. SALIX VIMINALIS X S. AURITA (S. X FRUTICOSA) *47, Monts.: River bank,
Cilcewydd, Welshpool, SJ/226.033. I. C. Trueman, 1991, det. C. A. Sinker.

61/2.10 X 12. SALIX CAPREA X S. AURITA (S. X CAPREOLA) *46, Cards.: Scrub on riverbank,
Afon Rheidol by Glanyrafon Industrial Estate, SN/614.804. A. O. Chater, 1991, NMW, conf. R. D.
Meikle. |

61/2.12 X 15. SALIX AURITA X S. PHYLICIFOLIA (S. X LUDIFICANS) *83, Midlothian: Marsh by
Gala Water, Heriot House, NT/40.54. R. Learmouth, 1992, herb. R.L., det. R. D. Meikle.

461/2.13. SALIX ERIOCEPHALA *46, Cards.: Amongst Molinia caerulea on bank of Afon
Ystwyth, Llanfarian, SN/588.778. S. P. Chambers & A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW, conf. R. D.
Meikle.

+62/7.1. ERYSIMUM CHEIRANTHOIDES *46, Cards.: Newly reconstructed verge of A44(T),
Lovesgrove, SN/631.811. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

62/12.5. RORIPPA SYLVESTRIS *93, N. Aberdeen: Waste ground, Insch, NJ/629.278. D. Welch,
1992, ABD, conf. T. C. G. Rich.

762/16.1. AUBRIETA DELTOIDEA 50, Denbs.: Disused quarry N. of Bryn Euryn, SH/8.8.
R. Lewis, 1992. 2nd record.

62/21.4. DRABA MURALIS +*52, Anglesey: Disused limestone quarry near Llangoed, SH/60.81.
D. F. Evans, 1991.

62/22.3. EROPHILA GLABRESCENS *79, Selkirks.: Rocks by R. Tweed below Yair Bridge, NT/
459.325. *80, Roxburghs.: Rocky pasture, Smailholm Craigs, NT/637.347. Both R. W. M.
Corner, 1991, herb. R.W.M.C., det. T. T. Elkington.

62/30.3. LEPIDIUM HETEROPHYLLUM 28, W. Norfolk: Field edge, Marham, TF/732.103.
J. Williamson, 1992, det. K. A: & G. Becket. 2nd record. |

PLANT RECORDS 283

62/30.5. LEPIDIUM RUDERALE 70, Cumberland: Gullery, S. end of Rockcliffe Marsh, NY/
310.626. D. Hawker, 1992, LANC. Disturbed roadside verge, Brunstock, Carlisle, NY/426.592.
P. Burton, 1992, LANC. Ist records since 1908.

+62/30.8. LEPIDIUM DRABA 81, Berwicks.: Railway bank, Reston, NT/878.619. A. R. Jermyn,
1992. 1st record since 1892. Side of A6112 road between Duns and Grantshouse, NT/812.645. M. E.
& P. F. Braithwaite, 1992. 2nd extant locality.

+62/30.8b. LEPIDIUM DRABA subsp. CHALEPENSE *6, N. Somerset: Salt marsh, St George’s
Wharf, Portbury, ST/500.780. M. A. R. & C. Kitchen, 1991, det. T. C. G. Rich. *29, Cambs.:
Waste area at corner of arable field, Morden Grange chalkpit, TL/295.401. A. Showler, 1992, det.
T. C. G. Rich.

+62/36.1. ERUCASTRUM GALLICUM *5, S. Somerset: Disturbed roadside bank, Bayford, ST/
728.290. I. P. Green, 1992. Gravel heap, Henstridge Marsh, ST/754.200. I. P. Green, 1992. 1st and
2nd records.

+62/37.1b. COINCYA MONENSIS subsp. RECURVATA 44, Carms.: Penrhyngwyn, Machynys,
Llanelli, SS/517.973. I. K. Morgan, 1992. NMW, det. G. Hutchinson. 2nd record.

+62/38.1. HIRSCHFELDIA INCANA *42, Brecs.: Roadside verge near Brecon, SO/067.278.
M. Porter, 1991. *71, Man: Tip S.W. of Point of Ayre, NX/460.040. B. A. Tregale, 1988.

63/1.3. RESEDA LUTEA *93, N. Aberdeen: Disused gravel pit, Memsie, NJ/985.620. D. Welch,
1991, ABD.

64/1.1b. EMPETRUM NIGRUM subsp. HERMAPHRODITICUM 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Rocky ground on
E. side of Carlin’s Cairn, Corserine, NX/498.882. R. W. M. Corner, 1992, E. 2nd record.

65/13.2. VACCINIUM MICROCARPUM *93, N. Aberdeen: Sphagnum flush, Buck of Cabrach, NJ/
417.238. R. W. M. Corner, 1991, herb. D. Welch. 2nd record.

66/1.3. PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA *93, N. Aberdeen: Acidic flush, Buck of Cabrach, NJ/413.239.
R. W. M. Corner, 1992. Ist localised record.

67/1.1b. MONOTROPA HYPOPITYS subsp. HYPOPHEGEA +58, Cheshire: Large colony in old tree
nursery, Priory Gardens Reserve, Sale, SJ/802.926. A. & S. Bell, 1992. Only extant locality.

69/1.2. PRIMULA ELATIOR *24, Bucks.: Ancient woodland over calcareous clay, Bovington
Great Wood, TL/002.052. R. Mabey, 1977. Heather Grove, SP/994.055. R. Mabey, 1977-1989. 1st
and 2nd records.

69/1.3. PRIMULA VERIS 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Short turf near shore, Burnfoot, NX/742.446.
O. M. Stewart, 1991. Only extant locality.

+69/4.4. LYSIMACHIA CILIATA 98, Main Argyll: Damp ground by Loch Ederline, NM/870.029.
A. McG. Stirling & B. H. Thompson, 1992. 2nd record.

69/8.1. SAMOLUS VALERANDI *24, Bucks.: Margin of lake formed after gravel extraction,
Great Linford, SP/845.439. C. Machaddie, R. Maycock & A. Woods, 1991.

+72/1.1. ESCALLONIA MACRANTHA *49, Caerns.: Woodland edge, Coed Tan yr Allt between
Pontwgan and Rowen, SH/761.717. R. Lewis, 1992, NMW, det. R. G. Ellis & G. Hutchinson.

+72/2.4. RIBES SANGUINEUM *98, Main Argyll: Forest roadside, Minard Castle, NR/970.951.
B. H. Thompson, 1992.

+73/1.3. CRASSULA HELMSII *30, Beds.: Pond near Podington, SP/937.628. M. Powell, 1988,
LTN, conf. C. R. Boon. *70, Cumberland: Water 70 cm deep, Lord’s Bay, Derwent Water,
NY/266.218. G. Halliday, 1992, LANC, det. C. D. Preston.

+73/5.7. SEDUM SPURIUM *28, W. Norfolk: On concrete, Ickburgh, TL/823.950. K. A.
Beckett, 1992.

284 PLANT RECORDS

+73/5.10. SEDUM RUPESTRE *98, Main Argyll: Steep bank between road and seashore near
Kilchoan, Loch Melfort, NM/803.131. B. H. Thompson, 1992. Churchyard wall between North
Connel and Ardchattan, NM/944.359. B. H. Thompson, 1992. 1st and 2nd records.

+74/4.1. DARMERA PELTATA *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Marshy ground, Carruchan, NX/949.734.
O. M. Stewart, 1992.

+75/3.1 X 3. SPIRAEA SALICIFOLIA X S. DOUGLASII (S. X PSEUDOSALICIFOLIA) *29, Cambs.: By
footpath leading from road between Swavesey and Over, TL/368.701. J. C. A. Rathwell, 1992,
CGE. ist confirmed record.

+75/3.2. SPIRAEA ALBA 70, Cumberland: Roadside hedge, Aikshaw, Westnewton, NY/
124.463. E. Marper, 1992, LANC, det. A. J. Silverside. 1st record since 1876 collection from same
site.

+75/3.2 X 3. SPIRAEA ALBA X S. DOUGLASII (S. X BILLARDII) *75, Ayrs.: Side of A736 at Bloak
Moss, Kilwinning, NS/36.45. J. Flanagan & K. Cruikshank, 1976, herb. A. J. Silverside, det.
A. J. S. Overgrown river shingle, R. Stinchar near Colmonell, NX/1.8. A. McG. Stirling, 1991, E,
det. A. J. Silverside. 1st and 2nd records.

+75/3.6. SPIRAEA CANESCENS *46, Cards.: Rocky scrub, Allt Goch quarries, Cwrtnewydd, SN/
491.483. A. O. Chater, 1991, NMW.

+75/8.6. RUBUS PARVIFLORUS *50, Denbs.: Deciduous wood, Gresford, SJ/340.542.
K. Watson, 1992, det. V. Gordon.

+75/8.8. RUBUS PHOENICOLASIUS *4, N. Devon: Sourton Quarry, SX/523.896. L. J. Margetts,
1992, herb. W. H. Tucker. *77, Lanarks.: Pebbly shore of Canting Basin, Old Princes Dock,
Glasgow, NS/56.65. P. Macpherson, 1991, herb. P.M., det. A. Newton.

75/8.16. RUBUS BRIGGSIANUS *5,.S. Somerset: Forest ride, Staple»Hill,~SiZ3. 16s Lad.
Margetts, 1991, det. A. Newton.

75/8.45. RUBUS CRUDELIS *27, E. Norfolk: Hedgerow by lane near woodland, Saxthorpe, TG/
11.32. A. L. Bull, 1992, herb. A.L.B., det. A. Newton. Extension of range c. 160 km northwards.

+75/8.55. RUBUS LACINIATUS *4, N. Devon: Car park, Tiverton, SS/960.128. B. Benfield,
1992.

75/8.98. RUBUS CURVISPINOSUS *21, Middlesex: Bushy slope and open woodland, East Heath,
Hampstead. TQ/28.86. D. E. Allen, 1992, BM, conf. A. Newton.

75/8.117. RUBUS POLYANTHEMUS 75, Ayrs.: Shingle shore near the pier, Ailsa Craig, NX/
02.99. B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL, det. A. McG. Stirling. 1st Ailsa Craig record.

78/8.123. RUBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS *11, S. Hants.: Under gorse, Rockford Common, SU/
17.08. D. E. Allen, 1986, herb. D.E.A., det. A. Newton. 75, Ayrs.: Ailsa Craig, NX/0.9.
B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL, det. A. McG. Stirling. 1st Ailsa Craig record.

75/8.134. RUBUS ARMENIACUS *98, Main Argyll: Side of road to Bonawe Ferry, Taynuilt, NN/
0.3. A. McG. Stirling, 1992.

75/8.136. RUBUS HYLOPHILUS *11, S. Hants.: Among gorse, Hamble Common, SU/484.059.
D.E. Allen, 1992, BM, det. A. Newton.

75/8.142. RUBUS ULMIFOLIUS 75, Ayrs.: Near the lighthouse, Ailsa Craig, NX/024.997.
B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL, det. A. McG. Stirling. 1st Ailsa Craig record.

75/8.156. RUBUS LEUCOSTACHYS *25, E. Suffolk: By path through woodland, Martlesham,
TM/257.464. A. L. Bull, 1991, herb. A.L.B., conf. A. Newton. *27, E. Norfolk: Secondary
woodland, Pretty Corner, Sheringham, TG/15.41. A. L. Bull, 1992, herb. A.L.B., conf.
A. Newton.

75/8.172. RUBUS MUCRONATOIDES *42, Brecs.: Deciduous wood, Llandefaelog-fach, SO/
028.324. M. Porter, 1990, herb. M.P., conf. A. Newton.

PLANT RECORDS 285

75/8.206. RUBUS ANISACANTHOS *27, E. Norfolk: Tilia cordata wood, Hockering Wood, TG/
0.1. A. L. Bull, 1992, herb. A.L.B., det. A. Newton.

75/8.224. RUBUS BLOXAMII *42, Brecs.: Ride in plantation, Crychan Forest N. of Glan Dulas,
SN/87.42. M. Porter, 1991, herb. M.P., det. A. Newton.

75/8.270 RUBUS HYLOCHARIS *11, S. Hants.: Wood margin, Johnston’s Coppice, Purbrook,
SU/689.078. D. E. Allen, 1992, BM, det. A. Newton.

_ 75/8.305. RUBUS BRITANNICUS *11, S. Hants.: Gundymoor Wood, Havant, SU/69.07. D. E.
Allen, 1992, BM, det. A. Newton. *27, E. Norfolk: Wood margin, Wolferton Park, TG/16.31.
A. L. Bull, 1992, herb. A.L.B., det. A. Newton.

75/8.313. RUBUS NEMOROSUS *42, Brecs.: Riverbank, Llanhamlach, SO/078.274. M. Porter,
1991, herb. M.P., conf. A. Newton.

75/9.2. POTENTILLA PALUSTRIS 5, S. Somerset: Elworthy, ST/065.240. P. R. Green, 1992. 2nd
record.

75/9.13 X 15. POTENTILLA ERECTA X P. REPTANS (P. X ITALICA) *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Steep
grassy bank, Little Raebury, NX/704.436. O. M. Stewart, 1991, E, det. D. R. McKean.

775/18.3. ACAENA OVALIFOLIA *98, Main Argyll: Forest roadside above Benmore Gardens,
NS/137.856. B.H. Thompson, 1990, conf. P. F. Yeo.

75/19.10b. ALCHEMILLA FILICAULIS subsp. VESTITA 46, Cards.: Neutral grassland in meadow by
Ddol-wen, S.E. of Aberaeron, SN/467.611. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW. 2nd record.

75/21.4 X 11. ROSA ARVENSIS X R. STYLOSA (R. X PSEUDORUSTICANA) *29, Cambs.: Narrow
ride, Triangle Ride, Hayley Wood, TL/291.532. C. D. Preston & A. L. Primavesi, 1992, CGE, det.
A.L.P.

75/21.4 X 12. ROSA ARVENSIS X R. CANINA (R. X VERTICILLACANTHA) *29, Cambs.: Parish
boundary hedge S.E. of Wood Farm, Hardwick, TL/365.571. C. D. Preston & A. L. Primavesi,
1992, CGE, det. A.L.P. *46, Cards.: Roadside bank N.W. of Blaen-twrch, SN/677.501. A. O.
Chater, 1990, NMW, det. A. L. Primavesi.

75/21.5. ROSA PIMPINELLIFOLIA *29, Cambs.: Swaffham Prior, TL/5.6. Dr Jermyn, 1826 &
25.6.1827, CGE, det. A. L. Primavesi. Confirmation of records hitherto thought dubious.

175/21.7. ROSA ‘HOLLANDICA’ *46, Cards.: Scrub on waste ground near site of Llanilar
Station, SN/625.753. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

75/21.11. ROSA STYLOSA 35, Mons.: Rough grassy common, Snowball Common, Portskewett,
ST/499.884. T. G. Evans, 1991, conf. G. G. Graham. Trackside, Minnetts Wood, ST/453.895. T. G.
Evans, 1992, herb. T.G.E., conf. G. G. Graham. ist and 2nd post-1930 records.

75/21.11 X 12. ROSA STYLOSA X R. CANINA (R. X ANDEGAVENSIS) *29, Cambs.: Side of ditch,
Fen Road, Bassingbourn, TL/325.449. P. D. Sell, 1982, CGE, det. A. L. Primavesi. +35,
Mons.: Streamside and grassy bank, S. E. Carleon below Christchurch, ST/342.897. T. G. Evans,
1990, herb. T.G.E., det. G. G. Graham. ist Welsh record.

75/21.11 X 14. Rosa sTyLosA X R. OBTUSIFOLIA *29, Cambs.: Hedge N.W. of Park Farm
Cottages, Stetchworth, TL/660.565. C. D. Preston & S. E. Yates, 1992, herb. A. L. Primavesi, det.
Aer.

75/21.12 X 13a. ROSA CANINA X R. CAESIA Subsp. CAESIA (R. X DUMALIS) *46, Cards.: Hedge
S. of Blaenpistyll, Tremaen, SN/232.475. A. O. Chater, 1985, NMW, det. A. L. Primavesi.

75/21.12 X 13b. Rosa CANINA X R. CAESIA subsp. GLAUCA (R. X DUMALIS) *28, W. Norfolk:
Edge of track N. of Hockwold cum Wilton, TL/739.893. C. D. Preston, 1992, det. A. L.
Primavesi. *35, Mons.: Lower White Castle, SO/38.16. T. G. Evans, 1992, herb. T.G.E., det.
G. G. Graham. *47, Monts.: Hedge, Llanwnog, SO/04.94. A. Franks & J. Clarke, 1991, det.
A. L. Primavesi.

286 PLANT RECORDS

75/21.12 X 14. Rosa CANINA X R. OBTUSIFOLIA (R. X DUMETORUM) *29, Cambs.: Hedge along
footpath between Burton End and Leys Wood, TL/626.494. C. D. Preston & A. L. Primavesi, 1992,
CGE, det. A.L.P.

75/21.12 X 18. ROSA CANINA X R. RUBIGINOSA (R. X NITIDULA) *29, Cambs.: Milton Country
Park, TL/48.62. G. M. S. Easy, 1992, CGE, det. A. L. Primavesi.

75/21.13b. ROSA CAESIA subsp. GLAUCA *35, Mons.: Parkland, E. Blackwood, ST/17.96.
R. Fraser, 1990, herb. T. G. Evans, det. G. G. Graham.

75/21.15. ROSA TOMENTOSA *35, Mons.: Narrow wood, Llantarnam Abbey, ST/305.927. T. G.
Evans, 1992, herb. T.G.E., det. G. G. Graham. 2nd post-1930 record.

75/21.15 X 16. ROSA TOMENTOSA X R. SHERARDII (R. X SUBERECTIFORMIS) *46, Cards.: Hedge,
Derlwyn W.N.W. of Tregaron, SN/662.605. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW, det. G. G. Graham.

75/21.16. ROSA SHERARDII 9, Dorset: By old track, Stalbridge, ST/74.17. L. J. Margetts & J.
Ounsted, 1992, det. G. G. Graham. 2nd record.

75/21.16 X 19. ROSA SHERARDH X R. MICRANTHA *46, Cards.: Hedge W. of Capel Maen-y-
groes, New Quay, SN/384.589. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW, det. G. G. Graham.

775/22.3. PRUNUS CERASIFERA *49,. Caerns.: Copse between Tan-y-groes and Tal-y-cafn
Bridge, SH/783.718. R. Lewis, 1992, NMW, det. R. G. Ellis & G. Hutchinson.

775/22.12. PRUNUS SEROTINA *26, W. Suffolk: Scrub on grass heath, Barnham Cross
Common, TL/867.817. K. A. Beckett, 1992.

+75/22.14. PRUNUS LAUROCERASUS *49, Caerns.: Edge of woodland opposite Maenan Abbey
Hotel, SH/79.65. R. Lewis, 1992. Small copse between. Tan-y-groes and Tal-y-cafn Bridge, SH/
78.71. R. Lewis, 1992. 1st and 2nd post-1930 records.

*75/28.21. SORBUS CROCEOCARPA *47, Monts.: Trackside hedge. Brooks, SO/146.996. P. J. M.
Nethercott, 1991.

175/28.23. SORBUS LATIFOLIA *25, E. Suffolk: Between road and dyke, Wolsey Bridge,
Wangford, TM/47.76. Suffolk Wildlife Trust member, 1990, CGE, det. P. D. Sell.

+75/32.40. COTONEASTER STERNIANUS *11, S. Hants.: Foot of gravelly bank of A35, Markway
Hill, SU/244.026. R. P. Bowman, 1992, herb. R.P.B., det. J. Fryer. *83, Midlothian: Edge of
golf course, Levenhall, Musselburgh, NT/35.73. D. R. McKean, 1988, E, det. J. Fryer.

75/35.7 X 8. CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA X C. LAEVIGATA (C. X MACROCARPA) *77, Lanarks.:
Overgrown hedge, Sunnyside, S.E. of Hamilton High Parks, NS/74.51. A. McG. Stirling, 1979,
herb. P. Macpherson, conf. B. Wurzell.

+77/7.1d. ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA subsp. CARPATICA +*77, Lanarks.: Grassy waste ground,
Garden Festival site, Glasgow, NS/56.65. P. Macpherson, 1992, herb. P.M., det. J. R. Akeroyd (as
var. pseudovulneraria).

77/7.1e. ANTHYLLIS VULNERARIA subsp. LAPPONICA *75, Ayrs.: Coast, Ardrossan, NS/2.4.
G. A. C. Macpherson, 1963, herb. P. Macpherson, det. J. R. Akeroyd.

77/14.1. VICIA OROBUS 75, Ayrs.: Slown’s Cairn, Glenmuck, NS/510.033. E. L. Birse, 1958.
2nd record.

*77/15.6. LATHYRUS TUBEROSUS *58. Cheshire: Canal bank, Hassall Green, SJ/771.587. J. E.
Hawksford, 1992.

*77/15.7. LATHYRUS GRANDIFLORUS *58, Cheshire: Bank of old railway, Portwood, Stockport,
SJ/904.915. E. & O. Kearns, 1992, det. G. M. Kay.

77/15.12. LATHYRUS NISSOLIA +42, Brecs.: Roadside verge near Brecon, SO/073.275.
M. Porter, 1991. 2nd record. +58, Cheshire: Railway embankment, Wardle, Nantwich, SJ/
603.580. G. M. Kay, 1992. Only persistent population.

PLANT RECORDS 287

77/18.2a. MEDICAGO SATIVA subsp. FALCATA +*50, Denbs.: Colwyn Bay by-pass, SH/823.787.
J. A. Green, 1990, NMW.

77/19.1. TRIFOLIUM ORNITHOPODIOIDES 44, Carms.: Colliery tip, Morlais Colliery, Llangen-
nech, SN/571.021. I. K. Morgan, 1992, NMW, conf. G. Hutchinson. 2nd record.

*77/19.19a. TRIFOLIUM INCARNATUM subsp. INCARNATUM 52, Anglesey: Disturbed soil above
shore E. of Amlwch Port, SH/46.93. J. Clarke, 1991. 2nd record. *80, Roxburghs.: Turnip field
N. of Synton Mossend, NT/478.213. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. R. W. M. Corner. 1st record
except for wool aliens.

+77/22.2. LABURNUM ALPINUM 44, Carms.: Hedge along B4333 E. of Dangoilan, SN/342.332.
I. K. Morgan, 1992, NMW, det. A. O. Chater. 2nd record.

+77/23.2. CyYTISUS MULTIFLORUS *81, Berwicks.: Rocky bank above railway, Penmanshiel,
NT/796.671. M. E. & P. F. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B.

77/26.2. ULEX GALLI 80, Roxburghs.: Bank above Rule Burn E. of Ruletownhead, NT/
619.129. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. R. W. M. Corner. 1st confirmed record for over a century.

+79/2.2. MYRIOPHYLLUM AQUATICUM *29, Cambs.: Ditch, Willingham, TL/408.703. C. D.
Preston & S. E. Yates, 1992.

79/2.4. MYyRIOPHYLLUM ALTERNIFLORUM 24, Bucks.: Recently cleared pond, Naphill Common,
SU/845.964. D. Showler, 1992. 1st post-1930 record.

84/1.1 x 3. EPILOBIUM HIRSUTUM X E. MONTANUM (E. X ERRONEUM) *39, Staffs.: Rough
grassland slope, Fauld Crater, SK/183.277. I. Brown, 1986, det. T. D. Pennington. tS
Midlothian: Verge of A7 N. of Fountainhall, NT/41.52. R. Learmouth, 1990, E, det. T. D.
Pennington.

84/1.3 X +8. EPILOBIUM MONTANUM XX E. CILIATUM *64, Mid-W. Yorks.: Trackside, Burley-
in-Wharfedale, SE/165.473. Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union excursion, 1992, det. T. D. Pennington.

84/1.4. EPILOBIUM LANCEOLATUM 728, W. Norfolk: Gravelly garden, Stradsett, TF/669.053.
Revie Payne, (992. 2nd record. 38, Warks.: Dry diorite dust at pool margin in quarry,
Atherstone, SP/306.958. J. W. Partridge, 1990, WAR, det. T. D. Pennington. 2nd record. 245:
Pembs.: Slate quarry spoil, Teifi Marshes, Cardigan, SN/189.451. A. O. Chater, 1992.

84/1.5. EPILOBIUM TETRAGONUM *68, Cheviot: Margin of lake, Nelly’s Moss Lakes, NU/
081.023. G. A. Swan, 1991, herb. G.A.S., det. T. D. Pennington. Ist confirmed record.

84/4.2. OENOTHERA FALLAX 25, E. Suffolk: Verge of Viewpoint Road, Landguard Common,
TM/28.32. A. Copping, 1992, herb. E. & M. Hyde. 2nd record. *46, Cards.: Disused railway,
Llanfarian, SN/591.778. S. P. Chambers, 1992, det. J. C. Bowra.

785/2.1. AUCUBA JAPONICA *71, Man: Trollaby Lane, SC/352.784. L. S. Garrad, 1971. Hedge,
Ballachurry, Andreas, SC/402.968. M. Devereau, 1989. 1st and 2nd records.

88/1.1. EUONYMUS EUROPAEUS *71, Man: Deep river gorge between limestone and Manx Slate
rocks, Santon Gorge, SC/297.695. B. A. Tregale et al., 1990.

+89/1.1 X per. ILEX AQUIFOLIUM X I. PERADO (I. X ALTACLERENSIS) *46, Cards.: Mixed
deciduous woodland, Penglais Woods, Aberystwyth, SN/590.821. A. O. Chater, 1992.

— 91/2.9. EUPHORBIA LATHYRIS +*73, Kirkcudbrights.: Shingle on shore, Carsethorn, NX/
991.599. O. M. Stewart, 1992. Present for at least three years here.

91/2.12. EUPHORBIA PORTLANDICA *101, Kintyre: Coastal sand dunes, Carskey Bay, NR/
661.078. M. E. Mitchell & A. J. Silverside, 1991.

793/1.1. VITIS VINIFERA *46, Cards.: Bank of Afon Rheidol N.W. of Pont Pen-y-bont,
Penparcau, SN/590.806. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

288 PLANT RECORDS

4102/1.4. OXALIS EXILIS *26, W. Suffolk: Garden paths, Bacton Green, TM/035.656.
R. Addington, 1991, herb. E. & M. Hyde.

103/1.9. GERANIUM SANGUINEUM +*46, Cards.: Grassy roadside verge, Penparc, SN/201.479.
A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

+103/1.17. GERANIUM MACRORRHIZUM *77, Lanarks.: Grassy waste ground, Garden Festival
Site, Glasgow, NS/56.64. P. Macpherson, 1992, herb. P.M. Spreading.

103/1.20. GERANIUM PURPUREUM **71, Man: Garden, The Grove Rural Life Museum,
N. Ramsey, SC/444.955. L. S. Garrad, 1990. Established for over 60 years.

+106/1.1. HEDERA COLCHICA *6, N. Somerset: Steep-sided combe, Combe Lane, Glaston-
bury, ST/507.391. P.R. Green; 1997. *43, Rads.: Wood, Garth Dingle Wood, Llowes, SU/
189.420. R. G. Woods, 1992.

+107/4.2. ERYNGIUM PLANUM *77, Lanarks.: Grassy bank, Garden Festival Site, Glasgow, NS/
56.65. P. Macpherson, 1991, herb. P.M., det. D. R. McKean. Spreading.

107/6.2. ANTHRISCUS CAUCALIS 81, Berwicks.: Sandy roadside bank, Pease Bay, NT/793.707.
M.E. & P. F. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. 1st record since 1893.

+107/14.1. AEGOPODIUM PODAGRARIA 75, Ayrs.: Near lighthouse, Ailsa Craig, NX/024.998.
B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL. 1st Ailsa Craig record.

107/17.1. CRITHMUM MARITIMUM *59,S.Lancs.: Artificial shingle beach derived from builders’
rubble, Hightown, SD/295.023. V. Gordon, 1992.

107/26.3. BUPLEURUM TENUISSIMUM 51, Flints.: Side of R. Dee, Shotton, SJ/311.693. Gide
Sloman, 1992. Ist post-1930 record.

107/34.2. CARUM VERTICILLATUM *22, Berks.: Species-rich meadow, Winkfield, SU/911.721.
J. L. Francis & A. L. Morton, 1992, RNG, conf. S. L. Jury.

108/3.3. CENTAURIUM LITTORALE *51, Flints.: Dune slacks between Point of Ayr and the
Warren, Talacre, SJ/111.851. P. Frost, 1991, det. F. Ubsdell. 1st post-1930 record.

111/3.2 X +4. CALYSTEGIA SEPIUM X C. SILVATICA (C. X LUCANA) *48, Merioneth: Thicket,
Gloddfa Road, Barmouth, SH/615.157. P. M. Benoit, 1992, NMW. 1st confirmed record.

¥111/3.3. CALYSTEGIA PULCHRA *28, W. Norfolk: Hedge, Litcham, TF/889.173. K. A.
Beckett, 1992.

113/2.1. NYMPHOIDES PELTATA +*46, Cards.: Ditch in marsh near Brimstone Wildlife Centre,
Penuwch, SN/609.630. I. S. Francis, 1992. Slow-flowing meanders of Afon Aeron at Winllan,
Trefilan, SN/567.573. A. O. Chater & I. S. Francis, 1992. 1st and 2nd records.

116/2.1. ECHIUM VULGARE 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Reclaimed land, Mutehill, NX/686.486.
O. M. Stewart & A. White, 1992. Only extant locality.

116/4.3. SYMPHYTUM TUBEROSUM +47, Monts.: Churchyard, Penstrowed, SO/070.916. C. A.
Small, 1991. 2nd record.

+116/7.1. CYNOGLOTTIS BARRELIERI *25, E. Suffolk: Well established in sandy waste ground,
Lewis Lane, Stutton, TM/138.348. E. M. Hyde, 1992, herb. E. & M. Hyde, det. E. J. Clement.

+116/10.1. TRACHYSTEMON ORIENTALIS 49, Caerns.: Under trees by R. Ro near Rowen, SH/
762.717. R. Lewis, 1992. 2nd record.

116/15.9. MyosoTIS RAMOSISSIMA 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Sandy ground near shore, Mossyard,
NX/549.515. O. M. Stewart, 1992. 2nd extant locality.

+116/16.1. OMPHALODES VERNA *71, Man: Overgrown cemetery, Braddan New Cemetery,
S@/365:772. 1S. -Garmad, 19918

PLANT RECORDS 289

118/1.5 X 6. STACHYS SYLVATICA X S. PALUSTRIS (S. X AMBIGUA) *50, Denbs.: Damp
grassland, Llay, SJ/325.553. K. Watson, 1992.

+118/4.1c. LAMIASTRUM GALEOBDOLON subsp. ARGENTATUM *48, Merioneth: Near Pen-y-Cefn,
Dolgellau, SH/722.185. R. G. Ellis, 1987, NMW. *71, Man: Small wooded area by stream,
Ballavitchell Road, Crosby, SC/328.799. L. S. Garrad, 1982. Still present in 1991. Streamside,
Agneash, Lonan, SC/432.863. L. S. Garrad, 1988. 1st and 2nd records. *80, Roxburghs.: Bank
of R. Teviot at Hornshole Bridge, Hawick, NT/533.167. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992.

118/9.1. MARRUBIUM VULGARE 44, Carms.: Grey dunes, Pembrey Burrows, SN/435.002. I. K.
Morgan & R. D. Pryce, 1992. Only extant locality.

+118/13. rac X nep. NEPETA RACEMOSA X N. NEPETELLA (N. X FAASSENII) *50, Denbs.:
Railway bank, Llandulas, SH/9.7. G. Battershall, 1992.

118/23.4. MENTHA SUAVEOLENS +*59, S. Lancs.: Grassland, Martin Mere Wildfowl Trust
reserve, SD/42.14. P. J. Wisniewski, 1991.

118/25.4. SALVIA VERBENACA +75, Ayrs.: Banks, Ardstinchar Castle, NX/086.825. A. McG.
Stirling & A. Rutherford, 1992. Only extant locality, where first recorded before 1903.

120/1.2. CALLITRICHE TRUNCATA *9, Dorset: Ornamental lake, Forde Abbey Lake, ST/
359.049. H. J. M. Bowen, 1992.

120/1.4. CALLITRICHE PLATYCARPA 25, E. Suffolk: Ditch S. of New Dyke, Shipmeadow, TM/
388.907. C. D. Preston & N. F. Stewart, 1989. 1st post-1930 record.

¥121/1.6. PLANTAGO ARENARIA *4, N. Devon: In great quantity on new roadside verges of
A399, Berrynarbor, SS/567.473. W. H. Tucker, 1992, conf. B. Wurzell.

124/1.2. VERBASCUM VIRGATUM +*59, S. Lancs.: Waste ground between Higginshaw and
Manchester, SD/934.057. A. Frank & P. Tolfree, 1988.

4124/1.5. VERBASCUM PHLOMOIDES *38, Warks.: Waste ground, Longford, Coventry, SP/
34.84. J. Robbins, 1981, WAR, det. I. K. Ferguson. Waste ground, Leamington Spa, SP/324.649.
J. W. Partridge, 1986, WAR, det. P. J. Copson.

124/1. {5 X 7. VERBASCUM PHLOMOIDES X V. THAPSUS (V. X KERNERI) *29, Cambs.: Waste
ground, Hauxton Gravel Pits, TL/437.521. G. M. S. Easy & P. H. Oswald, 1992, herb. G.M.S.E.
With both parents.

7124/4.1. MIMULUS MOSCHATUS 98, Main Argyll: Coastal flush, Achnacloich, Loch Etive,
NM/959.342. B. H. Thompson, 1992. 2nd record.

4124/11.2. CYMBALARIA PALLIDA *50, Denbs.: Old wall, Eglwys Bach, SH/823.665. B.S.B.I.
excursion, 1991.

¥124/13.3. LINARIA PURPUREA 75, Ayrs.: Kilwinning, NS/3.4. B. Simpson, 1975. Rubbish tip,
_ Doon Bridge, Dalmellington, NS/461.059. A.McG. Stirling & O. M. Stewart, 1992. 1st and 2nd
records.

4124/16.18. VERONICA PEREGRINA 2, E. Cornwall: Base of old wall, Lostwithiel, SX/145.605.
E. Griffiths, 1991. Ist record since 1923.

7124/16.25. VERONICA LONGIFOLIA 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Bank of R. Cree S. of Creebridge,
NX/412.653. O. M. Stewart, 1992. 2nd record.

124/18.1. SIBTHORPIA EUROPAEA *9, Dorset: Moist ground in streamside wood, Hewood
Bottom, ST/363.030. B. Edwards, 1992, conf. C. D. Preston.

124/20.5b. EUPHRASIA ARCTICA subsp. BOREALIS 83, Midlothian: Heathy grassland near Stow,
NT/46.41. M. Little, 1985, E, det. A. J. Silverside. 1st post-1930 record.

124/20.19. EUPHRASIA SCOTTICA 81, Berwicks.: P-ase-rich flush, Whalplaw Burn, NT/548.568.
M. E. Braithwaite & D. G. Long, 1992, herb. M.E.B., det. A. J. Silverside. 2nd record.

290 PLANT RECORDS

124/24.1. RHINANTHUS ANGUSTIFOLIUS +*35, Mons.: Artificial grassy bank, Greenmeadow
Community Farm, ST/27.96. C. Titcombe et al., 1992, det. C. T. & T. G. Evans. 2nd Welsh record.

125/2.1. OROBANCHE PURPUREA *9, Dorset: On Achillea millefolium, Small Mouth, Portland,
SY/67.75. J. Pyatt, 1992, det. F. J. Rumsey. 1st confirmed record. +*17, Surrey: On Achillea
millefolium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TQ/1.7. T. A. Cope & B. R. Spooner, 1992. Not
deliberately introduced.

128/2.4. UTRICULARIA STYGIA *98, Main Argyll: Oligotrophic loch, Corran Lochan, NS/
216.953. A. McG. Stirling & B. H. Thompson, 1990, E. Edge of mire pool, Altan Airigh Mhic
Chainnich, NN/032.112. B. H. Thompson, 1992, det. A. McG. Stirling & B.H.T. 1st and 2nd
records.

+129/1.4. CAMPANULA PERSICIFOLIA *51, Flints.: Dune grassland, Talacre Dunes, Point of
Ayr, SJ/120.849. R. G. Ellis, 1988, NMW, det. G. Hutchinson.

129/1.12. CAMPANULA TRACHELIUM +*64, Mid-W. Yorks.: Stonework of old bell pit, Grass
Wood, Grassington, SD/988.655. M. Hanson, 1991. 1st confirmed record, previous reports being
errors for C. latifolia.

+129/9.1. DOWNINGIA ELEGANS *26, W. Suffolk: New golf course, Elveden, TL/8.8. P. G.
Lawson, 1992, conf. E. J. Clement (from photograph).

+131/3. orb X mic. SYMPHORICARPOS ORBICULARIS X S. MICROPHYLLOS (S. X CHENAULTII) *46,
Cards.: Bank of Nant Ardal, Llanilar, SN/623.751. S. P. Chambers, 1992, NMW.

133/1.3. WALERIANELLA RIMOSA *27, E. Norfolk: Cornfield, High Kelling, TG/1.4. Mrs
Gomersal, 1939, det. G. Foggitt. Recorded here until 1945.

7135/1.2. ECHINOPS EXALTATUS *99, Dunbarton: Waste ground, Forth & Clyde Canal E. of
Temple Lock, Glasgow, NS/55.69. G. McGhee, 1989, E (photograph), det. D. R. McKean.

135/2.1. CARLINA VULGARIS *98, Main Argyll: Dry, S.-facing ledges on cliffs of raised shore
platform, Rubha Seanach, Kerrera, NM/80.25. B. H. Thompson, 1992, herb. B.H.T.

135/3.1. ARCTIUM LAPPA *46, Cards.: Rough grass and scrub, Teifi Marshes, Cardigan, SN/
182.455. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

135/3.2a. ARCTIUM MINUS subsp. PUBENS 46, Cards.: Edge of paddock E. of St Dogmaels
Abbey, SN/168.459. A. O. Chater, 1992. 2nd record. *50, Denbs.: Roadside, Holt, SJ/401.538.
K. Watson, 1992. Ist confirmed record.

7135/11.2. CENTAUREA MONTANA 49, Caerns.: Overgrown cemetery, Llangelynin Church, SH/
771.735. R. Lewis, 1992. 2nd record and only extant locality.

135/16.3. LEONTODON SAXATILIS 98, Main Argyll: Dry, gravelly road verge, Poliphail, NR/
933.692. E. Stewart & B. H. Thompson, 1992, herb. B.H.T., conf. A. McG. Stirling. Only extant
locality.

135/22.1. LACTUCA SERRIOLA 44, Carms.: Newly built roadside verge, Machynys, SS/511.987.
I. K. Morgan, 1992, NMW, conf. G. Hutchinson. Ist record since 1912. 46, Cards.: Building site
by St Anne’s churchyard, Penparcau, SN/592.799. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW. 2nd record.

135/26.2. CREPIS MOLLIS 81, Berwicks.: Base-rich rocky knowe, Brunta Burn, NT/595.505.
M. E. & P. F. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. 1st record since 1924.

135/28.25. HIERACIUM STEWARTII *93, N. Aberdeen: By R. Deveron, Ardmiddle, NJ/687.494.
D. Welch, 1991, herb. D.W., det. D. J. McCosh.

135/28.33. HIERACIUM LISSOLEPIUM *79, Selkirks.: Rocks by R. Tweed, Yair Bridge, NT/
45.32. D. J. McCosh, 1990, E.

135/28.83. HIERACIUM CAESIOMURORUM *93, N. Aberdeen: Shady rock ledge in gorge, Craig
Castle, NJ/472.247. D. Welch, 1990, herb. D.W., det. D. J; McCosh.

PLANT RECORDS 291

135/28.91. HIERACIUM OISTOPHYLLUM *48, Merioneth: Scree, Penant Dyfi, Upper Dovey
Valley, SH/9.2. P. H. Raven, 1961, BM, det. D. J. McCosh.

135/28.92. HIERACIUM SILVATICOIDES *89, E. Perth: Gorge, Allt Feith Lair, Fealar, NO/00.79.
D. J. McCosh, 1990, BM.

+135/28.115. HIERACIUM SCOTOSTICTUM *24, Bucks.: Old beech wood, Lucas Wood, High
Wycombe, SU/874.934. A. Showler, 1992, det. J. Bevan.

135/28.142. HIERACIUM ORIMELES *86, Stirlings.: Rocks by waterfall, Loup of Fintry, NS/
66.88. D. J. McCosh, 1991, CGE, det. P. D. Sell. *87, W. Perth: Balquharn Glen, Alva, NS/
86.97. D. J. McCosh, 1989, E, det. P. D. Sell.

135/28.145. HIERACIUM SCOTICUM *102, S. Ebudes: Coastal rocks near Allt na Gile, Jura, NR/
47.78. D. J. McCosh, 1991, herb. D.J.McC., det. P. D. Sell.

135/28.171. HIERACIUM EBUDICUM *102, S. Ebudes: Sea cliffs near Glen Trosdale, Jura, NM/
67.00. D. J. McCosh, 1991, CGE, det. P. D. Sell.

135/28.180. HIERACIUM BRITANNICIFORME *100, Clyde Is.: Base of felsite cliff, Creag Dubh,
Bennan Head, Arran, NR/997.207. A. R. Church, 1988, herb. D. J. McCosh, conf. P. D. Sell.

135/28.185. HIERACIUM EUSTOMON *46, Cards.: Base of sea cliff, Penbryn, SN/2.5. J. H.
Salter, 1928, NMW, det. J. Bevan.

135/28.191. HIERACIUM IRICUM 103, Mid Ebudes: Rough grassland, Cornaigbeg, Coll, NM/
234.630. A. Walker, 1991, herb. J. Clark, det. A. McG. Stirling. 1st Coll record.

135/28.196. HIERACIUM HEBRIDENSE *102, S. Ebudes: Waterfall in gorge, Allt nan Dearc,
Jura, NR/67.98. D. J. McCosh, 1991, herb. D.J.McC., det. P. D. Sell.

135/128.198. HIERACIUM SHOOLBREDII *72, Dumfriess.: Rock by Spoon Burn, Moffat, NT/
153.107. D. J. McCosh, 1988, CGE, conf. P. D. Sell.

135/28.209. HIERACIUM VENNICONTIUM *86, Stirlings.: Cliffs W. of Spout of Ballochleam, NS/
6.9. D. J. McCosh, 1991, herb. D.J.McC., det. P. D. Sell. *87, W. Perth: Main crags, Craig
Horn, Alva, NN/8.0. D. J. McCosh, 1988, PTH. *102, Mid Ebudes: Coastal rocks N. of Allt
Bun an Eas, Jura, NR/45.76. N. F. Stewart, 1991, E, det. P. D. Sell.

135/31.1. ANTENNARIA DIOICA *81, Berwicks.: Dry bank, Dye Water between Byrecleuch and
Trottingshaws, NT/63.58. K. Robeson & S. Williams, 1992. 2nd extant locality.

+135/40.4. SOLIDAGO GIGANTEA *81, Berwicks.: Bank of R. Whiteadder below Paxton, NT/
93.53. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B.

7135/41.4 x 5. ASTER NOVI-BELGI X A. LANCEOLATUS (A. X SALIGNUS) *39, Staffs.:
Grassland, Christian Fields N. of Lichfield, SK/111.113. B. R. Fowler, 1992. *73, Kirkcud-
brights.: Grassland near shore, Gillfoot, NX/976.554. O. M. Stewart, 1980, E, det. P. F. Yeo.
Banks of R. Cree below Creebridge, NX/4.6. O. M. Stewart, 1992. Ist and 2nd records.

4135/41.5. ASTER LANCEOLATUS *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Banks of R. Cree below Creebridge,
NX/4.6. O. M. Stewart, 1992.

7135/44.1. CoNyZA CANADENSIS *81, Berwicks.: Roadside verge by Chesterfield Caravan
Park, NT/772.700. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. 83, Midlothian: Flourishing colony
on waste ground near Victoria Dock, Leith Docks, NT/268.768. O. M. Stewart, 1989. 1st record
since 1905.

4135/44.2. CONYZA SUMATRENSIS *41, Glam.: Garden weed, Coed Glas Road, Llanishen,
Cardiff, ST/168.817. D. Hart, 1991, NMW. 1st Welsh record.

¥135/51.1. SANTOLINA CHAMAECYPARISSUS 41, Glam.: Roadside embankment, Penarth Road,
Leckwith, Cardiff, ST/169.738. J. P. Curtis, 1980, NMW, det. D. McClintock (as subsp. tomentosa
(Pers.) Arcangeli). 2nd record, 1st since 1946.

292 PLANT RECORDS

+135/57.1. LEUCANTHEMELLA SEROTINA 25, E. Suffolk: Coastal dunes, Minsmere, TM/
478.661. E. Beaumont, 1991, det. R. M. Burton. 2nd record.

135/60.1 X 2. TRIPLEUROSPERMUM MARITIMUM X T. INODORUM *46, Cards.: Grassy slope by
sewage works, Aberystwyth harbour, SN/582.813. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW.

4135/61.4. CoTULA SQUALIDA *83, Midlothian: Weed in closely mown lawn, Royal Botanic
Garden, Edinburgh, ST/24.75. D. R. McKean, 1989, E, det. D.R.McK. & J. Cullen. A population
of female plants, apparently established for at least 30 years.

135/62.41 X 10. SENECIO CINERARIA X S. JACOBAEA (S. X ALBESCENS) *50, Denbs.: Waste
ground, Colwyn Bay, SH/856.776. G. Battershall, 1992. *99, Dunbarton: Side of footpath,
John Street, Helensburgh, NS/29.82. A. Rutherford, 1992, E, conf. A. McG. Stirling.

135/62.10 X 11. SENECIO JACOBAEA X S. AQUATICUS (S. X OSTENFELDII) *81, Berwicks.: With
both parents on riverside, Abbey St Bathans, NT/763.617. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B.

4135/71.2. PETASITES JAPONICUS *75, Ayrs.: Grassy roadside bank near Knockdolia Castle,
Ballantrae, NX/12.85. A. McG. Stirling & A. Rutherford, 1992.

135/86.1. EUPATORIUM CANNABINUM 83, Midlothian: Steep, wet slope near Crichton Castle,
NT/379.613. D. R. McKean, 1992. 1st post-1930 record.

136/1.1. BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS *43, Rads.: Shallow water at edge of R. Wye, Cabalva, Clyro,
SO/233.457. D. R. Drewett & D. C. Boyce, 1992.

138/2.1. STRATIOTES ALOIDES +28, W. Norfolk: Pond in chalk pit, Wells-next-the-sea, TF/
929.429. P. R. Banham, 1986. Muddy stream, Caldecote, TF/73.02. M. Keene, 1992. Only extant
localities.

7138/3.1. EGERIA DENSA *41, Glam.: Amongst Typha /atifolia in small pond, Fairwater Park
Pond, Cardiff, ST/143.778. VM. E. Gillham, 1988, NMW, det. D. A. Simpson. 2nd Welsh record.

+138/4.2. ELODEA NUTTALL *50, Denbs.: With E. canadensis in R. Dee near Rodens Hall,
SJ/416.489. K. Watson, 1990, NMW. *73, Kirkcudbrights.: In R. Dee near Threave Island, NX/
743.624. N. F. & O. M. Stewart, 1990.

142/1.5 X 9. POTAMOGETON LUCENS X P. PERFOLIATUS (P. X SALICIFOLIUS) *28, W. Norfolk:
Dike, Hilgay, TL/642.978. H. Williamson, 1991, det. C. D. Preston.

142/1.9 X 19. POTAMOGETON PERFOLIATUS X P. CRISPUS (P. X COOPERI) *70, Cumberland:
Shallow water at edge of R. Eden, Carlisle, NY/41.56. C. D. Preston, 1989, CGE, and G. Halliday,
1992, LANC, conf. C. D. Preston.

142/1.20 X 21. POTAMOGETON FILIFORMIS X P. PECTINATUS (P. X SUECICUS) *85, Fife:
Abundant at edge of bay, Loch Fitty, NT/126.913. P. Hollingsworth & C. D. Preston, 1992, CGE.

+147/2.1. LYSICHITON AMERICANUS 99, Dunbarton: Marshy ground, shore of Loch Lomond
near Boturich Castle, NS/38.84. J. Mitchell et al., 1992. 2nd record.

148/2.3. LEMNA TRISULCA *78, Peebless.: Ornamental pond, Baddinsgill, NT/1.5. D. J.
McCosh, 1992.

4148/2.4. LEMNA MINUTA *46, Cards.: Garden pond, Cenarth, SN/266.417. A. O. Chater,
1992, NMW, conf. A. C. Leslie. ;

151/1.6. JUNCUS FOLIOSUS *99, Dunbarton: Peaty ditch, Carman Muir, Cardross, NS/36.78.
A. McG. Stirling, 1992, E.

151/1.13 x 14. JUNCUS ARTICULATUS X J. ACUTIFLORUS (J. X SURREJANUS) *80, Roxburghs.:
Fen margin, Branxholme Wester Loch, NT/419.108. R. W. M. Corner, 1991, herb. R.W.M.C., det.
C. A. Stace.

PLANT RECORDS 293

152/3.5. ELEOCHARIS QUINQUEFLORA 2, E. Cornwall: Small coastal stream between Doyden
Point and Port Quin, SW/968.805. M. G. C. Atkinson, 1992, det. L. J. Margetts & R. J. Murphy. 1st
post-1930 record.

152/4.1. BOLBOSCHOENUS MARITIMUS *108, W. Sutherland: Shallow brackish pool, Rubha
Ruadh, Loch Laxford, NC/168.571. R. E. C. Ferreira, 1984.

152/7.2. ScIRPUS TABERNAEMONTANI *108, W. Sutherland: Phragmites australis swamp in
shallow, brackish water, Upper Invernaver Saltings, NC/709.598. R. E. C. Ferreira, 1986.

152/8.2. ISOLEPIS CERNUA *70, Cumberland: Eroded bank at top of beach, Silecroft, SD/1.8.
M. M. Gill, 1992, LANC. 1st authenticated record.

7152/11.2. CYPERUS ERAGROSTIS *58, Cheshire: Shallow pool in old railway sidings, Crewe, SJ/
* 705.555. J. E. Hawksford, 1992, herb. G. M. Kay, det. E. J. Clement.

152/13.2. RHYNCHOSPORA FUSCA *108, W. Sutherland: Bog, Laxford Bridge, NC/23.46. R. E. C.
Ferreira, 1980, E.

152/16.5. CAREX OTRUBAE *108, W. Sutherland: Brackish pool, Loch a’ Mhuilinn N.N.R.,
NC/15.39. R. E. C. Ferreira, J. G. Roger & S. Angus, 1980.

152/16.10. CAREX ARENARIA 39, Staffs.: Disused railway sidings, Bushbury, Wolverhampton,
SJ/916.022. B. R. Fowler, 1992, herb. B.R.F. 2nd record.

152/16.11. CAREX DISTICHA 43, Rads.: Damp peaty hollow, Newmead Farm, Llanelwedd, SO/
050.536. S. M. Gooch, 1992. 2nd record.

152/16.13. CAREX DIVISA *45, Pembs.: Damp roadside near the sea 0:5 km N. of Dale, SM/
808.066. J. W. Donovan, 1992, det. A. O. Chater.

152/16.20. CAREX ELONGATA *35, Mons.: Boggy ditch, Coed Robert Wood near Raglan, SO/
397.098. R. Fraser, 1992, herb. T. G. Evans, det. A. O. Chater & T.G.E.

152/16.23. CAREX HIRTA *108, W. Sutherland: Tall fen grassland, Eriboll Farm, NC/435.569.
R. E. C. Ferreira & J. G. Roger, 1978, E. Marsh at mouth of Strathy River, NC/835.656. R. E. C.
Ferreira, 1978. 1st and 2nd records.

152/16.24. CAREX LASIOCARPA 26, W. Suffolk: Hopton Fen N.R., TL/990.800. M. J. Ausden,
1991, conf. A. C. Jermy. Only extant locality.

152/16.25. CAREX ACUTIFORMIS 93, N. Aberdeen: Alder woodland by river, Glass, NJ/
463.403. D. Welch, 1992, ABD, det. A. O. Chater. Ist post-1930 record.

152/16.29. CAREX VESICARIA *108, W. Sutherland: Carex rostrata mire, mouth of Strathnaver
River, NC/451.503. R. E. C. Ferreira, 1980.

152/16.32. CAREX SYLVATICA 108, W. Sutherland: Edge of river, Loch Druim Suardalain, NC/
12.21. P. A. & I. M. Evans, 1992, herb. I.M.E. 2nd record.

152/16.39. CAREX LAEVIGATA 81, Berwicks.: Shaded flush by Bruntaburn Wood, NT/595.511.
M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B. Ist record since 1892.

152/16.46c. CAREX VIRIDULA subsp. VIRIDULA 26, W. Suffolk: Lakenheath Poor’s Fen N.R.,
TL/702.827. M. Harding, 1992, conf. A. C. Jermy. Only extant locality.

152/16.64. CAREX AQUATILIS 108, W. Sutherland: Edge of Ledmore River, NC/22.12.P.A.&
I. M. Evans, 1992, herb. I.M.E. 2nd post-1930 record.

4153/3.1. SASA PALMATA *§3, Midlothian: shady ditchside in woodland, Cramond, NT/
177.768. J. Cook & D. R. McKean, 1991, E.

153/12.4. FESTUCA ALTISSIMA *81, Berwicks.: Wooded burnside, Brunta Burn, NT/596.50S5.
M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb. M.E.B., det. D. R. McKean.

294 PLANT RECORDS

153/12.6. FESTUCA ARENARIA *46, Cards.: Embryo dune, S. end of Ynys-las Dunes, SN/
605.928. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW, conf. C. A. Stace.

153/12.9. FESTUCA VIVIPARA *83, Midlothian: Scree slope, Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, NT/
267.730. R. Saville, 1990, E, det. D. R. McKean. Ist record since 1824.

4153/12.15. FESTUCA BREVIPILA *39, Staffs.: Disused railway near Common Lane, Wom-
bourne, SO/870.924. C. B. Westall, 1991, herb. B. R. Fowler, det. M. A. Wilkinson.
153/12.1 x $13.2. FESTUCA PRATENSIS X LOLIUM MULTIFLORUM (X FESTULOLIUM BRAUNII) *69,

Westmorland: Wet area by path, Dalton-in-Furness, SD/224.739. P. Burton, 1989, LANC.

153/12.2 x 13.1. FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA X LOLIUM PERENNE (X FESTULOLIUM HOLMBERGII) *99,
Dunbarton: Grassy pathside near Duchess Woods, Helensburgh, NS/286.833. A. McG. Stirling &
A. Rutherford, 1992, E.

153/13.1 X +2. LOLIUM PERENNE X L. MULTIFLORUM (L. X BOUCHEANUM) *2, E. Cornwall:
Arable field, Hudsland Farm E. of Kilhampton, SS/283.125. T. W. J. D. Dupree & R. M. H.
Hodgson, 1992, det. P. J. O. Trist.

153/14.5. VULPIA UNILATERALIS *9, Dorset: Five Barrow Hill, SY/876.838. H. J. M. Bowen et
al., 1992.

153/16.2. PUCCINELLIA DISTANS 50, Denbs.: Edge of forest road, Llanfiangel Glyn Myfyr, SJ/
032.510. J. A. Green, 1989, det. G. Hutchinson. 2nd record. *80, Roxburghs.: With
Spergularia marina on gravel by A68 road, Carter Bar, NT/697.068. M. E. Braithwaite, 1992, herb.
R. W. M. Corner.

153/18.6. POA ANGUSTIFOLIA *69, Westmorland: Side of railway, Appleby-in-Westmorland,
NY/681.211 and NY/666.247. R. W. M. Corner, 1992, LANC, det. J. Edmondson. Ist and 2nd
records. 70, Cumberland: Railway bank, Lazonby, NY/545.404. R. W. M. Corner, 1992,
LANC, det. J. Edmondson. *75, Ayrs.: Ailsa Craig, NX/0.9. B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL, det.
A. McG. Stirling. *83, Midlothian: Dry grassland, Sunnybank Place, Edinburgh, NT/276.743.
A. J. Silverside & E. H. Jackson, 1989, herb. A.J.S. 99, Dunbarton: Grassy waste ground,
Erskine Bridge, NS/46.72. A. McG. Stirling, 1992, E. 2nd record.

153/20.1. CATABROSA AQUATICA *98, Main Argyll: Silty sand with freshwater seepage, bay
below Balure near Benderloch, NM/876.382. B. H. Thompson, 1992, CGE, conf. A. McG. Stirling.
Muddy, cattle-trodden ground with freshwater seepage, Bran Phuirt, Lynn of Lorn, NM/883.410.
B. H. Thompson, 1992, conf. C. D. Preston. 1st and 2nd records.

153/22.1. SESLERIA CAERULEA *57, Derbys.: Calcareous grassland on skeletal soil, Monk’s
Dale, SK/136.736. H. Buckingham, 1989, conf. R. Smith. Extension of range 80 km southwards.

153/31.2. KOELERIA MACRANTHA 75, Ayrs.: Ailsa Craig, NX/0.9. B. Zonfrillo, 1992, GL, det.
A. McG. Stirling. Ist Ailsa Craig record.

153/32.3. DESCHAMPSIA FLEXUOSA 29, Cambs.: Edge of woodland ride, Gamlingay Wood,
TL/243.536. T. C. E. Wells, 1991. Only extant locality.

153/39.8. AGROSTIS VINEALIS 43, Rads.: Dry acidic grassland, Camnant, SO/080.835. R. G.
Woods, 1992. 2nd record.

138/40.2. CALAMAGROSTIS CANESCENS *24, Bucks.: Edge of ride through hazel coppice,
Leckhamstead Wood, SP/727.403. R. J. Hornby, L. M. Jones-Walters & J. Spencer, 1989.

153/50.2. BROMUS COMMUTATUS 42, Brecs.: Meadow N. of Llanwrtyd Wells, SN/860.487.
S. Gooch, 1990, herb. M. Porter, det. T. A. Cope. 2nd record.

153/51.2. BROMOPSIS BENEKENII 42, Brecs.: Limestone gorge N. of Cefn Coed, SO/024.087.
T. C. G. Rich, 1992. 2nd record, 1st since 1899.

¥153/53.1. CERATOCHLOA CARINATA *2, E. Cornwall: Waste ground by track, Saltermill, SX/
430.637. A. Atkinson, 1991, conf. L. J. Margetts.

PLANT RECORDS 295

153/54.1. BRACHYPODIUM PINNATUM *49, Caerns.: Limestone grassland, Great Orme, SH/7.8.
P. W. Ball, 1959, LIV. 1st confirmed record. +83, Midlothian: Heath near limestone ballast
from railway, Cobbinshaw Loch, NT/019.591. R. Saville, 1992, E, det. D. R. McKean. 2nd record.

153/59.4. HORDEUM SECALINUM 46, Cards.: Roadside hedgebank W. of Llanfihangel-y-
Creuddyn, SN/658.761. A. O. Chater, 1992, NMW. 2nd record.

+153/66.1. CYNODON DACTYLON *39, Staffs.: Well established on former railway sidings,
Wolverhampton, SJ/916.022. B. R. Fowler, 1992, herb. B.R.F.

153/67.1 X +3. SPARTINA MARITIMA X S. ALTERNIFLORA (S. X TOWNSENDII) *98, Main Argyll:
Silty tidal inlet, An Sailean, Benderloch, NM/895.402. B. H. Thompson, 1990, det. T. A. Cope.
Plants recorded in 1984 at NM/888.418. and 902.418. as S.. anglica were presumably this taxon.

154/1.1d. SPARGANIUM ERECTUM subsp. OOCARPUM *46, Cards.: Ditch at edge of Typhaswamp,
Pentwd Marshes, Cardigan, SN/184.449. A. O. Chater & A. P. Fowles, 1990.

158/7.1. COLCHICUM AUTUMNALE [73, Kirkcudbrights.: Delete record published in Watsonia
19: 151 (1992); plant is Crocus nudiflorus.|

158/20.2 X +3. HYACINTHOIDES NON-SCRIPTA X H. HISPANICA 50, Denbs.: Grassland, Bryn
Euryn, Colwyn Bay, SH/832.798. G. Battershall, 1992.

+158/24.4. ALLIUM NEAPOLITANUM *27, E. Norfolk: Grassy hedgebank, Eaton Hill, Norwich,
TG/20.06. E. T. Daniels, 1991. Known here for 25 years. *71, Man: Hedgebank, Bride Hills,
NX/447.005. M. Devereau, 1991. Known here for several years.

7158/24.9. ALLIUM PARADOXUM 73, Kirkcudbrights.: Bank of R. Urr, W. of Haugh of Urr,
NX/801.660. O. M. Stewart, 1992. 2nd record.

158/24.11. ALLIUM OLERACEUM 58, Cheshire: River bank, Catton Hall near Frodsham, SJ/
545.773. G. M. Kay, 1992. 2nd record.

+158/24.12. ALLIUM CARINATUM *53, S. Lincs.: Saxilby Road, Skellingthorpe, SK/92.72.
M. Hill, 1992, conf. I. Weston. [58, Cheshire: Delete record published in Newton, A. (1991)
Supplement to Flora of Cheshire p. 39; plant is A. oleraceum. |

158/24.13. ALLIUM AMPELOPRASUM Var. BABINGTONII +*50, Denbs.: Railway bank, Liandulas,
SH/918.783. G. Battershall, 1992. 1st record of species.

158/24.14. ALLIUM SCORODOPRASUM 99, Dunbarton: Shore N. of Ardmore Point, NS/32.79.
A. Rutherford, 1990. 2nd record.

7159/5.2. IRIS SIBIRICA 77, Lanarks.: Damp wood, Busby, NS/58.55. P. Macpherson, 1991,
herb. P.M., det. B. Wurzell. 2nd record.

+159/5.4. IRIS VERSICOLOR *6, N. Somerset: Pond, Emborough, ST/613.507. P. R. & I. P.
Green, 1992.

+159/8.3. CROCUS NUDIFLORUS *70, Cumberland: Grass verge of path near Rose Castle, S. of
Dalston, NY/372.465. E. E. Marper, 1992, LANC. *73, Kirkcudbrights.: Mill Island, R. Cree
N. of Newton Stewart, NX/409.662. J. McCleary, 1989.

+159/13.1. CROCOSMIA PANICULATA *70, Cumberland: Muncaster Park, SD/090.958. M. M.
Gill, 1992, LANC, det. O. M. Stewart.

+159/13.3. CROCOSMIA POTTSII *98, Main Argyll: Streamside near Scout Cottage, Lunga, NM/
809.084. B. H. Thompson, 1992.

162/14.1. ANACAMPTIS PYRAMIDALIS 58, Cheshire: Roadside embankment, Ringway, SJ/
807.836. J. McHarry, 1992. Only extant locality.

162/18.3 X 5. DACTYLORHIZA INCARNATA X D. PURPURELLA (D. X LATIRELLA) *80, Rox-
burghs.: With parents in calcareous flush, Murder Moss, NT/503.286. R. W. M. Corner, 1991, det.
I. Denholm (from photographs).

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Watsonia, 19, 297-303 (1993) 297

Book Reviews

Random-access guide to selected British Hawkweeds. J. Bevan, based on a program by C. J. Legg;
illustrated by K. J. Adams. Pp. 24 + disk. National Museum of Wales & Field Studies Council,
Cardiff & Preston Montfort. 1992. Price £15 (ISBN 0-7200-0367-9).

The development of computer-assisted keys to critical groups of British plants has accelerated in
recent years; see also the review in Watsonia 19: 199-200 (1993) of the FLORA program. Despite
the modest reference in its title to ‘selected’ British Hawkweeds, this program actually covers 251
taxa of British species of Hieracium (excluding Pilosella), three more than are recognised in Kent’s
List of vascular plants of the British Isles (see review in this issue). Colin Legg’s program, a version of
which also exists for the genus Carex, is fast becoming a general-purpose tool which can handle data
from different genera using standardised procedures.

Having obtained the review copy only a few days before helping to run a practical class for first-
year biology undergraduates, we were able to give it a baptism of fire by testing its effectiveness
among a number of first-time users. The results were reassuringly good; both the software and the
data scoring have evidently been thoroughly tested. Terminology is explained in a well-illustrated
leaflet which accompanies the program; both macroscopic and microscopic characters are used.
Glandular hairs, which are so effective for differentiating the species of Doronicum sect.
Macrophylla in south-west Asia, are equally valuable here in providing useful characters from both
phyllaries and peduncles. Geographical data are coded into twelve units, six of which cover
Scotland; 16 habitat types and three altitudinal zones are also covered.

Perhaps the most sophisticated feature of the program, and one which greatly contributes to its
effectiveness, is the system of the character weighting. Each of the 324 character states is rated
according to how well it differentiates between species, allowing the program to place more weight
on ‘good’ characters when computing a coefficient of similarity. Results are presented either in
descending order of number of simple matches or of weighted matches, the choice being left to the
user. Having obtained a list of provisional results, one can also display the characters which are most
effective to differentiate the top 20 species in the list.

Once one has entered data from an unknown specimen, there are several ways of interpreting the
results. These include: identifying and describing the species most similar to the unknown one;
tabulating characters for the top-ranking species; comparing pairs of species; and matching the
character states of the unknown species with those of the species chosen by the program as the one it
most closely resembles.

The booklet concludes with lists of subjective and unhelpful characters, and a short bibliography.
The key does assume that the user can recognise a member of the genus Hieracium, and provides no
means of excluding other Compositae other than Pilosella. The section on getting started ends with
the very sensible advice that it is essential to check identifications against specimens named by
experts in well-curated herbaria. No herbarium with a computer which runs MS-DOS should be
without this program. A version also exists for BBC computers.

J. R. EDMONDSON
The Orchid book: a guide to the identification of cultivated orchid species. Edited by J. Cullen. Pp.
xxxvi + 529; illustrated. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 1992. Price £24.95 (ISBN 0-521-
418569).

Basically an identification guide to the genera and species of orchid in general cultivation, this book
is based on the Orchidaceae account published in The European Garden Flora 2, but with updated

298 BOOK REVIEWS

text. It is essentially a work of reference with about 900 species briefly described. The selection of
which species to include has been governed by the criterion that on the whole they should be
representative of general European collections of cultivated orchids, and occasionally of others held
elsewhere in the world. Consequently only a small proportion of those which have at one time or
another been in cultivation has been covered.

An introductory section outlines the basic structure of the orchid flower, the growth habit of the
plant, and makes brief reference to cultivation techniques. Next is a set of keys which firstly divide
the family into five apparently separate morphological groups and subsequently into their respective
genera. The main section follows and comprises descriptive text of the selected genera and species.
It is arranged in the format of a Flora with a brief summary given for each genus including
information on geographical range, cultivation conditions and important literature references.
Diagnostic characters for each genus are usually briefly stated and may be followed by sub-keys
which break them down into their component species. These are then summarised under a series of
standard headings which cover descriptions of floral structures, habit, climatic hardiness, native
distribution range, synonyms, and also include a list of literature sources where illustrations may be
found. For some species, where floral description is difficult, there are small accompanying
sketches, but other illustrations in the book are limited to just 16 colour photographs.

Published so as to be available for the World Orchid Congress held in Glasgow in 1993, it is
primarily aimed at the orchid grower and will be of only limited interest to the British botanist. To
the latter its main value lies in the insight it gives into the more exotic species occurring world-wide,
and in the most useful reference list to orchid illustrations. Its treatment of native British and
European orchids is very basic and brief; for example in Dactylorhiza, D. majalis is listed without
reference to any of the distinctive components of the aggregate, whilst D. sambucina is dismissed in
less than 50 words. Whilst the keys are no doubt capable of separating the selected species covered
within the book, they are very brief and generalised and likely to be of only limited use to practical
botanists. Nevertheless, it is a well-produced book in which great attention has been given to detail
both in the text and floral sketches. It should become an essential source of reference for both
amateur and specialist grower.

M. J. Y. FoLey

Stewart and Corry’s Flora of the North-east of Ireland, 3rd edition. Edited by P. Hackney. Pp. 419,
with 17 figures, nine black and white plates and 14 colour plates. Institute of Irish Studies, The
Queen’s University, Belfast. 1992. Price £17.50 (ISBN 0-85389-446-9).

The first edition of this Flora (1888) was mainly the work of Samuel Alexander Stewart. Thomas
Corry was tragically drowned while botanising on Lough Gill some years previously but since he had
jointly initiated work on the flora of the three North-east counties of Down, Antrim and
Londonderry, his name was added as joint author and the Flora published with financial help from
the Corry family. Stewart told the story of the tragic drowning in his introduction to the Flora, and
paid handsome tribute to the young man who was Babington’s assistant at Cambridge and who
seemed certain to make a significant contribution to both British and Irish botany. In the second
edition of the Flora (1938) Robert Lloyd Praeger paid tribute to Stewart’s critical and painstaking
approach to the work, noting that he had waged “ruthless war on imposters and claimants without
sufficient credentials” and provided a really reliable list of the local flora, “‘so accurate indeed that
the ensuing fifty years . . . has revealed very little that must now be withdrawn — a remarkable
tribute to the compiler’’.

This third edition is firmly rooted in tradition. Prominence is given to the old records and the aim
has been to update, verify and assess the status of each species. 280 pages in 2-column format have
been given over to the catalogue, allowing for a generous inclusion of localities, annotations and
comments. Bryophytes have been omitted from this edition. The now standard practice of
recruiting specialists to write the accounts of critical groups or including only those records critically
examined by specialists, duly acknowledged, has been applied.

Part of Praeger’s ‘Botanist’s Guide’ to the area from the second edition of the Flora has been
retained. It is supplemented by further chapters by Paul Hackney on the topography of the area and

BOOK REVIEWS Wes

its outstanding botanical features, as well as comparisons of the flora with that of the rest of Ireland
and with South-west Scotland (the Mull of Kintyre is only 20 km away from the Antrim coast).
There are chapters on the climate by Nicholas Betts and on the history of the vegetation by J. R.
Pilcher, each containing much that is of interest to the general reader.

The northerly position and relatively mild climate of the area are reflected in the flora. Atlantic
species such as Trichomanes speciosum and Hymenophyllum tunbrigense manage to survive while
Geranium pratense, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Carex magellanica and Carex pauciflora are
confined to this north-east corner of Ireland. Among the surprising absentees from this large and
complex area is Gentianella amarella, common on the southern Irish dunes and extending to the far
north of Scotland.

The appendix of doubtful records, casuals and species without good credentials has been
dispensed with. All records are included in one list but with appropriate comments. Widely
cultivated species such as forestry and hedging species are included. Stewart might not have
approved of these departures. The almost smiling face of this tough little man, whose only fault
according to Praeger was his “‘overweening modesty’’, greets the reader on p. 8. He would, I feel
sure, have quickly overcome his earlier reservations and heartily approved of this splendid
production which is remarkably low-priced for the quality of paper, printing and binding and sets a
high standard for Irish regional Floras to follow.

D. SYNNOTT

Verbreitungsatlas der Farn- und Bliitenpfilanzen Karntens. H. Hartl, G. Kniely, G. H. Leute, H.
Niklfeld & M. Perko. Pp. 451, 16 colour plates and c. 2450 maps. Verlag des Naturwissenschaft-
licher Verein fiir Karnten, Klagenfurt. 1992. Price 360 Austrian Schillings (ISBN 3—85328—000-S).

The history of botany in this most beautiful part of Austria goes back to, at least, the 1700s and the
time of Franz Xaver Freiherr v. Wulfen, commemorated by Jacquin in Wulfenia carinthiaca. Since
then, there has been continuous activity in the study of the plants of Carinthia’s high mountains, its
forests, lakes and valleys. With an area of about 10000 sq km and a flowering plant and fern total of
almost 2500 species it has, for its size, a very rich and varied flora. And a glance through the colour
photographs of this finely produced book shows how the combination of a scenic environment and
interesting or beautiful plants blend to make Carinthia a place of special attraction for the field
botanist. But this is not a coffee-table book to be browsed over and laid down. It is a scholarly work
stemming from the distillation of much scientific knowledge gleaned over more than two centuries;
its presentation has also been meticulously planned. The period from inception, gestation to
appearance covered almost 25 years and the impressive list of European botanists who were
involved testifies to its impeccable credentials.

The main aim of the book is to present by computerised dot-maps, together with complementary
symbols and notes, the present-day Carinthian distributions and status (i.e. endangered, synanthro-
pic, alien, doubtful status, etc.) of all its fern and flowering plant species. The province is divided
into c. 88 grid squares. The text covers c. 40 pages of introduction, botanical history, geography;
there are twelve pages of colour plates, twelve to a page, 307 pages of dot maps, arranged
alphabetically by genus (which makes for easy reference) and about 70 pages of very useful
supplementary information covering particular species, hybrids, literature and local names.

It is unlikely to be a best-seller among British botanists, but for those who do buy it or can
otherwise consult it, it will act as an incentive to get the reader out to Klagenfurt, the Worther See
and the Karawanken.

Any book devoted to an artificial area is likely to have a built-in likelihood of being insular in
concept and of limited readership appeal. The criticism could be made here, but nevertheless it is a
significant contribution to botanical knowledge in a floristically important part of S.E. Europe.

The Klagenfurt Natural History Society deserve congratulations for supporting the project and
seeing it through to such a satisfactory conclusion; at 360 Austrian Schillings (c. £23) it is not, by
present standards, expensive.

I. C. HEDGE

300 BOOK REVIEWS

An illustrated guide to Fungi on wood in New Zealand. 1. A. Hood. Pp. 424. Auckland University
Press, Auckland. 1992. (Distributed outside New Zealand by Oxford U.P.) Price £19.50 (ISBN 1-
86940-063-1).

I write this review from the standpoint of a ‘consumer’. The book will be of particular interest to an
experienced amateur mycologist like myself who is about to visit New Zealand on a natural history
tour, because it is aimed at ‘‘amateur naturalists in general’. In this respect, it achieves its purpose
admirably.

The acknowledgment in the Foreword that there is a need for a much better appreciation of the
indispensable role played by fungi in the ecology of the New Zealand forests is pertinent, as this
matches a currently developing change of focus in the study of fungi in Europe. There is an excellent
Introduction to the book, comprising sections on historical background, biology and ecology,
amongst others. Very clear, concise accounts of the processes of reproduction and dispersal, growth
and nutrition, hosts and distribution are given with minimal resort to technical language. This is
most encouraging for the non-specialist reader.

The accounts incorporate appropriate references to particular species illustrated in the text. The
pen-and-ink drawn figures are delightful. Producers of other field guides might learn from these.
Coloured drawings are not always an advantage and may indeed be counterproductive for the
beginner. The figures are laid out spaciously with details of the fungi clearly identified; eight pages
of colour plates, each with six small (occasionally too small) images, are included. The text is equally
well presented and illuminating. The keys are adequately explained, and are easily followed. In
conclusion, this book can be highly recommended for the amateur naturalist.

R. Cook

The botanizers. Amateur scientists in nineteenth-century America. E. B. Keeney. Pp. xii + 206, with
eleven black and white illustrations. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill & London.
1992. Price $29.95 (ISBN 0-8078-2046-6).

No, this is not a history of the B.S.B.I.’s counterpart in America (not that there is any quite similar
body there): it is a general study of amateur botany in the United States during the period when, in
the author’s words, it “‘rapidly became the most popular science in America for recreational and
pedagogical purposes’’. Oddly, despite this, and despite the profusion of historians of science on the
other side of the Atlantic and the multiplicity of their doctoral theses (of which this book is itself the
outgrowth of one), the subject has never previously come in for the degree of scholarly attention it
deserves. This reflects the much greater emphasis long placed over there on professional status and
the proportionately weak survival of an amateur scholarly tradition — in striking contrast to Britain
and the Netherlands. As a result, as the author points out, American historians “‘have often
overlooked the nearly self-evident fact that amateurs and professionals pursue science for different
reasons ... and the influence of those differences on the science that these professionals and
amateurs pursued.”” People whose prime motive is self-cultivation are ipso facto not of much
interest to historians of science, who tend in any case to think that too few of them left writings to
make it feasible to study them as a collective entity. That this is a serious misconception Elizabeth
Keeney amply demonstrates: quite apart from the records and publications of societies there is “a
vast array of commonly untapped sources heavily laden with information on amateur science’,
ranging from popular journals to advice manuals and works of fiction. These she has energetically
quarried, with results that are eminently readable.

Despite the alien context, B.S.B.I. members will find much in these pages that is very familiar, for
amateur botany on the two continents seems to have run broadly in parallel. At the same time they
will be surprised to find what continue to be normal and everyday field botany practices portrayed as
quaint, bygone Victoriana. The author appears to have seen or talked to no present-day plant
taxonomists, either amateur or professional, and has consequently failed to realise that the world
she describes is by no means the irrecoverably antique one that she supposes.

The volume is attractively produced, with a number of well-chosen, out-of-the-way illustrations

BOOK REVIEWS 301

(two photographs of the Josselyn Botanical Society on an outing in Maine in 1896 are particularly
appealing), numerous source-notes and an exhaustive bibliography.

D. E. ALLEN

List of vascular plants of the British Isles. D. H. Kent. Pp. xvi + 384. Botanical Society of the British
Isles, London. 1992. Price £11.50 (ISBN 0—-90115-821-6). |

This is a numbered list of more than 4200 taxa of vascular plants “known at the present time to be
native to or introduced and established in” the British Isles. For each taxon there is a tripartite
number for family, genus and species; subspecies are indicated by letters and hybrids by the
numbers of their parents. Many synonyms are given but the list is not comprehensive. The inclusion
of basionyms is a welcome innovation; it also provides some startling facts. Did you know, for
example, that Symphoricarpos albus was originally thought to be a Vaccinium? or that Lysimachia
terrestris was first described as a mistletoe?

The arrival of Kent’s List was keenly anticipated and has fully lived up to expectations.
Admittedly, much of what is new, such as the classification and nomenclature, had already appeared
in Stace’s New Flora (reviewed in Watsonia 19: 161-163 (1992)), as had the use of tripartite numbers
rather than Dandy’s bipartite system, but it is only in Kent’s List that the full impact of these changes
becomes apparent. Rigorous application of the rules of priority and “‘the attempt . . . to take into
account taxonomic studies in Europe as a whole when determining the status of British and Irish
representatives” has resulted in wholesale name changes. Such changes, found in both Kent and
Stace, are rarely welcome but the majority must be accepted if we are ever to reach a stable
nomenclature. Others are still a matter of opinion — do you prefer to split Scirpus into seven genera.
as in Kent and Stace, or to leave them united as in Dandy?

There is no doubt that Kent’s List is an essential companion that must be on the bookshelf of all
botanists, amateur or professional, who have an interest in the British and Irish flora. Ido, however,
have a few quibbles. Why, for instance, are extinct aliens excluded? They are present in many
herbaria and will no doubt be included in many Floras and Checklists; if one of the purposes of the
List is to aid herbarium or Flora arrangement (as Dandy’s List was stated to be) then I would have
preferred to see them in. The omission of some important crop plants such as Hordeum vulgare is
especially puzzling. Given the choice, I would have included all the aliens numbered in Stace. This
would at least have resulted in a standard numbering system for both books rather than the
confusing double system we have now. As early as family 21, the numbering in Kent and Stace
diverges when Kent omits the Taxodiaceae, the Redwood family. Numbering of genera within
families and species within genera is similarily inconsistent and the decision by Kent not to give
unique numbers to any hybrids, although given to some of the commoner ones in Stace, adds to the
inconsistency. A useful feature found in Dandy but omitted here is the provision of genus numbers
in the index.

This is the first B.S.B.I. publication to have been produced by computer and yet it omits much
useful information that one imagines could have been included almost at the proverbial ‘touch of a
button’! Why, for instance, were the genus and species numbers and even the genus names not
repeated at the top of each left-hand page when a genus was split over two pages? It would make
consulting the List so much easier for the user and would not have taken much extra effort. Less
important but still annoying (to me at least) are the many instances of a single line of a two- or multi-
lined entry found at the top or bottom of a page. Similarly I prefer not to see authors’ initials and
surname, and genus initial and species name split over two lines or.even over two pages. With a little
extra effort in adjusting spaces (there is an awful lot of blank space on each page) these visual
imperfections could have been avoided. Another small point concerns the printing of hybrid names
and formulae — a multiplication sign (<) looks so much better than an x, and could have been
substituted easily.

Proof-reading appears to have been well done; spelling and punctuation mistakes are relatively
few, although on page 45 the specific epithet decalvans is twice misspelt decalvens and is once,
incorrectly, preceded by a hybrid sign. It also appears that the computer has occasionally slipped a
synonym into the wrong species, the most amusing instance is finding Cotoneaster humifusa listed as

302 BOOK REVIEWS

a synonym of Taraxacum hamatiforme not only on page 236, but also (by implication) in the index.
In a book such as this, which is relied upon to give the correct name, authority and synonym, it is
slightly worrying that so obvious an error was not spotted.

Despite the above points, I already find Mr Kent’s List an invaluable source of information which
I am referring to constantly. British and Irish botanists will remain in his debt for many years to
come.

Re, GELwus

Atlas écologique des fougeres et plantes alliées — illustration et répartition des Ptéridophytes de France.
R. Prelli & M. Boudrie. Pp. 277 with 124 black and white plates. Editions Lechavalier, Paris. 1992.
Price F.fr. 260 (ISBN 2—225-82527-0).

If ever a book arrived at a good time for reviewing, this was it. Two days before I left for France was
more than enough time to convince me that this was the one book I must take. It now meant that I
had something more manageable than Aflas Florae Europaeae or the Atlas of North European
Vascular Plants when setting off to look for pteridophytes in a part of France that was new for me.

The book is not an identification manual as such as it contains no keys, although good descriptions
accompanied by beautiful photographs and distribution maps make this an ideal field guide for the
pteridologist in France. Prelli’s excellent Guide des Fougéres et Plantes Alliées (reviewed in
Watsonia 16: 98-99, 1986, Ist ed.; Watsonia 18: 442, 1991, 2nd ed.) was written instead as an
illustrated key for identifications. Most of the commoner species are also found in Britain so English
keys will be sufficient for identification in most cases. The authors have not arranged the species in
any taxonomic or alphabetical order. Instead they have grouped them by habitat; firstly into
lowlands, mountains or Mediterranean and then subdivided either into open, woodland or wetland
species or by the type of rock on which they live. The absolute beginner will probably find this
approach difficult to follow and a little confusing because several species grow in more than one of
the delimited habitats; the authors have placed the species in the habitats in which they are most
commonly found. Nevertheless the photographs and the brief descriptions are good and the reader
is made aware of the other most similar species. The authors have thoughtfully chosen their
photographs to illustrate whole plants or enlargements of parts of them as appropriate for each
species. Perseverance should therefore direct the patient observer to the correct result. Reference
to the accompanying maps and range descriptions will give additional support to the identifications.

The maps themselves give information about the relative abundance of the plants in each of the
French Départements and the coloured map on the back cover shows at a glance which areas are the
richest for pteridophytes.

The authors are to be congratulated on producing such a fine book. Anyone heading for France
with even a passing interest in pteridophytes would do well to acquire a copy.

B. A. THOMAS

British plant communities. Vol. 3: Grasslands and montane communities. Edited by J. S. Rodwell.
Pp. x + 540, with 36 figures. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 1992. Price £95 (ISBN 0-521-
39166-0).

This is the third of the five volumes describing plant communities in Britain, and follows the same
format as the previous two volumes (reviewed in Watsonia 19: 49, 1992, and 19: 198, 1993). A
general introduction is followed by three main sections describing 13 mesotrophic, 14 calcicolous
(calcicolous meaning ‘with calcicoles’) and 21 calcifugous grassland and montane communities.
Finally, there are indices to vegetation synonymy and the occurrence of species in the communities,
and an extensive bibliography.

Rodwell’s prose is so seductive that it is easy to get side-tracked and learn much in the process.
There are mouth-watering accounts of the mesotrophic MG3 Anthoxanthum — Geranium hay
meadows of Teesdale, the calcicolous CG1 Festuca — Carlina oceanic rock garden grasslands, and

BOOK REVIEWS 303

in the calcifugous grasslands and montane communities, the U17 Luzula — Geum tall-herb
community of mountain ledges. A particular strength of the work is the synthesis of an enormous
amount of research, relating the vegetation extensively to soil, climate and treatment.

In general, the book is well-presented, though Fig. 20 is poorly integrated into the text; it takes
time to find the start of the sub-community descriptions as the synonymy runs into them, and the
sub-communities are not numbered in the text. The tables are simpler than the confusing ones of
Volume 1, but would still benefit from labelling (e.g. ‘Constants’, ‘associates’, etc.). The maps are
ordered across rather than down the page (cf. Volumes 1 and 2 respectively). Most of the records on
the map for U16c are missing from the map for U16. ‘Subspecies’ is excluded from the names (thus
adopting zoological convention) but ‘variety’ is included.

The influences of the sampling and analysis should have been dealt with in more detail. For
instance, data for the CG1f Carlina — Scilla sub-community were abstracted from the Biological
Flora for Draba aizoides whose quadrats were deliberately centred on that species, resulting in an
over-estimation of its frequency in the tables. Over half of the samples analysed for the calcicolous
grassland chapter were collected by T. C. E. Wells et al. in a small area of Dorset, Hampshire and
Wiltshire using 1 X 1 m quadrats and including few bryophytes, resulting in under-estimations of the
frequencies of some species and the numbers of species per quadrat, and localized clusters of
records on the maps.

The practical problems of consistently identifying vegetative plants suggests that more judicious
lumping might have been adopted (e.g. Poa pratensis and P. humilis (P. subcaerulea) cannot have
been consistently separated). Oddly for the calcicolous grasslands, the recorders ‘“‘always attempted
to separate the subspecies of Cerastium diffusum . . .” though only one occurs in Britain.

An introduction to the three grasslands would help to place a grassland in its appropriate section,
and give the volume more coherence in its own right. There is considerably more variation in
mesotrophic grasslands than is described. For example, the grazing meadows on the levels in Kent
and Sussex characterized by Cynosurus cristatus, Hordeum secalinum and Lolium perenne are
distinctive in the field and clearly related to the MG6 Cynosurus — Lolium grasslands; in light of the
under-sampling of this community in South East England (cf. the map of samples of the
community), perhaps they should be re-examined. Grasslands heavily modified by broad-leaved
herbicides are both distinctive and common, and deserve more mention as does Elymus repens
grassland on neglected land and recent road verges (e.g. M25 embankments). Grasslands
dominated by Festuca arundinacea similar to the MG12a Festuca grassland Lolium — Holcus sub-
community occur widely inland. Any odd mesotrophic vegetation always keys out unsatisfactorily to
MG5 Centaurea — Cynosurus, MG6 Cynosurus — Lolium or MG7 Lolium grasslands at the end of
the key. Such criticisms are inevitable for the first airing of such a major work, and indicate possible
areas for revision, and it will be interesting to see whether the dissolution of metalliferous and chalk
heath vegetation types is adopted elsewhere.

For B.S.B.I. members, this book will be an invaluable reference work as a source of information
on vegetation and plant ecology. Accounts of vegetation for County Floras could be summarised
from the volumes, though widespread mapping of communities is unlikely to catch on due to the
need for bryophyte identification (especially in the north and west) and the high cost of the volumes.

After three years’ intensive application of British plant communities in the field, I remain firmly
convinced of its value and usefulness. It is a convenient, practical tool for describing and assessing
vegetation, and provides an excellent framework for understanding the relationships between
communities and the environment.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTRIBUTORS

Scope. Authors are invited to submit Papers and Short Notes concerning the taxonomy,
biosystematics and distribution of British and Irish vascular plants, as well as topics of a more
general or historical nature.

Manuscripts must be submitted in duplicate, typewritten on one side of the paper, with wide margins
and double-spaced throughout.

Format should follow that used in recent issues of Watsonia. Underline where italics are required.
Names of periodicals in the References should be abbreviated as in the World list of scientific
periodicals, and herbaria as in British and Irish herbaria (Kent & Allen 1984). Further details on
format can be found in B.S.B.I. News 51: 40-42 (1989).

Tables, figure legends & appendices should be typed on separate sheets and attached at the end of
the manuscript.

Figures should be drawn in black ink and identified in pencil on the back with their number and the
author’s name. They should be drawn no more than three times final size, bearing in mind they will
normally be reduced to occupy the full width of a page. Scale-bars are essential on plant illustrations
and maps. Lettering should be done with transfers or high-quality stencilling, although graph axes
and other more extensive labelling are best done in pencil and left to the printer. Photographs can be
accepted if they assist in the understanding of the article.

Contributors are advised to consult the editors before submission in cases of doubt. Twenty-five
offprints are given free to authors of Papers and Short Notes; further copies may be purchased in
multiples of 25 at the current price. The Society takes no responsibility for the views expressed by
authors of Papers, Short Notes, Book Reviews or Obituaries.

Submission of manuscripts

Papers and Short Notes: Dr B. S. Rushton, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences,
University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, N. Ireland, BTS2 1SA.

Books for Review: Dr J. R. Edmondson, Boiany Department, Liverpool Museum, William
Brown St, Liverpool, L3 8EN.

Plant Records: the appropriate vice-county recorder, who should then send them to C. D. Preston,
Biological Records Centre, Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton,
Huntingdon, PE17 2LS.

Back issues of Watsonia are handled by Messrs Dawson UK Limited,

Cannon House, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5EE, to whom orders for all issues prior to Volume 18
part 1 should be sent.

Recent issues (Vol. 18 part 1 onwards) are available from the Hon. Treasurer of the

B.S.B.I., 68 Outwoods Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3LY.

3 9088 01167 534

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