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  • Japanese Cherry Prunus serrulata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. A small to medium-sized deciduous tree. BARK Purple-brown, ringed by horizontal lines of prominent lenticels. BRANCHES Ascending, usually fanning out from the bole and terminating in smooth twigs. LEAVES Up to 20cm long, ovate and drawn out to a long tapering tip; the margin is sharply toothed and the smooth petiole, to 4cm long, has up to 4 red glands near the base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white or pink flowers grow in clusters of 2–4, opening just before the leaves; in some cultivars so flowers are borne on a 8cm-long petiole, may have notched petals, and vary in shade from pure white to deep pink. Fruits are round, to 7mm long and deep purple-crimson; they seldom develop in cultivated trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China, then introduced into Japan at a very early date, and subsequently brought to our region where now it is a very popular garden tree. Centuries of breeding and selection have made modern trees different from their wild ancestors, which are rarely seen. SIMILAR TREES Originally bred in Japan and ancient in origin, there are many cultivated forms of Cherry that are popular here as garden tree, and that are often collectively referred to as ‘Japanese Cherries’; typically they are known only by their cultivar names. Popular forms include: Prunus ‘Kanzan’ with magenta buds and pink flowers; Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ with pink buds and white double flowers; Prunus ‘Shirotae’ with large, white flowers; Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ with pink double flowers.
    133831.jpg
  • Japanese Cherry Prunus serrulata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. A small to medium-sized deciduous tree. BARK Purple-brown, ringed by horizontal lines of prominent lenticels. BRANCHES Ascending, usually fanning out from the bole and terminating in smooth twigs. LEAVES Up to 20cm long, ovate and drawn out to a long tapering tip; the margin is sharply toothed and the smooth petiole, to 4cm long, has up to 4 red glands near the base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white or pink flowers grow in clusters of 2–4, opening just before the leaves; in some cultivars so flowers are borne on a 8cm-long petiole, may have notched petals, and vary in shade from pure white to deep pink. Fruits are round, to 7mm long and deep purple-crimson; they seldom develop in cultivated trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China, then introduced into Japan at a very early date, and subsequently brought to our region where now it is a very popular garden tree. Centuries of breeding and selection have made modern trees different from their wild ancestors, which are rarely seen. SIMILAR TREES Originally bred in Japan and ancient in origin, there are many cultivated forms of Cherry that are popular here as garden tree, and that are often collectively referred to as ‘Japanese Cherries’; typically they are known only by their cultivar names. Popular forms include: Prunus ‘Kanzan’ with magenta buds and pink flowers; Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ with pink buds and white double flowers; Prunus ‘Shirotae’ with large, white flowers; Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ with pink double flowers.
    133740.jpg
  • Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima),Handa Island, Sutherland, Scotland. THRIFT Armeria maritima (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 20cm.  Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    144587.jpg
  • Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) HEIGHT to 20cm. Charming, tufted perennial that is restricted to the limestone slopes and crags of Cheddar Gorge. The flowers are pink, 2-3cm across and are solitary on slendar stalks (May-July). The leaves are grey and narrow.
    109375.jpg
  • Pink Domecap - Calocybe carnea
    135632.jpg
  • DEPTFORD PINK Dianthus armeria (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 60cm. Dark green, slightly hairy annual. Found in dry, grassy places, mainly on chalk or sandy soils. FLOWERS are 9-13mm across, with reddish pink petals that have toothed margins and pale spots; borne in clusters (Jun-Aug). Note the long bracts. FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Widespread but generally scarce and local.
    131368.jpg
  • PINK WATER-SPEEDWELL Veronica catenata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless perennial, similar to Blue Water-speedwell, with which it hybridises, but smaller and often tinged purple; nb hybrid cross is often commoner than parents. Grows in damp ground and around pond margins. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pink; in rather open spikes comprising paired flowers arising from leaf axils, their stalks shorter than the bracts. FRUITS are flattened, rounded and notched capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, pointed and toothed. STATUS-Locally common.
    131045.jpg
  • PINK WATER-SPEEDWELL Veronica catenata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless perennial, similar to Blue Water-speedwell, with which it hybridises, but smaller and often tinged purple; nb hybrid cross is often commoner than parents. Grows in damp ground and around pond margins. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pink; in rather open spikes comprising paired flowers arising from leaf axils, their stalks shorter than the bracts. FRUITS are flattened, rounded and notched capsules. LEAVES are narrow-oval, pointed and toothed. STATUS-Locally common.
    131040.jpg
  • PINK-SORREL Oxalis articulata (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Tufted, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; borne on stalked umbels (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate marked with orange spots below. STATUS-A familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally.
    130855.jpg
  • PINK-SORREL Oxalis articulata (Oxalidaceae) (Fabaceae) Height to 25cm. Tufted, downy perennial of dry, bare ground. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; borne on stalked umbels (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are trifoliate marked with orange spots below. STATUS-A familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally.
    130849.jpg
  • Pink Butterfly Orchid - Anacamptis papilionacea
    162613.jpg
  • Fringed Pink - Dianthus superbus
    162733.jpg
  • Pink butterfly Orchid - Anacamptis papilionacea
    162641.jpg
  • Pink Cistus - Cistus creticus
    162615.jpg
  • Pink Cistus - Cistus creticus
    162614.jpg
  • Pink Butterfly Orchid - Anacamptis papilionacea
    162611.jpg
  • Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus Wingspan 40-45mm. A beautiful moth with narrow wings and a plump body. Flies May-July. Adult has a pink body and pink and yellowish-buff forewings. Larva feeds on bedstraws. Locally common in southern and central Britain, and in coastal regions further north.
    128056.jpg
  • Small Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila porcellus Wingspan 40-45mm. A beautiful moth with narrow wings and a plump body. Flies May-July. Adult has a pink body and pink and yellowish-buff forewings. Larva feeds on bedstraws. Locally common in southern and central Britain, and in coastal regions further north.
    128055.jpg
  • Pink Siris Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 13m <br />
Small tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Pinnate, to 40cm long; each leaf has up to 25 pinnae, each pinna with about 35–50 curved, ovate leaflets, to 1.5cm long, green above, white below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pinkish-orange plume-like flowers borne on branched hairy stalks; pods brown, to 15cm long, constricted between seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Asia, planted here occasionally.
    134804.jpg
  • Pink Siris Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 13m <br />
Small tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Pinnate, to 40cm long; each leaf has up to 25 pinnae, each pinna with about 35–50 curved, ovate leaflets, to 1.5cm long, green above, white below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pinkish-orange plume-like flowers borne on branched hairy stalks; pods brown, to 15cm long, constricted between seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Asia, planted here occasionally.
    108892.jpg
  • THRIFT Armeria maritima (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    119056.jpg
  • Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow.
    101122.jpg
  • Pink Hawksbeard - Crepis rubra
    162697.jpg
  • Pink Catchfly - Silene colorata
    162619.jpg
  • Common Milkwort - Polygala vulgaris. Height less than 30cm. Trailing or upright, hairless perennial. Found in grassland on all but the most acid of soils. FLOWERS are 6-8mm long and can be blue, pink or white; borne in open, terminal spikes of 10-40 flowers (May-Sep). FRUITS are flattened. LEAVES are alternate, narrow and pointed.
    157351.jpg
  • Red Campion - Silene dioica. Height to 1m<br />
Hairy biennial or perennial of hedgerows, grassy banks and wayside places generally. FLOWERS are reddish pink and 20-30mm across; male flowers are smaller than females and on separate plants (Mar-Oct). FRUITS reveal 10 reflexed teeth when ripe. LEAVES are hairy and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    157345.jpg
  • Red Hemp-nettle - Galeopsis angustifolia (Lamiaceae). Height to 30cm. Branched and downy annual with stems that are not swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields, on disturbed ground and on shingle usually near the coast. FLOWERS are 15-25mm long and reddish pink with a hooded upper lip and a 2-lobed lower lip, the corolla tube being twice as long as the calyx; borne in terminal heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are narrow and only slightly toothed. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common only and encountered mainly in SE England.
    157123.jpg
  • Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula - Pink form (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm. Attractive perennial that grows in woodland, scrub and grassland, doing especially well on neutral or calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pinkish purple, with a 3-lobed lower lip, 8-12mm long, and a long spur; borne in tall spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy and dark green with dark spots; these appear first as a rosette, from January onwards, from which the flower stalk arises later in spring.  STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout much of the region.
    156634.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dactlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156624.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchids, Dactlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156621.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dacttlorhiza fuchsii - White form. var. albiflora. Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156619.jpg
  • Common Spotted Orchid - Dacttlorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) Height to 60cm. Robust orchid of grassland, open woods and verges, mostly on calcareous or neutral soils. FLOWERS vary in colour from plant to plant, ranging from pale pink to pinkish purple; darker streaks and spots adorn lower lip, which has 3 even-sized lobes and is 1cm across. Flowers are borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are green glossy and dark-spotted; borne in a basal rosette before flower stalk appears; narrower leaves sheath lower part of the stalk. STATUS-Locally common.
    156620.jpg
  • Rosy Starling - Sturnus roseus - Juvenile.  L 20-22cm. Found among flocks of Starlings. Adult has unmistakable pink and dark plumage. Juvenile is buffish grey with a yellow bill.
    155531.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
    155425.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
    155426.jpg
  • HARE’S-FOOT CLOVER Trifolium arvense (Fabaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height to 25cm. Charming and distinctive annual that is covered in soft hairs. Found in dry, grassy areas, typically on sandy or gravelly soils. FLOWERS are pale pink and shorter than the filament-like calyx teeth; borne in dense egg-shaped to cylindrical heads, 2-3cm long (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are concealed by the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate and comprise narrow leaflets that are barely toothed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from N Scotland and mainly coastal in Ireland.
    155427.jpg
  • Bog Pimpernel - Anagallis tenella (Primulaceae) Creeping<br />
Delicate and attractive hairless perennial; has trailing stems and sometimes forms mats. Found on damp ground, such as bogs and dune slacks, and mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are up to 1cm long, pink and funnel-shaped with 5 lobes; borne on slender, upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs.
    155450.jpg
  • Bog Pimpernel - Anagallis tenella (Primulaceae) Creeping<br />
Delicate and attractive hairless perennial; has trailing stems and sometimes forms mats. Found on damp ground, such as bogs and dune slacks, and mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are up to 1cm long, pink and funnel-shaped with 5 lobes; borne on slender, upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded, short-stalked and borne in opposite pairs.
    155451.jpg
  • Cross-leaved heath - Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
    155456.jpg
  • Thrift - Armeria maritima - Lundy, north end.  Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    155474.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    144907.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    141371.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    140658.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    140653.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    136670.jpg
  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
    136544.jpg
  • White Mulberry Morus alba (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Deciduous tree with a narrow rounded crown on a broad bole, to 2m across. BARK Heavily ridged and grey, sometimes tinged pinkish. BRANCHES Shoots are thin, with fine hairs at first; buds are minute, brown and pointed. LEAVES To 18cm long, oval to rounded with a heart-shaped base and a hairy, grooved petiole up to 2.5cm long. Feel thin and smooth, and have a toothed margin, with downy hairs on veins on underside.  REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers stalked, spike-like and yellowish. Male flowers on slightly longer spikes; whitish with prominent anthers. Fruit comprises a cluster of drupes; white or pink at first, ripening purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, grown here occasionally. COMMENT The leaves are the foodplant for silkworms.
    134473.jpg
  • Red Horse-chestnut Aesculus x carnea (Height to 20m) is a hybrid between Horse-chestnut and Red Buckeye (see next page) and forms a sizeable, domed tree with a gnarled bole and twisted branches. The leaves are composed of 5–7 leaflets, each dark green and with toothed margins. The flowers are similar to those of Horse-chestnut: sometimes creamy-white with yellow blotches at first but turning pink with red blotches. Red Horse-chestnut is widely planted in parks and formal gardens.
    133959.jpg
  • Japanese Crab Malus floribunda (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 8m <br />
A compact, densely crowned small tree on a thick bole with dark brown, fissured bark. The twigs are slightly pendulous and reddish when young, remaining densely hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 8cm long, oval with a pointed tip and a toothed margin. The underside is downy when the leaves first open, but becomes smooth later. Reproductive parts The fragrant flowers appear soon after the leaves and are usually so dense that they hide the leaves. At first the buds are a rich pink, then they become paler as they open and the blossom gradually fades to white. The fruits are rounded and up to 2.5cm across, but sometimes smaller. They ripen to a bright yellow, and are often present in the same abundance as the flowers. Habitat and distribution Probably a hybrid between two Japanese garden species, as this tree has not been found growing in the wild. Frequently planted in gardens and parks all over Europe for its attractive blossom and convenient small size.
    132751.jpg
  • Campbell’s Magnolia Magnolia campbellii (Magnoliaceae) HEIGHT to 20m. Much-branched and widely spreading tree, or large bush. BARK Grey and slightly fissured. BRANCHES Long and mainly level. LEAVES Oval and pointed at the tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers, to 30cm across, comprise numerous pink tepals. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, sometimes grown here for its wonderful flowers. COMMENTS Used as a parent stock in many forms hybrid tree magnolia cultivars although in many forms it is not possible to determine the precise parentage.
    132737.jpg
  • CROWN VETCH Securigera varia (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Straggling, hairless perennial. Found in grassy places, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink and white; borne in long-stalked, spherical heads of 10-20 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are 4-angled pods, 6cm long. LEAVES comprise 7-12 pairs of oval leaflets and a terminal leaflet. STATUS-Naturalised locally.
    141463.jpg
  • COMMON DODDER Cuscuta epithymum (Cuscutaceae) Climbing. Bizarre, parasitic and leafless plant that lacks chlorophyll and gains its nutrition from host plants, which include Heather, clovers and other herbaceous plants. Found in grassy places and on heaths, the slender, red stems twining through the vegetation. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, pink and borne in dense clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common in S; scarce elsewhere.
    141451.jpg
  • WILD ONION Allium vineale (Liliaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Bulbous perennial of dry grassland and roadside verges. FLOWERS are pink or white, long-stalked and borne in umbels along with greenish red bulbils and a papery bract; proportion of flowers : bulbils varies considerably (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, hollow and semi-circular in cross-section. STATUS-Common in S
    140312.jpg
  • KEELED GARLIC Allium carinatum. Similar to Field Garlic A. oleraceum but with pink flowers and protruding stamens. Naturalised locally.
    140311.jpg
  • COMMON FUMITORY Fumaria officinalis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or scrambling annual of well-drained arable soils. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, pink with crimson tips, spurred and 2-lipped, the lower petal being paddle-shaped; borne in elongating spikes (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are grey-green and much divided; lobes all in one plane. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    140022.jpg
  • LESSER WATER-PLANTAIN Baldellia ranunculoides (Alismataceae) Height to 25cm. Creeping, spreading perennial that thrives best in still, calcareous waters. FLOWERS are 12-16mm across, pale pink, 3-petalled and usually solitary (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are greenish, nut-like and borne in clusters. LEAVES are narrow and long-stalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    139712.jpg
  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
    137875.jpg
  • Small-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m<br />
Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.
    137874.jpg
  • LITTLE ROBIN Geranium purpureum (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Similar to Herb-Robert but overall more slender and straggly. Restricted to dry banks and coastal shingle. FLOWERS are 7-14mm across with pink petals and yellow pollen (Apr-Sep). FRUITS are distinctly wrinkled. LEAVES are hairy and deeply cut into 3 or 5 pinnately divided lobes. STATUS-Local in SW England, S Wales and S Ireland.
    137728.jpg
  • CORALROOT Cardamine bulbifera (Brassicaceae) Height to 70cm. Perennial of undisturbed woodland on calcareous or sandy soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm across with 4 pink petals; in terminal heads (Apr-May). FRUITS are 3.5cm long and narrow. LEAVES are pinnately divided (upper ones less so) with 1-3 pairs of leaflets; borne up stem with brown bulbils in axils. STATUS-Scarce and local; SE England only.
    137660.jpg
  • CROWN VETCH Securigera varia (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Straggling, hairless perennial. Found in grassy places, usually on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink and white; borne in long-stalked, spherical heads of 10-20 flowers (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are 4-angled pods, 6cm long. LEAVES comprise 7-12 pairs of oval leaflets and a terminal leaflet. STATUS-Naturalised locally.
    136819.jpg
  • WATER AVENS Geum rivale (Rosaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Downy perennial of damp meadows, marshes and mountain ledges, mostly on base-rich soils. FLOWERS are nodding, bell-shaped and comprise dark red sepals and pink petals (May-Sep). FRUITS are bur-like but feathery. LEAVES comprise pinnate basal leaves but trifoliate ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in S England.
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  • SEA-HEATH Frankenia laevis (Frankeniaceae) ** Prostrate<br />
Branched, mat-forming and woody perennial. Restricted to the drier, upper reaches of saltmarshes. FLOWERS are 5mm across with 5 pink and crinkly petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are small and narrow with inrolled margins; densely packed and opposite on side shoots. STATUS-Local, from Hants to Norfolk only.
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  • PURPLE GROMWELL Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum (Boraginaceae) Height to 20cm. Downy and unbranched perennial with creeping stems that root at the tip and upright flowering stems. Grows in woodland and scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across, funnel-shaped and pink at first, soon turning deep blue; borne in terminal clusters (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are shiny, white nutlets. LEAVES are narrow lanceolate, dark green and pointed. STATUS-Local and scarce in S England and Wales only.
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  • LADY ORCHID Orchis purpurea (Orchidaceae) Height to 75cm. Impressive and attractive perennial that grows in woodland and scrub, mostly on chalk soils. FLOWERS have a dark red hood and a pale pink, red-spotted lip; borne in a cylindrical spike, 10-15cm tall, with flowers opening from the bottom (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are broad and oval, forming a basal rosette and loosely sheathing the stem. STATUS-Confined to S England and locally common only in Kent.
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  • MIND-YOUR-OWN-BUSINESS Soleirolia soleirolii (Urticaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming perennial with wiry, thread-like stems. FLOWERS are minute and pink (May-Aug). FRUITS are minute and hard to discern. LEAVES are tiny, rounded, untoothed and evergreen. STATUS-A garden escape, colonising walls and paths, mainly in the SW.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • ROCK SEA-SPURREY Spergularia rupicola (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 20cm. Stickily hairy perennial, often with purplish stems. Found on cliffs and rocky places near the sea. Sometimes forms clumps with woody bases. FLOWERS are pink, 5-petalled (petals and sepals equal) and 8-10mm across (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, flattened and fleshy; borne in whorls. STATUS-Locally common in W.
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  • LESSER WATER-PLANTAIN Baldellia ranunculoides (Alismataceae) Height to 25cm. Creeping, spreading perennial that thrives best in still, calcareous waters. FLOWERS are 12-16mm across, pale pink, 3-petalled and usually solitary (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are greenish, nut-like and borne in clusters. LEAVES are narrow and long-stalked. STATUS-Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • SPINY RESTHARROW Ononis spinosa (Fabaceae) Height to 70cm. Similar to Common Restharrow but upright and bushy, with spiny stems. Favours grassland on clay and heavy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and deep pink, the wings shorter than the keel (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that are longer than the calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with narrow, oval leaflets. STATUS-Local, mainly in England.
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  • SAINFOIN Onobrychis viciifolia (Fabaceae) Height to 75cm<br />
Distinctive, straggly and slightly downy perennial. Found in dry, calcareous grassland. FLOWERS are pink and red-veined; in conical spikes up to 80cm long (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are oval, warty pods. LEAVES comprise 6-14 pairs of oval leaflets. STATUS-Possibly native in SE England but a relict of cultivation elsewhere.
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  • MARSH SPEEDWELL Veronica scutellata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and downy or hairless perennial with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in damp, often boggy ground, especially on acid soils. FLOWERS are 6-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale pink or white, with dark lines; borne on stalks in open spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS is a flattened, notched capsule that is broader than it is tall. LEAVES are narrow, lanceolate and 2-4cm long. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • STRAWBERRY CLOVER Trifolium fragiferum (Fabaceae) Height to 15cm. Perennial with creeping stems that root at the nodes. Found in grassy places, mainly on clay and often near the sea. FLOWERS are pink and borne in globular heads, 10-15mm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are inflated, pinkish heads that resemble pale berries. LEAVES are trefoil with oval, unmarked leaflets. STATUS-Local in S; mainly coastal.
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  • ALPINE BISTORT Persicaria vivipara (Polygonaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright, unbranched perennial of upland and northern grassland. FLOWERS are borne in terminal spikes; upper ones are pale pink, lower ones are reddish brown bulbils (a means of vegetative reproduction) (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like, the margins inrolled. STATUS-Locally common from N Wales northwards.
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  • SEA ROCKET Cakile maritima (Brassicaceae) Height to 25cm<br />
Straggling, fleshy and hairless annual found on sandy and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are 6-12mm across, pink or pale lilac and borne in terminal clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are waisted pods, the upper half largest. LEAVES are shiny and pinnately lobed. STATUS-Widespread and locally common around coasts of Britain and Ireland.
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  • FLOWERING-RUSH Butomus umbellatus (Butomaceae) Height to 1m. Attractive perennial that grows in the vegetated margins of still or slow-flowing freshwater. FLOWERS are 25-30mm across and pink; borne in umbels (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are purple. LEAVES are rush-like, 3-angled and very long, arising from the base of the plant. STATUS-Locally common only in England and Wales.
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  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • EQUAL-LEAVED KNOTGRASS Polygonum arenastrum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of bare ground and disturbed soil. Superficially similar to Knotgrass. FLOWERS are pale pink and arise in leaf axils (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like and are enclosed by the withering flower. LEAVES are oval and equal in size on main stem and side branches (cf. Knotgrass). STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • MOTHERWORT Leonurus cardiaca (Lamiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, unbranched and variably downy perennial with a pungent smell and historical association with midwifery. Grows on verges and in shady hedgerows and waste ground, usually close to habitation. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pink of white, the upper lip being hairy; borne in whorls with striking calyx teeth (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are long-stalked; upper ones are deeply palmately lobed while upper ones are toothed. STATUS-Naturalised in a few, scattered locations across the region.
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  • SAND SPURREY Spergularia rubra (Caryophyllaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, stickily hairy annual or biennial. Found dry, sandy ground. FLOWERS are pink and 3-5mm across; 5 petals are shorter than sepals (May-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green, narrow and bristle-tipped; borne in whorls with silvery, lanceolate stipules. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • HOARY WILLOWHERB Epilobium parviflorum (Onograceae) Height to 75cm. Downy perennial. Similar to Great Willowherb but smaller, with non-clasping leaves. Found in damp habitats. FLOWERS are 12mm across with pale pink, notched petals and a 4-lobed stigma (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are broadly oval; upper ones are alternate. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
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  • PYRAMIDAL ORCHID Anacamptis pyramidalis (Orchidaceae) Height to 30cm. An attractive orchid of dry grassland and usually associated with calcareous soils and stabilised sand dunes. FLOWERS are deep pink and have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, conical or domed flower heads (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are grey-green, lanceolate and usually carried upright, partially sheathing the flower stem. STATUS-Locally common in parts of England, Wales and Ireland but commonest in the SE.
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  • AMERICAN WILLOWHERB Epilobium ciliatum (Onograceae) Height to 50cm. Upright perennial; stems have 4 raised lines and spreading, glandular hairs. Found on waste ground and damp, shady places. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across with pink, notched petals and a club-shaped stigma (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are narrow-oval, toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Introduced but widely naturalised.
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  • AMERICAN WILLOWHERB Epilobium ciliatum (Onograceae) Height to 50cm. Upright perennial; stems have 4 raised lines and spreading, glandular hairs. Found on waste ground and damp, shady places. FLOWERS are 8-10mm across with pink, notched petals and a club-shaped stigma (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are pods that contain cottony seeds. LEAVES are narrow-oval, toothed and short-stalked. STATUS-Introduced but widely naturalised.
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  • REDSHANK Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright or sprawling hairless annual with much-branched reddish stems. Found on disturbed ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are pink and borne in terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval, and usually show a dark central mark. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • MARSH SPEEDWELL Veronica scutellata (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Delicate and downy or hairless perennial with both creeping and upright stems. Grows in damp, often boggy ground, especially on acid soils. FLOWERS are 6-7mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and pale pink or white, with dark lines; borne on stalks in open spikes (Jun-Aug). FRUITS is a flattened, notched capsule that is broader than it is tall. LEAVES are narrow, lanceolate and 2-4cm long. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • COMMON STORK’S-BILL Erodium cicutarium (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Stickily hairy annual of bare, grassy places, often near the coast. FLOWERS are 8-14mm across with pink petals that are easily lost; borne in loose heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are long and beak-like. LEAVES are finely divided and feathery; stipules are narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially SE England and near the sea.
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  • SEA BINDWEED Calystegia soldanella (Convolvulaceae) Creeping. Prostrate perennial that grows on sand dunes, and occasionally on stabilised shingle. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, funnel-shaped and pink with 5 white stripes; on slender stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are kidney-shaped, fleshy, up to 4cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread on coasts but locally common only in S.
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  • RED VALERIAN Centranthus ruber (Valerianaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright, branched, hairless and greyish green perennial. Grows on broken, rocky ground, chalk cliffs and old walls. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla reddish or pink (sometimes white); borne in dense terminal heads (May-Sep). FRUITS have a feathery pappus. LEAVES are ovate, untoothed and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Introduced and widely naturalised but most frequent in coastal districts.
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  • HERB-ROBERT Geranium robertianum (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Straggling, hairy annual of shady hedgerows, rocky banks and woodlands. FLOWERS are 12-15mm across with pink petals and orange pollen; borne in loose clusters (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are hairy and in a long ‘beak’. LEAVES are hairy and deeply cut into 3 or 5 pinnately divided lobes; often tinged red. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
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  • RED DEAD-NETTLE Lamium purpureum (Lamiaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and spreading, downy annual that is pungently aromatic when crushed. Whole plant sometimes acquires a purplish tinge. Grows on disturbed ground and cultivated soils. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long and purplish pink, with a hooded upper lip and the lower lip toothed at the base and twice the length of the calyx; borne in whorls on upright stems (Mar-Oct. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are heart-shaped to oval, round-toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout most of the region.
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  • MEZEREON Daphne mezereum (Thymelaeaceae) Height to 2m. Deciduous shrub of woods and shady scrub on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 8-12mm across with 4 pink, petal-like sepals (petals absent); clusters appear just before leaves (Feb-Apr). FRUITS are berry-like and bright red. LEAVES are alternate, pale green and mainly terminal. STATUS-Local and scarce, mainly in central S England.
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  • LUNGWORT Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae) Height to 30cm. Roughly hairy perennial of verges and waysides. FLOWERS are 1cm across, bell-shaped and pink at first, turning blue; in terminal clusters (Feb-May). FRUITS are egg-shaped nutlets. LEAVES are oval and green with white spots; basal ones taper abruptly to winged stalks; stem leaves are unstalked and clasping. STATUS-Naturalised locally.
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  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
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  • DOG-ROSE Rosa canina (Rosaceae) Height to 3m<br />
Scrambling, variable shrub whose long, arching stems bear curved thorns. Associated with hedgerows, woodland margins and scrub. FLOWERS are 3-5cm across, fragrant with 5 pale pink petals and yellow stamens; borne in clusters of up to 4 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are red, egg-shaped hips that typically shed their sepals before they ripen. LEAVES comprise 5-7 hairless leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • MARSH VALERIAN Valeriana dioica (Valerianaceae)  Height to 30cm. Slender perennial with creeping runners and upright flowering stems. Grows in damp grassland and fens. FLOWERS are pale pink and produced on separate-sex plants: males are 5mm across and borne in terminal heads 4cm across; females are 2mm across and borne in heads 1-2cm across (May-Jun). FRUITS are oblong with a feathery pappus. LEAVES are ovate and opposite; basal ones long-stalked. STATUS-Locally common.
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  • PERENNIAL CENTAURY Centaurium scilloides (Gentianaceae) Height to 25cm. Perennial with creeping stems and upright flowering stalks. Found in short turf and restricted to coastal cliffs. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across, stalked and pink; borne in few-flowered clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are rounded and stalked on the creeping stems but narrower and unstalked on upright stems. STATUS-Rare and restricted to cliffs in Pembrokeshire; it may have disappeared from N Cornwall.
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  • SEASIDE CENTAURY Centaurium littorale (Gentianaceae) Height to 15cm. Similar to Common Centaury but more compact, with subtle differences in the leaves and flowers. Associated with sandy, coastal ground and mainly northern. FLOWERS are 10-16mm across, unstalked and pink with 5 petal-like lobes; borne in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are grey-green; basal leaves form a rosette and are narrow and 4-5mm wide while stem leaves are narrower still and parallel-sided. STATUS-Locally common on coasts of N and NW Britain.
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  • FRAGRANT ORCHID Gymnadenia conopsea (Orchidaceae) Height to 40cm.A robust and relatively tall orchid that is associated with both damp and dry grassland; it does best on calcareous soils or flushes, and often occurs in rather dense colonies. FLOWERS are extremely fragrant and typically pink, although a spike’s colour can vary from almost white to deep purple. Individual flowers have a 3-lobed lip and a long spur; they are borne in dense, cylindrical spikes (up to 15cm tall) (Jun-Aug). FRUITS form and swell at the base of the flowers. LEAVES are rather short and most are found at the base of the plant; a few, very narrow leaves are borne up the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common; most frequent in the S and SE.
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