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  • Undulate Ray Raja undulata Length to 1m <br />
Outline is typical of rays. Upperside is grey-brown above with dark lines bordered by white dots. Scarce, mainly in S.
    142713.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata Length to 75cm<br />
Well-marked ray. Found in mouths of estuaries and sandy bays. Adult has typical ray shape with rather short snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with pale lines and spots. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142681.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata Length to 75cm<br />
Well-marked ray. Found in mouths of estuaries and sandy bays. Adult has typical ray shape with rather short snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with pale lines and spots. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142677.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata Length to 75cm<br />
Well-marked ray. Found in mouths of estuaries and sandy bays. Adult has typical ray shape with rather short snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with pale lines and spots. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142224.jpg
  • Marbled Electric Ray Torpedo marmorata Length to 150cm<br />
Unusual ray, capable of delivering powerful shock (up to 220 volts) from organs in pectoral fins. Adult has unmistakable, rounded outline; tail is relatively short with rounded dorsal fins. Body upper surface is mottled and marbled grey-brown. Scarce, mainly in W and SW.
    142569.jpg
  • From top to bottom, left to right: Ballan Wrasse, Thornback Ray, Red Gurnard, Bull Rout, John Dory, Cod, Boarfish, Sole, Ray's Bream, Greater Pipefish, Mackerel
    143318.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has a flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of the long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along the dorsal surface of the body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case.
    142970.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has a flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of the long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along the dorsal surface of the body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case.
    142969.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has a flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of the long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along the dorsal surface of the body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case.
    142954.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has a flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of the long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along the dorsal surface of the body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case.
    142953.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along dorsal surface of body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142225.jpg
  • Spotted Ray Raja montagui Length to 75cm<br />
Similar to Thornback Ray but separable using pattern and structure. Fairly common in shallow inshore waters over sand. Adult has roughly diamond-shaped body and short, pointed snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with dark spots that do not extend to wing margins. Tail is long and does not look banded. Has spines along dorsal surface of tail and along centre of body; these lack swollen bases. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142226.jpg
  • Ray’s Bream Brama brama Length to 70cm<br />
An unmistakable laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish. The head and eyes are proportionately very large. Overall, the fish is silvery-metallic in appearance, with a maroon/bronze sheen to the dorsal surface. This warm water species follows the Gulf Stream north in summer, retreating south in autumn; those that head south into the North Sea invariably end up dying and can be found on the north Norfolk coast in early winter.
    142742.jpg
  • Spotted Ray Raja montagui egg case length to 8cm<br />
Capsule long and slender; has four horns of similar length, one pair curled in at tip, the other pair curled upwards.
    142675.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata egg case length to 9cm<br />
Narrow, stongly curved capsule; has one very convex surface. Capsule narrows towards base of shortest pair of horns.
    142674.jpg
  • Undulate Ray Raja undulata egg case length to 9cm<br />
Long smooth-surfaced capsule; has one long pair of horns with curled tips and one shorter pair that curl up like a bob-sleigh.
    142079.jpg
  • Spotted Ray Raja montagui egg case length to 8cm<br />
Capsule long and slender; has four horns of similar length, one pair curled in at tip, the other pair curled upwards.
    142078.jpg
  • Blonde Ray Raja brachyura egg case Length to 14cm<br />
Capsule longer than broad with one flat and one convex side. Has one pair of horns almost as long as capsule and one pair much shorter and curved; these are often damaged.
    142076.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata egg case Length to 9cm<br />
Capsule square and plump; has horns of equal length, up to half length of capsule.
    142077.jpg
  • Common Stingray Dasyatis pastinaca Length to 120cm<br />
Fairly distinctive ray, renowned for ability to inflict painful wound. Favours estuary mouths and shores with muddy sand. Adult has shield-shaped body outline with a long, tapering tail, armed dorsally with a single ‘stinging’ spine. Upper surface of body is uniformly yellowish-grey. Gives birth to live young. Generally scarce, mainly in S.
    142571.jpg
  • BLUE FLEABANE Erigeron acer (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Roughly hairy annual or biennial; stems are stiff and tinged reddish. Grows in dry, grassy places and on coastal shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 12-18mm across, the bluish purple ray florets mainly concealing the yellow disc florets; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and stalked at base of plant; narrow and unstalked on stem. STATUS-Widespread only in England and Wales.
    131920.jpg
  • BLUE FLEABANE Erigeron acer (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Roughly hairy annual or biennial; stems are stiff and tinged reddish. Grows in dry, grassy places and on coastal shingle and dunes. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 12-18mm across, the bluish purple ray florets mainly concealing the yellow disc florets; in clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and stalked at base of plant; narrow and unstalked on stem. STATUS-Widespread only in England and Wales.
    131919.jpg
  • COMMON FLEABANE Pulicaria dysenterica (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Creeping perennial with upright, branched and woolly flowering stems. Grows in damp meadows and ditches on heavy soils. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with spreading yellow ray florets and deeper yellow, central disc florets; arranged in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes with a hairy pappus. LEAVES are heart-shaped and clasping on the stem; basal leaves soon wither. STATUS-Common, except in Scotland.
    131858.jpg
  • WALL LETTUCE Mycelis muralis (Asteraceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright and hairless perennial. Stems are often purple tinged and exude a milky sap when broken. Grows on shady banks and wall, usually on chalky soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 7-10mm across, with 5 yellow ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, the end lobe triangular; upper leaves are clasping. STATUS-Widespread but only locally common.
    131730.jpg
  • Blonde Ray - Raja brachyura - egg case
    160019.jpg
  • Blonde Ray - Raja brachyura - egg case
    160020.jpg
  • Rayed Earthstar - Geastrum quadrifidum
    132252.jpg
  • FEVERFEW Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, much-branched and downy perennial that is strongly aromatic. Grows in disturbed ground, and on verges, waysides and old walls. FLOWERS are borne in daisy-like heads, 1-2cm across, that comprise yellow disc and white ray florets; in loose clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are yellowish green and pinnately divided; lower leaves stalked, upper ones unstalked. STATUS-Introduced as a garden plant and widely naturalised, often in the vicinity of habitation.
    131882.jpg
  • Dawn over Rooksbury Mill, Andover, Hampshire
    163320.jpg
  • Dawn over Rooksbury Mill, Andover, Hampshire
    163321.jpg
  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
    161467.jpg
  • Common Fleabane - Pulicaria dysenterica
    161352.jpg
  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
    161221.jpg
  • Blue Fleabane - Erigeron acer
    161220.jpg
  • Common Fleabane - Pulicaria dysenterica
    159396.jpg
  • Munk's Mobula Ray - Mobula munkiana
    163791.jpg
  • Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island on the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Uk
    154836.jpg
  • Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island on the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Uk
    154837.jpg
  • Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island on the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Uk
    154838.jpg
  • Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island on the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire, Uk
    154839.jpg
  • SMALL FLEABANE Pulicaria vulgaris (Height to 40cm) recalls Common Fleabane but it is more branched and has much smaller flower heads, 1cm across, with short ray florets (Aug-Oct). It grows around the trampled and grazed margins of pools in the New Forest, its best location in our region.
    131895.jpg
  • ALPINE FLEABANE Erigeron borealis (Height to 25cm) has a basal rosette of hairy, lanceolate leaves and upright stems that carry solitary heads comprising pinkish lilac ray florets and yellowish disc florets, 2cm across (Jul-Aug). It is a rare plant of the E Highlands.
    131761.jpg
  • SNEEZEWORT Achillea ptarmica (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Upright and branched or unbranched perennial with stiff, angular stems, the upper parts of which are downy. Grows in damp situations in meadows, and woodland rides and clearings, almost always on acid soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 1-2cm across, comprising greenish yellow disc florets and white ray florets; heads are carried in open clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, undivided, untoothed and stalkless. STATUS-Locally common throughout the region.
    131641.jpg
  • Small Fleabane - Pulicaria vulgaris
    161415.jpg
  • Small Fleabane - Pulicaria vulgari
    161414.jpg
  • Sole Solea solea Length to 50cm <br />
Distinctive flatfish whose outline recalls a shoe sole. Found on sandy substrates on coasts and in estuaries. Adult lives with right side, and eyes, facing uppermost. Mouth is not terminal, upper pectoral fin has a black spot and skin is rough and patterned to look like sand and gravel. Anal fin has 61-74 rays, dorsal fin 65-78 rays. Black spot on upper pectoral fin is ‘flashed’ as fin is erected in alarm. This looks strikingly similar to ‘warning’ issued by Lesser Weever whose fin spines are venomous.  Widespread and locally common in S half of Britain; scarce further north.
    141528.jpg
  • Sole Solea solea Length to 50cm <br />
Distinctive flatfish whose outline recalls a shoe sole. Found on sandy substrates on coasts and in estuaries. Adult lives with right side, and eyes, facing uppermost. Mouth is not terminal, upper pectoral fin has a black spot and skin is rough and patterned to look like sand and gravel. Anal fin has 61-74 rays, dorsal fin 65-78 rays. Black spot on upper pectoral fin is ‘flashed’ as fin is erected in alarm. This looks strikingly similar to ‘warning’ issued by Lesser Weever whose fin spines are venomous.  Widespread and locally common in S half of Britain; scarce further north.
    141540.jpg
  • Rock-samphire - Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Spreading, branched and hairless perennial. Characteristic of maritime rocky habitats and stabilised coastal shingle. FLOWERS are greenish yellow and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across, with 8-30 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ridged and corky. LEAVES are divided into narrow, fleshy lobes, triangular in cross-section.
    155442.jpg
  • Grey Gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus Length to 45cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes, and sloping forehead. Pectoral fin does not reach vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. 1st dorsal fin often has dark spot. Lateral line is spiny. Overall usually grey-brown with swirly pattern of pale lines and spots on lower flanks. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E.
    142657.jpg
  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
    131523.jpg
  • CORN PARSLEY Petroselinum segetum (Apiaceae) Height to 60cm. Slender and rather wiry, hairless and dark grey-green perennial that smells of Parsley. Found in grassy places and hedges, usually near the sea. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 3-5cm across; these are open and irregular, due to unequal length of rays (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are pinnate with ovate, toothed leaflets. STATUS-Local and mainly coastal in S England and S Wales only.
    131394.jpg
  • ROCK-SAMPHIRE Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Spreading, branched and hairless perennial. Characteristic of maritime rocky habitats and stabilised coastal shingle. FLOWERS are greenish yellow and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across, with 8-30 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ridged and corky. LEAVES are divided into narrow, fleshy lobes, triangular in cross-section.
    155592.jpg
  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height less than 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate.
    155423.jpg
  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae) - Lundy, Devon. Height less than 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate
    155424.jpg
  • Rock-samphire - Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Spreading, branched and hairless perennial. Characteristic of maritime rocky habitats and stabilised coastal shingle. FLOWERS are greenish yellow and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across, with 8-30 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ridged and corky. LEAVES are divided into narrow, fleshy lobes, triangular in cross-section.
    155441.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142680.jpg
  • Red Gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus Length to 30cm<br />
Stunning fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; sloping forehead has more concave profile than Grey Gurnard. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall red, grading to pinkish white on belly. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142678.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna)Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142536.jpg
  • Black Sea-bream Spondyliosoma cantharus Length to 55cm<br />
Deep-bodied fish with a steep profile to the head. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months. Adult is bluish-grey overall, darker above than below and tinged reddish on head and underparts. Dorsal fin has spiny rays; pectoral fins are relatively long. Widespread and fairly common in S and W; commonest from Dorset to Sussex.
    142450.jpg
  • Red Gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus Length to 30cm<br />
Stunning fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; sloping forehead has more concave profile than Grey Gurnard. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall red, grading to pinkish white on belly. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142449.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142122.jpg
  • Black Sea-bream Spondyliosoma cantharus Length to 55cm<br />
Deep-bodied fish with a steep profile to the head. Ventures into inshore waters in summer months. Adult is bluish-grey overall, darker above than below and tinged reddish on head and underparts. Dorsal fin has spiny rays; pectoral fins are relatively long. Widespread and fairly common in S and W; commonest from Dorset to Sussex.
    141711.jpg
  • Brill Scophthalmus rhombus Length to 55cm<br />
Beautifully patterned flatfish. Superbly camouflaged against the sandy substrates that if favours. Adult lives with left side, and eyes, facing uppermost. Outline is broadly oval, anal and dorsal fins are broadest towards tail, and anterior rays of dorsal fin are separated into filaments. Locally common only in S and SW, north to Irish Sea.
    141498.jpg
  • Brill Scophthalmus rhombus Length to 55cm<br />
Beautifully patterned flatfish. Superbly camouflaged against the sandy substrates that if favours. Adult lives with left side, and eyes, facing uppermost. Outline is broadly oval, anal and dorsal fins are broadest towards tail, and anterior rays of dorsal fin are separated into filaments. Locally common only in S and SW, north to Irish Sea.
    141481.jpg
  • Bullhead Cottus gobio Length 8-15cm <br />
This squat fish has a proportionately large and broad head and fins with spine-tipped rays; it is well camouflaged among stone and gravel stream beds, often hiding under larger stones, and is common only in England and Wales.
    136665.jpg
  • Bullhead Cottus gobio Length 8-15cm <br />
This squat fish has a proportionately large and broad head and fins with spine-tipped rays; it is well camouflaged among stone and gravel stream beds, often hiding under larger stones, and is common only in England and Wales.
    136122.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    141581.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    141582.jpg
  • PARSLEY WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe lachenalii (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in damp meadows and marshes; tolerates brackish conditions. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ribbed and lack swollen, cocky bases (see next species). LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow to oval, flat leaflets, the whole recalling young, fresh Parsley leaves. STATUS-Locally common (mainly coastal) in England, Wales and Ireland; scarce in Scotland.
    131997.jpg
  • PARSLEY WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe lachenalii (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in damp meadows and marshes; tolerates brackish conditions. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ribbed and lack swollen, cocky bases (see next species). LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow to oval, flat leaflets, the whole recalling young, fresh Parsley leaves. STATUS-Locally common (mainly coastal) in England, Wales and Ireland; scarce in Scotland.
    131996.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131955.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets.
    131535.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131534.jpg
  • CORKY-FRUITED WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, hairless perennial with solid, ridged stems. Favours damp, grass places, often coastal and particularly on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in terminal, flat-topped umbels, 2-6cm across, with 6-15 rays (May-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with swollen, corky bases. LEAVES are 1- or 2-pinnate with narrow-oval to wedge-shaped leaflets. STATUS-Scarce and local, in S England only.
    131528.jpg
  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
    131522.jpg
  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131468.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual; recalls the previous species. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    131469.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual; recalls the previous species. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    131460.jpg
  • UPRIGHT HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis japonica (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Slender annual with solid, unspotted and roughly hairy stems. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are white (or tinged pink); borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm, across with 5-12 rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked, purple bristles. LEAVES are 1- to 3-pinnate and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131431.jpg
  • UPRIGHT HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis japonica (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Slender annual with solid, unspotted and roughly hairy stems. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are white (or tinged pink); borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm, across with 5-12 rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked, purple bristles. LEAVES are 1- to 3-pinnate and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • UPRIGHT HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis japonica (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Slender annual with solid, unspotted and roughly hairy stems. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are white (or tinged pink); borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm, across with 5-12 rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked, purple bristles. LEAVES are 1- to 3-pinnate and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • UPRIGHT HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis japonica (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Slender annual with solid, unspotted and roughly hairy stems. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are white (or tinged pink); borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm, across with 5-12 rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked, purple bristles. LEAVES are 1- to 3-pinnate and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • CORN PARSLEY Petroselinum segetum (Apiaceae) Height to 60cm. Slender and rather wiry, hairless and dark grey-green perennial that smells of Parsley. Found in grassy places and hedges, usually near the sea. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 3-5cm across; these are open and irregular, due to unequal length of rays (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are pinnate with ovate, toothed leaflets. STATUS-Local and mainly coastal in S England and S Wales only.
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  • CORN PARSLEY Petroselinum segetum (Apiaceae) Height to 60cm. Slender and rather wiry, hairless and dark grey-green perennial that smells of Parsley. Found in grassy places and hedges, usually near the sea. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 3-5cm across; these are open and irregular, due to unequal length of rays (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are pinnate with ovate, toothed leaflets. STATUS-Local and mainly coastal in S England and S Wales only.
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  • STONE PARSLEY Sison amomum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, bushy perennial with an unpleasant smell (nutmeg and petrol) when bruised. Found in grassy places on clay soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in open umbels, 1-4cm across, with unequal rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are globular. LEAVES are fresh green; lower ones have oval leaflets, upper ones have narrow leaflets. STATUS-Local, in S.
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  • LESSER MARSHWORT Apium inundatum (Apiaceae) * Creeping. Creeping and prostrate, hairless perennial with smooth stems. Found in damp ground, often on the margins of ponds and marshes, and sometimes growing submerged. FLOWERS are white and borne in small stalked umbels with 2-4 rays (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are narrow ovoid. LEAVES are pinnate with narrow, hair-like leaflets, not unlike those of some water-crowfoot species. STATUS-Widespread but rather local.
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  • TUBULAR WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe fistulosa (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright and delicate, hairless perennial with slender, inflated and hollow stems. Favours damp ground and sometimes found growing in shallow water. FLOWERS are pinkish white and borne in open umbels, 2-4cm across, with 2-4 rays (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are roughly cylindrical but angular; the umbels in which they are borne become globular as they ripen. LEAVES have inflated stalks; leaflets of lower leaves are oval while those of upper ones are tubular. STATUS-Local in England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • HEMLOCK WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe crocata (Apiaceae) Height to 1.25m. Distinctive and highly poisonous perennial that sometimes forms sizeable clumps. The stems are hollow and grooved and the plant smells of Parsley. Found in damp meadows and ditches. FLOWERS are white and borne in domed umbels, 5-10cm across, with 10-40 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with long styles. LEAVES are 2-4 times pinnately divided with toothed, tapering lobes. STATUS-Widespread but locally common only in S and W Britain; scarce in, or absent from, much of the N.
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  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • GROUND-ELDER Aegopodium podagraria (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Creeping and patch-forming hairless perennial. Favours damp and disturbed ground and a persistent weed in the garden. FLOWERS are white and borne in compact umbels, 2-6cm across with 10-20 rays (May-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are fresh green, roughly triangular in outline and twice trifoliate. STATUS-Doubtfully native; widely introduced and translocated (inadvertently) by gardeners and now widespread.
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  • GALLANT-SOLDIER Galinsoga parviflora Height to 75cm<br />
Upright, much-branched and hairless annual that grows on waste ground and in cultivated fields. FLOWERS are borne in untidy-looking heads, 3-5mm across with yellow disc florets and 4-5 white rays; in much-branched inflorescences (May-Oct). FRUITS have long hairs. LEAVES ovate, toothed, stalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Introduced from S America and now naturalised, mainly in S and SE England.
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  • HEMLOCK WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe crocata (Apiaceae) Height to 1.25m. Distinctive and highly poisonous perennial that sometimes forms sizeable clumps. The stems are hollow and grooved and the plant smells of Parsley. Found in damp meadows and ditches. FLOWERS are white and borne in domed umbels, 5-10cm across, with 10-40 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with long styles. LEAVES are 2-4 times pinnately divided with toothed, tapering lobes. STATUS-Widespread but locally common only in S and W Britain; scarce in, or absent from, much of the N.
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  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae)  Height less than 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate.
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  • GROUND-ELDER Aegopodium podagraria (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Creeping and patch-forming hairless perennial. Favours damp and disturbed ground and a persistent weed in the garden. FLOWERS are white and borne in compact umbels, 2-6cm across with 10-20 rays (May-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped and ridged. LEAVES are fresh green, roughly triangular in outline and twice trifoliate.
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  • ROCK-SAMPHIRE Crithmum maritimum (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm<br />
Spreading, branched and hairless perennial. Characteristic of maritime rocky habitats and stabilised coastal shingle. FLOWERS are greenish yellow and borne in umbels, 3-6cm across, with 8-30 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped, ridged and corky. LEAVES are divided into narrow, fleshy lobes, triangular in cross-section.
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  • ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum (Apiaceae) Height to 1.25m. Stout and sometimes clump-forming, hairless biennial. Favours waste ground, roadside verges and hedgerows, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are yellowish and borne in umbels, 4-6cm across, with 7-15 rays (Mar-Jun). FRUITS are globular, ridged and black when ripe. LEAVES are dark green, shiny and 3 times trifoliate. STATUS-Introduced but widely naturalised, mainly on S and SE coasts of England and Ireland.
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  • Ray’s Bream Brama brama Length to 70cm<br />
An unmistakable laterally-compressed, deep-bodied fish. The head and eyes are proportionately very large. Overall, the fish is silvery-metallic in appearance, with a maroon/bronze sheen to the dorsal surface. This warm water species follows the Gulf Stream north in summer, retreating south in autumn; those that head south into the North Sea invariably end up dying and can be found on the north Norfolk coast in early winter.
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  • RAY’S KNOTGRASS Polygonum oxyspermum (Polygonaceae) Prostrate. Mat-forming annual of undisturbed coastal sand and shingle beaches. FLOWERS are pinkish white and arise in leaf axils (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are nut-like and protrude beyond the withering flower. LEAVES are oval, leathery and alternate, sometimes with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Local and commonest in W.
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  • Oxeye Daisy - Leucanthemum vulgare (Asteraceae) Height to 60cm. Downy or hairless perennial of dry, grassy meadows and verges, often on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 30-50mm across, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets (May-Sep). No scales between disc florets. FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are dark green and toothed; lower leaves are spoon-shaped, stalked and form a rosette, stem leaves are pinnately lobed. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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