Little-Robin found new for the county

Geranium purpureum (Little-Robin) was added to the list of species found in Wexford in June. The picture above was taken at Rosslare Harbour where it grew with Geranium lucidum (Shining Crane's-bill) on a large area of flat waste ground which joins the ferry port. Little-Robin is a rare species in Ireland only known otherwise from Cos Cork & Waterford.

 Above: close up of flower

The same day Little-Robin was found at another site in the county, this time on the site of the disused railway station at Ballycullane. Here Little-Robin grew on the old station platform as well as along the railway. At Dungarvan, Co. Waterford the Little-Robin also grew along the railway (now disused and is a footpath), these two railways were once linked. Could the Little-Robin have travelled along the railway line like other species? Could there be other populations waiting to be discovered?