Thursday 25 September 2014

Crataegus laevigata added to the Wexford flora

 Midland Hawthorn was found in a field hedge at Bree. This is the first record for the county. A species I have not seen in Ireland before. There were four bushes. The photo above shows one of the trees on the field bank, well nibbled by horses. Below is fruits and leaves.

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Sparganium emersum (Unbranched Bur-reed) a fifth site for the county

This is only the 5th county record for Unbranched Bur-reed in the county. Found at Castletown in the far north of the county. I looked at it and walk on thinking it was Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed). It was only because it was a much smaller plant than Branched Bur-reed which also grew in the ditch, and the leaves were a yellowish green, made me take a second look. A species I normally think of as growing in water, this ditch was almost over grown.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Clematis tangutica - Orange-peel Clematis new to Wexford

 Passing an area of waste ground in Wexford Town, I decided it was time I made an effort to stop and take a look. Very surprised to find Orange-peel Clematis growing over a shrub. It is a species I have only ever seen self-sown on dunes in Scotland before. This is the first Irish record also.

Greater Duckweed refound for Wexford - first record since 1901

Greater Duckweed - Spirodela polyrhiza has been found by Roy Watson at Sigginstown on the north side of Tacumshin Lake. Last reported from the county in 1901 from pool near Lady's Island Lake.

Sunday 21 September 2014

Pale Galingale - new to the Wexford flora

 Pale Galingale - Cypercus eragrostis has been found on a roadside at Grange by Jim Hurley. This is a new non-native species to the county.