Chara connivens first Wexford since 1897

I have never even bothered to look at stoneworts before. Found this Chara connivens in pools in a disused quarry near Bridgetown. Sent it to the BSBI referees Claudia Ferguson-smyth and Nick Stuart. What a start! A 2nd county record and first since 1897 when it was found on North Slob by Rev. Marshall. There has been no records in Ireland since 1960.

Gunnera manicata & G. tinctoria

Above: G, manicata. Taken today on Forth Mountain, there were 3 clumps, one large and two small, this is the first time I have seen Gunnera reproducing in the county. The flowers spikes are very large and lay flat on the ground.

Below: G. tinctoria. Also on Forth Moutnain, very surprised as this was also reproducing. Does seem strange to come across both on the same day, especially as both were along the same road. The flower spikes stand upright. 

Sarcocornia perennis (Perennial Glasswort)

Patches of Sarcocornia perennis (Perennial Glasswort) submerged and  Limonium humile (Lax-flowered Sea-lavender) with heads above water.
Went Sarcocornia perennis (Perennial Glasswort) hunting with Ciaran Byrne today at Ballyteige where there were records from the 1990s. Recorded it from 5 monads. Very little was flowering, the largest population was in the pool shown above.

It was a very good day, Spiranthes spiralis (Autumn Lady's-tresses) were still flowering.

Chenopodium glaucum (Oak-leaved Goosefoot) new for Wexford

Paula O'Meara found Oak-leaved Goosefoot at Stokestown Port which is a new species for the county. Just the one plant. The leaves look like oak leaves, at least some do.

Salicornia x marshallii

Salicornia x marshallii is a hybrid between Salicornia disarticulata (pusilla) (One-flowered Glasswort) and Salicornia ramosissima (Purple Glasswort). The hybrid has some flowers single and others in groups of two or three. S. disarticulata has only one flower and S. ramosissima in groups of three. There was just one plant of the hybrid growing very close to both parents. This would seem to be the first record for Ireland.

Atriplex longipes from the River Barrow

Note the long stalks to the bracteoles, only native species of Atriplex in Ireland to have the long stalks.. This native rare plant can be found along the banks of the River Barrow. Found at the very top of the high tide line or amongst reeds and other tall vegetation along the river.

Phalaris minor (Lesser Canary-grass)

 Lesser Canary-grass has started to turn up in arable fields this year across the county. Paula O'Meara found it in one field last year, now there are records from the far south and very north of the county. The only previous record was made by Andy Doyle at Kilrane in 1998.