Tuesday 28th June 2016: Braunton Burrows
This morning we visited Braunton Burrows (north of Barnstaple, west of Ilfracombe) - the largest dune system in England (there are larger areas of dunes in Scotland). This was mainly of botanical interest, though we did also see Dark-green Fritillary and Marbled White butterflies. We were accompanied by gun-fire as the Royal Marines carried out an exercise in the area. This afternoon it rained, so I have done several 'plants of the day' - making up for being remiss in keeping up with this in recent days.
Euphorbia portlandica (Portland Spurge) Family: Euphorbiaceae
There are ~14 Euphorbia species occurring in Britain. E.paralias is characterised by having crescent-shaped glands around the female flower (a feature shared with at least 7 other species); stem glabrous (excludes E.amygdaloides (Wood Spurge)); more than one stem (excludes E.peplus/exigua (Petty/Dwarf Spurges); and succulent leaves in a maritime habitat. E.paralias (Sea Spurge) is similar - the diagnostic differences is a prominent mid-rib on the underside of the leaf in E.portlandica, this mid-rib being absent in E.paralias. Unfortunately, this specimen has no visible leaves (the leaf-like structures seen here are bracts). The bracts of E.portlandica end in a tiny point, which is visible here and absent in E.paralias. E.paralias also tends to be taller with unbranched stems and flowers later (Jul-Oct vs May-Sep).
There are ~14 Euphorbia species occurring in Britain. E.paralias is characterised by having crescent-shaped glands around the female flower (a feature shared with at least 7 other species); stem glabrous (excludes E.amygdaloides (Wood Spurge)); more than one stem (excludes E.peplus/exigua (Petty/Dwarf Spurges); and succulent leaves in a maritime habitat. E.paralias (Sea Spurge) is similar - the diagnostic differences is a prominent mid-rib on the underside of the leaf in E.portlandica, this mid-rib being absent in E.paralias. Unfortunately, this specimen has no visible leaves (the leaf-like structures seen here are bracts). The bracts of E.portlandica end in a tiny point, which is visible here and absent in E.paralias. E.paralias also tends to be taller with unbranched stems and flowers later (Jul-Oct vs May-Sep).
Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern Marsh-orchid) Family: Orchidaceae
There are ~8 Dactylorhiza species occurring in Britain. Identification is hampered both by intraspecific variation and by the ease with which the species hybridise. D.viridis (Frog Orchid) has green to orange-brown flowers; the rest have predominantly pink to purple flowers. D.fuchsi (Common Spotted-orchid) and D.maculata (Heath Spotted-orchid) both have solid stems; hollow in the remaining species (they both also have spotted leaves, but so do some of the remaining species). These two are distinguished by the middle lobe of the labellum which is noticeably smaller (but not necessarily shorter) than the lateral lobes in D.maculata. D.incarnata (Early Marsh-orchid) has a very variable flower colour, usually unspotted leaves and is characterised by the labellum being marked with double loops and having reflexed margins. D.ebudensis (Hebridean Marsh-orchid) and D.traunsteinerioides (Narrow-leaved Marsh-orchid) both have 3-5 narrow sheathing leaves (<2cm wide); the former only occurs in the Hebrides and the latter has an elongate middle lobe of the labellum. The remaining species have (usually >5) broad (>2cm wide) leaves. D.purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid) has a diamond-shaped labellum without a distinct middle lobe (and doesn't occur south of the Humber). D.praetermissa (Southern Marsh-orchid) has a rounded labellum with an indistinct middle lobe and marked by dots that do not reach the margin (leaves usually unspotted)
There are ~8 Dactylorhiza species occurring in Britain. Identification is hampered both by intraspecific variation and by the ease with which the species hybridise. D.viridis (Frog Orchid) has green to orange-brown flowers; the rest have predominantly pink to purple flowers. D.fuchsi (Common Spotted-orchid) and D.maculata (Heath Spotted-orchid) both have solid stems; hollow in the remaining species (they both also have spotted leaves, but so do some of the remaining species). These two are distinguished by the middle lobe of the labellum which is noticeably smaller (but not necessarily shorter) than the lateral lobes in D.maculata. D.incarnata (Early Marsh-orchid) has a very variable flower colour, usually unspotted leaves and is characterised by the labellum being marked with double loops and having reflexed margins. D.ebudensis (Hebridean Marsh-orchid) and D.traunsteinerioides (Narrow-leaved Marsh-orchid) both have 3-5 narrow sheathing leaves (<2cm wide); the former only occurs in the Hebrides and the latter has an elongate middle lobe of the labellum. The remaining species have (usually >5) broad (>2cm wide) leaves. D.purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid) has a diamond-shaped labellum without a distinct middle lobe (and doesn't occur south of the Humber). D.praetermissa (Southern Marsh-orchid) has a rounded labellum with an indistinct middle lobe and marked by dots that do not reach the margin (leaves usually unspotted)
Euphrasia species (Eyebright) Family: Orobanchanceae
There are many British Euphrasia species, all of which are variable and most hybridise freely. Identification to species requires examination of several plants that have open flowers and fruits. The most common British species is E.nemorosa, and that is probably what we have here.
There are many British Euphrasia species, all of which are variable and most hybridise freely. Identification to species requires examination of several plants that have open flowers and fruits. The most common British species is E.nemorosa, and that is probably what we have here.
Rhinanthus minor (Yellow-rattle) Family: Orobanchaceae
R.minor is our only native Rhinanthus species. It is quite variable, particularly in the extent of branching, arrangement of leaves, hairiness and flowering time - this variation somewhat determined by habitat - lowland grassland, upland grassland, fens. The English name comes from the ripe seed rattling inside the inflated fused sepals. R.angustifolius (Greater Yellow-rattle) is a very rare introduction (Surrey). Both are semi-parasitic. R.minor has the lower lip of the flower down-turned and the stigma protruding only a little from the mouth. R.angustifolius has the lower lip horizontal and the stigma protruding distinctly.
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Parentucellia viscosa (Yellow Bartsia) Family: Orobanchaceae