Botanical Top 3

Rather than prolong the countdown any further, please accept my botanical top three in one dollop...

3. Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia)



I've already gone all "I wandered lonely as a cloud" over this species, and if you want to relive my moment of appreciation, please click here.

2. Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)



Another species that can be classed as one created by the 'Arts and Crafts Movement' - a botanical candelabra that shines out from its watery surroundings. I see it irregularly enough for it to always excite me when I do come across it. Looks far better in real life than it does in print (or on the screen your looking at now).

1. Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)



I never, ever tire of coming across this species. Last week, when I was walking along Denbigh's Hillside I met another naturalist who had seen a few Bee Orchids at the bottom of the slope. I had to go down and have a look - even though I was standing not 25m away from c30 of them at that very moment. One is not enough. 100 are not enough. In fact, I want to go off and look for some right now. To come across several together when you are not expecting to do so must be one of the most pleasurable events to be experienced.

Comments

Lucy @ A Natural Interlude said…
Fab botany series, Steve. Learnt a great deal and cheered as the unrivalled Bee Orchid took its bow. Thoroughly enjoyed your tale of the Rock Speedwell too - from a family of plants I particularly like.
4 July 2016 at 17:21
Steve Gale said…
Thanks Lucy. It had to be Bee!
4 July 2016 at 18:00
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