2004 Scilly Isles 9th to 15th June Main Meeting
The second Scillies expedition started with a pleasant meal and get-together in the evening at the Scillonian Club. Chris Pogson was the co-ordinator for the venture this time, and as we were to discover, Chris has a good familiarity with the islands and its flowers.
Our first venue was the beautiful and unspoilt island of St Martin s, which we travelled to in record time on the boat we had hired for the week, the 'Blue Hunter.' No sooner had we left the quay than Chris was pointing out the distinguishing features of Carpobrotus acinaciformis (Sally my handsome), the first of many naturalised succulents on the Islands we were destined to see. Quickly moving on we were successful in locating Ornithopus pinnatus (orange bird's foot) after much diligent searching on hands and knees. We then decided to look for the speciality of St Martin's, Ranuculus marginatus (St Martin's buttercup) near the church. Fortunately some plants were soon located hanging on. Also there was one of the other specialities of the Islands - Lavatera cretica (Cretan mallow).
The next day saw us exploring St Agnes, the most westerly of the Scilly Isles. We were soon searching on hands and knees again, for Herniara ciliolata (fringed rupturewort) on Gugh (where seen by the previous group) and Ophioglossum azoricum (small adderstongue), but had no success. We were accompanied by Celia, the only Scillies local member of our group, who gave us an interesting insight into the history of the islands. After our efforts several members of the group consoled themselves with one of the local pasties at the Turks Head. We were more successful in the afternoon locating abundant Radiola linoides (allseed) near the Pool, and Osteospermum jucundum amongst others.
Day three found us exploring the delights ofTresco, a trip I was particularly looking forward to. Tresco is famous for its exotic gardens and the abundance of its flowers. Chris showed us several specimens of the very rare native plant Rumex rupestris (shore dock) adjacent to Cam Near Quay. A trip round the dunes where we caught up with the Ophioglossum and Ochagavia carnea (Tresco rhodostachys) and Fascicularia bicolour (rhodostachys) was followed by a walk up to Abbey Hill, where an astonishing array of naturalised garden escapes were expertly identified by Chris, amongst which Metrosideros excelsa (New Zealand Christmas tree) and Arbutus x andrachnoides (hybrid strawberry tree), and the later identified Senecio minimus stood out. We finished the day by exploring the outskirts of the gardens themselves and added some more species including naturalised ferns, Phymatosorus diversifolius(kangaroo fern) and Woodwardia radicans (chain fern).
The next day saw us go back to Tresco to explore the gardens, and try and identify any naturalised species. We saw the long established Senecio petasites at its only site in the UK just outside the gardens. Others seen included Urostachys dalechampsis and Oxalis rosea (annual pink sorrel), and Helichrysum bracteatum at the quay at Old Grimsby. We then had an enjoyable afternoon exploring the uninhabited and rarely visited islands of Tean and St Helen's; no new plants were seen but the fantastic weather and views adequately compensated for this.
We spent the fifth day's morning on the Island of Bryher. After much discussion Geranium x caraniense was identified, along with various Echium species, Limonium sativum and the last of the Hottentot fig varieties, var rubescens. By popular demand we then hopped across the narrow channel to return to Tresco Gardens, as it was felt we hadn't completed our exploring there. Oxalis tetraphylla (four-leaved pink sorrel) and Coriandrum sativum (coriander) were found along with Cistus salvifolius (sage- leaved rock rose) and Senecio glastifolius (woad-leaved ragwort), both widely naturalised in the Upper Terrace garden.
Our penultimate day found us walking around St Mary's having exhausted our tours round the off-islands. Delairea odorata (German ivy), Ranunculus muricatus(rough-fruited buttercup), Fumaria occidentalis (western ramping-fumitory) and Calystegia septum ssp. roseata (hedge bindweed), were added to the list amongst others.
Our final day saw us having a relaxing morning's walk around the Garrison on StMary's looking at Ozothamnus antennaria, long naturalised at Newmans Battery, and Euryops pectinatus in Hugh Town.
I'm sure everyone will agree the expedition was very successful and enjoyable due to the great weather and the organisational abilities of Chris. Many thanks, Chris, hope you like the hat.
ALASTAIR STEVENSON
Corrections:
Urostachys dalechampsis should be Urospermum dalechampii
Geranium x canariense is not a hybrid but an escaped Canary island endemic Geranium canariense now renamed Geranium reuteri.
Limonium sativum should be Limonium sinuatum (Statice)