The dry, hot summer has provided some challenges when trying to find interesting locations for the Botany section to visit. Grasses turned yellow and small plants shriveled and died. However, the Section visit to Rozel Manor proved most interesting with the discovery of three species of Figwort, Scrophularia nodosa Knotted Figwort, Scrophularia auriculata Water Figwort and the common Scrophularia scorodonia Balm-leaved Figwort. A new record for the island was found growing near the stream, Mimulus moschatus Musk, a low growing plant with a yellow flower. It was good to see the Lysimachia nemorum Yellow Pimpernel was still growing down the lower part of the Manor gardens, it’s only known site at present.
During a visit to Domaine des Vaux the Section were able to identify some Hypericum perforatum Perforate St. John’s-wort despite the plants having no flowers and in being a very dried up state. Five members of the Section went for a day’s trip to Sark and met up with botanists from Guernsey. Thanks to Sark’s resident botanist, Susan Synott, and her local knowledge they were able to record a total of 118 plants, one of which was Stachys palustris Marsh Woundwort a plant rarely seen in Jersey.
