September Highlights

A few odds and ends in a post I never got round to finishing last year. Starting with these two unexpected finds by the stables at Royds Green (VC63) - Marrow (Cucurbita pepo) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima).

On an uncultivated arable field at Aberford (VC64) Niger (Guizotia abyssinica). Also found by Mike Wilcox on river shingle at Apperley Bridge (VC64).

Also at Aberford, it was great to refind Wild Liquorice (Astragalus glycyphyllos). This is another rarity of the magnesian limestone that has not been reported for many years. Just a shame I missed it in flower.

Bringing some 'autumn joy' to the local bee population - Hylotelephium (Sedum) 'Herbstfreude' at Rothwell (VC63).

 

Arum 'Chameleon'

My serious plant hunting got off to a good start this weekend with this stunning Lords-and-Ladies cultivar emerging from a hedge in Ben Rhydding. Arum 'Chameleon' is a relatively new cultivar, so its not one that I would expect to be planted (this plant was emerging out of the church boundary hedge) or to self-seed true to form.

The consensus seems to be that this cultivar is likely to be derived from a cross between the native Arum maculatum and the non-native Arum italicum subsp. italicum (increasingly commonly naturalised). However, no one knows for sure.