Whilst at Huncote Embankment I noted that a few prunus were starting to bloom. Whereas in the past my complete ignorance/indifference meant that I would have blithely assumed Blackthorn, I was now aware that there was a strong chance that the very earliest flowering shrubs were actually something else. I also knew that the difference was revealed by checking the new growth and sepals. But beyond that I couldn't remember which way around made it which plant.
So, I grabbed some quick dodgy phone snaps and got on with sieving/beating for inverts. It wasn't until last night that I remember to check the photos/ID and gained a tick where before there was a glaring hole.
No sepals showing between petals, flower relatively wide ....
New growth green and glabrous ....
Sepals reflexed and rounded ....
So Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) duly ticked. I can hear you laughing from here.
I'd have to check, but I think this was about my 1100th plant lifer in Britain, just a couple of years back. A big glaring hole in more lists than just yours, buddy!
ReplyDeleteLaughing, maybe, but now planning to pop out and check that flowering prunus that I drove past today!
ReplyDeleteAhh, good, Don't feel such a plum now ......
ReplyDelete