Some recent Suffolk plant records

SOME RECENT SUFFOLK PLANT RECORDS compiled by E. M. HYDE, M. A. HYDE and F. W. SIMPSON

For each record the following information is given: locality and habitat, Ordnance Survey 10 km. Square, vice-county, finder's name or initials (see key at end of article) and date of record. The comments are those of the Compilers, based in some cases on information supplied by the Anders. The nomenclature and order of the species are those of Flora Europaea. Th Compilers wish to thank the specialists who determined, or confirmed the identity of, specimens. Simpson's Flora ofSuffolk is used as the author claimingfirstand second County Records.

Osmunda regalis L., Royal Fern.

Near Thorpe Mere, in Clearing in woodland, TM45, v.c. 25, JJH, 5/7/81. A rare fern in Suffolk, to be found in one or two sites only.

Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Maidenhair Fern. (i) Haiesworth Cemetery, on west-facing wall, TM37, v.c. 25, RJW, 1982.

Hb. E & MH. Numerous plants in a small area. (ii) Nacton Churchyard, a small colony, TM23, v.c. 25, HST, 1982.

First recorded in Suffolk in 1977, this fern has now been found in five sites, one in West Suffolk and four in East.

Polygonumpolystachyum Wall, ex Meissner Benhall, roadside verge outside garden wall, TM36, v.c. 25, AFL, 23/ 10/82. Although this species is similar in general appearance to Reynoutri spp., it is classified under Polygonum, because its perianth is not keeled winged in fruit.

Chenopodium hybridum L., Maple-leaved Goosefoot.

Bungay, two plants on waste ground, TM39, v.c. 25, GWM, 16/10/82. Det. EJC, 11/82.

Chenopodium vulvaria L., Stinking Goosefoot.

Landguard Common, TM23, v.c. 25, AC & PGL, 21/8/82. Hb. E & MH and CGE. A very rare annual, smelling strongly of decayingfish.It is usually found near the coast. Two colonies were discovered at Landguard, about 200m. apart. The plants are prostrate and easily overlooked.

The last known record of this species from Landguard was on 13th July 1963, when it was seen during an S.N.S. Field Meeting led by J. E. Lousley.

See Trans. Suffolk. Nat. Soc. 12 (5): 389 (1964).

Chenopodium murale L., Nettle-leaved Goosefoot.

Debach, manure heap on former airfield, TM25, v.c. 25, EMH, 19/6/81.

Conf. EJC, 1/83. Hb. E & MH. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 19

SOME RECENT SUFFOLK PLANT RECORDS 363 Hundreds ofplants at all stagesof development. This, like C. hybridum L., is an annual, found occasionally in waste places and on arable land.

Suaeda vera J.F. Gmel., Shrubby Seablite.

Dunwich, one young specimen, TM47, v.c. 25, FWS, 10/10/82.

Salsola kali L. ssp. ruthenica (Iljin) Soรถ, Russian Thistle.

Alderton, edge of sugar-beetfield,TM34, v.c. 25, EMH, 26/9/82. Conf.

EJC, 9/82. Hb. E & MH. The second East Suffolk record.

There were about a dozen bushy plants, up to 2' 6" tall with spines and many very small pink flowers.

Amaranthus hybridus L. Icklingham, infieldof sugar-beet, TL77, v.c. 26, AC & PGL, 19/8/82. Det. EJC, 9/82. The second West Suffolk record.

Growing with Solanum triflorum Nutt.

Portulaca oleracea L., Purslane.

Brockley, Suttons Farm, weed in greenhouse, TL85, v.c. 26, EMC, 1979.

Det. Dr. P. F. Yeo, 9/81. First record for West Suffolk.

This fleshy annual with yellow flowers was still there in 1982 and seedlings had by then also occurred outside the greenhouse.

Cerastium arvense L., Field Mouse-ear Chickweed.

Two records for this species which appears to have become rare in East Suffolk: (i) Blaxhall Heath, TM35, v.c. 25, IMV, 12/5/82. Also seen by PGL on 23/5/82. (ii) Butley Creek, on heathland, TM35, v.c. 25, IMV, 13/5/82.

Cerastium diffusum Pers., Dark Green Mouse-ear Chickweed.

Oulton Broad, by Lake Lothing, TM59, v.c. 25, CPB and GWM, 27/3/82.

Sagina maritima G. Don f., Sea Pearlwort.

Lowestoft, in spaces between the wooden deck planking of Lowestoft Pier, TM59, v.c. 25, ETD, 22/9/82. Conf. FWS, 1982.

Silenependula L. Higham, TL76, v.c. 26, EMH, 22/8/82. Conf. EJC, 8/82. Hb. E & MH. About 20 plants, 8-10 inflower,at edge of woodland alongside old A45. First Suffolk record.

A pretty, pink-flowered annual Silene, occasionally grown in gardens, with calyces very inflated in fruit. When inflowerit is similar to the perennial, wild Red Campion, Silene dioica (L.) Clairv.

Ceratophyllum submersum L., Spineless Hornwort.

Southwold Marshes, Buss Creek, TM47, v.c. 25, PGL, 28/7/82.

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Helleborus foetidus L., Stinking Hellebore.

Sibton, by the ruins of Sibton Abbey, TM36, v.c. 25, FWS, 30/8/82. Two plants, very possibly descendants of those grown for medicinal purposes during the occupation of the Abbey, dating back to the 12th Century.

Papaver atlanticum (Ball) Cosson Records continue to come in for this increasing species. (i) Stoke-by-Nayland, roadside bank in Scotland St., TL93, v.c. 26, EM-R June 1980. Second record for West Suffolk. (ii) Wherstead, newly-seeded grass bank, TM14, v.c. 25 M A H & E M H 1981. (iii) Bungay, TM39, v.c. 25, CPB and G W M , 14/9/82. (iv) Beccles, inside Beccles Churchyard and well outside its surrounding walls, TM49, v.c. 25, PGL, 30/10/82.

Cochlearia danica L., Early Scurvy-grass.

A large number of new inland roadside sites have been discovered for this usually coastal species, all at various pointson the A45(T). The point furthest west was about 3 miles west of Bury St. Edmunds in the parish of Gt. Saxham and the most easterly at Trimley St. Mary, near Felixstowe. In every case the plants were confined to the central reservation. (i) Gt. Saxham, one small patch, TL76, v.c. 26, E M H , 25/4/82. (ii) Bury St. Edmunds, a considerable amount over an estimated 100 vards TL86, v.c. 26, E M H , 25/4/82. (iii) Woolpit, two small patches, TL96, v.c. 26, E M H , 25/4/82. Hb. E & MH. (iv) Creeting St. Peter, one small patch, TM05, v.c. 25, E M H , 25/4/82. (v) Coddenham, one small patch, TM15, v.c. 25, E M H , 25/4/82. (vi) Barham, near gravel pits, several patches extending over about 30 Square yards, TM15, v.c. 25, E M H , 25/4/82. Hb. E & M H . (vii) Trimley St. Martin and Trimley St. Mary, many large and small patches, TM23, v.c. 25, E M H , 14/4/82.

Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All., Bastard Cabbage.

Bungay, TM39, v.c. 25, G W M , 25/4/82. One or two plants on waste area of car park.

Rosa sherardii Davies, Northern Downy Rose.

Gt. Barton, TL86, v.c. 26, IMV, 25/6/82. One bush in field hedge. First Suffolk record. This species is rare in the South of England. There are however a few records from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz, Wild Service Tree.

Cotton, hedgerow at Hempnalls Hall, TM06, v.c. 25, R G B , 13/11/82 Conf. E M - R , 1982. A rare tree in Suffolk, but still to be found'in ancient hedges and woodland.

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Sorbus intermedia (Ehrh.) Pers., Cut-leaved Whitebeam.

West Stow, abundant in woodland. TL87, v.c. 26, E M H , 1981. Hb. E & MH. Second record for West Suffolk. Conf. P. J. M. Nethercott, 2/83.

Cytisus multiflorus (L'Her.) Sweet, White Spanish Broom.

West Stow, several bushes in same woodland as preceding species. E M H , 15/5/82. Hb. E & M H .

Colutea arborescens L., Bladder Senna. (i) West Stow, TL87, v.c. 26, E M H , 15/5/82, one bush. (ii) Lowestoft. Gunton Cliff, TM59, v.c. 25, G W M , 15/9/82.

Phaseolus coccineus L., Runner Bean.

Coddenham Tip, TM15, v.c. 25, M A H , 6/9/74. One of several vegetables recorded at this tip!

Vicia cracca L., Tufted Vetch.

Boulge, roadside colony, an unusual pink-flowered form. TM25, v.c. 25, FWS, 23/6/82.

Ononis baetica Clemente Oulton Broad, one or two plants among vegetables, TM59, v.c. 25, RSB. August 1981. Det. EJC, 8/81, who commented that this species was a scarce but regulär birdseed alien. It is a native of Spain, Portugal and N.W. Africa.

Trifolium resupinatum L. var. resupinatum, Reversed Clover.

Ipswich, one plant on waste ground, just off Belstead Rd., TM14, v.c. 25, M A H , 26/6/81. Conf. E J C , 8/81. Hb. E & M H . A very attractive pinkflowered species. The flowers are held upside down, keel uppermost.

Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Tree of Heaven. (i) H e n h a m , TM47, v.c. 25, PGL, 17/10/82. Naturalising extensively in woodland. (ii) Beccles, TM 48, v.c. 25, PGL, 17/10/82.

Native of China. Naturalising over many years from an original tree planted at entrance to Roos Hall Farm.

First and second Suffolk records.

Impatiensglandulifera Royle, Himalayan Balsam. (i) Gt. Cornard, a few plants in roadside ditch, TL83, v.c. 26, E M - R .

25/6/82. (ii) Long Melford, TL84, v.c. 26, A A B , 1982. There are few West Suffolk records for this species. (iii) Helmingham, Park Gate Farm in ditch, TM15, v.c. 25, Lord Tollemache, 5/11/82.

Frangula alnus Mill., Alder Buckthorn.

An interesting record for this overlooked species.

Reydon, at least three bushes, TM47, v.c. 25, M B E , 1982.

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Malva nicaeensis All. Ipswich, one large sprawling plant, 24/11/80, and two more on 26/8/81.

Found on waste ground, just off Belstead Road, TM14, v.c. 25, MAH. Conf.

EJC, 7/81. Hb. E & M H . Native o f S . Europe. First Suffolk record.

Abutilon theophrasti Medicus Clopton (near Rattlesden), approx. 3 plants in sugar-beet field, TL95, v.c.

26, MJM, 28/9/82. Det. EJC, 1982.

Hypericum androsaemum L., Tutsan.

Lavenham, one specimen on bank of former railway, TL94, v.c. 26, FWS, 28/8/82.

Viola tricolor L. ssp. curtisii (E. Forster) Syme, Breckland Pansy.

Barham, rough sandy ground at edge of gravel pit, TM15, v.c. 25, FWS, 18/7/82. This site is part of the former Barham Common or Heath, where the Rev. William Kirby, Rector of Barham, recorded Veronica triphyllos L., Fingered Speedwell, as plentiful, for the Botanist's Guide, 1805.

Helianthemum nummularium (L.) Mill., Common Rockrose.

Lt. Blakenham, TM14, v.c. 25, RJW, 1982. Reappeared at a site where it had formerly been observed for very many years (FWS) and was thought to have become extinct.

Epilobium brunnescens (Cockayne) Raven & Engelhorn, New Zealand Willowherb.

Ipswich, one spreading plant at foot of high wall in Black Horse Walk, TM14, v.c. 25, E M H , 10/7/81. Det. EJC, 12/81. Hb. E & MH. Myriophyllum verticillatum L., Whorled Water-milfoil.

Carlton Colville (S.T.N.C. Reserve), main boundary dyke to East of Reserve, TM49 and 59, v.c. 25, CPB, PGL & GWM, 4/8/82.

Crithmum maritimum L., Rock Samphire.

Dunwich, new small colony, TM47, v.c. 25, FWS, 10/10/82.

Borago officinalis L., Borage.

Barham, several plants on tip beside flooded pit, TM15, v.c. 25, FWS, 18/7/82.

Origanum vulgare L., Marjoram.

Whepstead Churchyard, TL85, v.c. 26, EM-R, 18/9/81.

A species which has become rare in Suffolk.

Solanum triflorum Nutt.

Icklingham, in field of sugar-beet, TL77, v.c. 26, AC and PGL, 19/8/82.

This site is very close to where Mrs. M. Southwell first recorded it in 1948.

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Veronica agrestis L., Green Field Speedwell.

Between Bredfield and Ufford Thicks, TM25, v.c. 25, IMV, 7/9/82. Arable weed growing with other Veronica species, Kickxiaspuria (L.) Dumort., etc.

Veronica spicata L., Spiked Speedwell.

Barham, TM15, v.c. 25, G E H , July 1982.

One small plant, about three years old, with a Single flowering spike and considered to be this species (FWS) was found by Graham Hunt. It was growing in an open position on mixed calcareous and gravelly soil at the Barham Pits. Unfortunately lorries crossing the site destroyed the plant before seed could be obtained. Although accurate confirmation of this species was not made (which would have meant picking a protected species), it is most likely to have been this species and not V. paniculata L., which is very similar. Associated flora at this site included Acinos arvensis (Lam.) Dandy and Anacamptispyramidalis (L.) L.C.M. Richard, both chalk-loving species.

Melampyrum cristatum L., Crested Cow-wheat.

Sicklesmere, about twenty plants on field margin, TL85, v.c. 26, DJN, 5/7/82. Det. C A G , 1982.

Orobanche elatior Sutton, Tall Broomrape. (i) Long Melford, on old railway track, TL84, JJH, 20/8/81.

Parasitic on Centaurea scubiosa L. (ii) Westley, TL86, v.c. 26, DJA, 7/7/80.

Growing in calcareous grassland on one of the Suffolk Trust's protected roadside verges.

Symphoricarpos x chenaultii Rehder (= S. microphyllus x S. orbiculatus) Ipswich, one large bush on waste ground by River Gipping, TM14, v.c. 25, MAH, 23/11/80.

Possibly a garden relic. An attractive bush with small red-mottled white berries.

Campanula latifolia L., Giant Bellflower.

Playford, established in Hall grounds, TM24, v.c. 25, FWS, 21/7/82.

Dittrichia viscosa (L.) W. Greuter (= Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton) Landguard Common, Single bush by roadside, TM23, v.c. 25, GWM, 31/8/82. Det. EJC, 9/82. First Suffolk record.

The solitary bush was 3 feet high and with similar spread, and was presumably several years old. No seedlings could be found and there were no other noteworthy plants in the vicinity. The species is very common in the Mediterranean region, but is extremely rare in Britain. It seems likely that it was introduced by traffic to or from the adjacent Felixstowe Docks.

The plant is a member of the Compositae with yellow flowers similar to those of Senecio squalidus L. Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 19

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Petasitesjaponicus (Sieb. & Zucc.) Maxim., Creamy Butterbur. (i) E u s t o n , on banks of the Black Bourn, TL87, v.c. 26, PFS and O O D S , 12/3/77. Still there, 1983. (ii) N e w t o n , on side of moat, TL94, v.c. 26, G W M , 1983.

These are the second and third records for v.c. 26. There are none f r o m East Suffolk.

Senecio x londinensis Lousley ( = S. squalidus x S. viscosus) Landguard Fort, one plant in flower on a wall, TM23, v.c. 25, F E C , 28/11/82. Also recorded earlier in the year from different sites on Landguard C o m m o n by A C .

Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. ssp. britannicum Petrak, Woolly Thistle.

L a v e n h a m , small colony persisting on old railway e m b a n k m e n t , TL94, v.c. 26, F W S , 28/8/82.

R e f o u n d where it had not been seen since 1974. Also recorded by A A B .

Crepis biennis L., Rough Hawksbeard.

Weston, TM48, v.c. 25, P G L , 23/6/82. First definite record for East Suffolk. A large n u m b e r of plants on a roadside verge and field edge on boulder clay.

Alisma lanceolatum With., Narrow-leaved Water Plantain.

Bungay, dyke in grazing marsh, TM38, v.c. 25, P G L , A F L and G W M , 7/9/82.

Elodea nuttallii (Planchon) St. John B a r h a m , abundant in a flooded gravel pit, T M 15, v.c. 25, F W S , 18/7/82.

Det. D . Simpson, 7/82. Second Suffolk record.

Potamogeton berchtoldii Fieber, Small Pondweed. (i) B a r h a m , in flooded gravel pits, T M 15, v.c. 25, FWS, 18/7/82. D e t . R. C. L. Howitt, 8/82, as 'a fine-leaved form'. (ii) Carlton Colville ( S . T . N . C . Reserve), main boundary dyke to east of reserve, T M 49 and 59, v.c. 25, P G L , 4/8/82.

Hemerocallis fulva (L.) L., Day Lily.

Hintlesham, small established colony near the Churchyard, T M 04, v.c.

25, F W S , 14/5/82.

Colchicum autumnale L., A u t u m n Crocus.

Two new records for this rare species: (i) G t . G l e m h a m Churchyard, T M 36, v.c. 25, I M V , 4/9/82. (ii) Benhall G r e e n , one flourishing plant in moist grassland, T M 36, v.c. 25, E M - R , 13/9/82.

Paris quadrifolia L., H e r b Paris.

Benhall, extensive colony in old wood, T M 36, v.c. 25, FWS, 3/5/82.

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SOME RECENT SUFFOLK PLANT RECORDS

Puccinellia distans (L.) Pari., Refiexed Salt-marsh Grass.

Martlesham, on verge of A12 with Cochlearia danica L., TM24, v.c. 25, NES, 14/5/82.

A n o t h e r normally maritime species on a roadside verge where salting is carried out by the County Council.

Bromus rigidus R o t h , Ripgut Grass.

Aldringham cum T h o r p e , several plants beside a track, TM46, v.c. 25, A L B , 19/7/82. Conf. P J O T , 8/82. Second East Suffolk record.

Bromus madritensis L., Compact Brome. (i) L a k e n h e a t h , dry sandy waste, v.c. 26, MS, 9/6/53.

Specimen in C G E . The identity of the specimen was confirmed by P J O T , who also determined it as var. ciliatus Guss. This record is the first post-1930 record for West Suffolk for the species and the first Suffolk record for the variety. (ii) Eriswell, in arable opposite Foxhole Heath, TL77, v.c. 26, P J O T , 1978.

Hb. PJOT. Echinochloa utilis Ohwi & Y a b a n o , Japanese Millet.

Beccles Tip, two plants, TM49, v.c. 25, G W M , 3/10/82. Conf. A C , 1982.

Carex demissa Hรถrnern., C o m m o n Yellow Sedge.

Icklingham, T L 77, v.c. 26, CPB, 12/6/82. Conf. A C , 1982.

Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz, Broad-leaved Helleborine. (i) Grundisburgh, in wood, ten spikes counted, TM25, v.c. 25, IJK, 2/8/81. (ii) Lowestoft, G u n t o n W o o d , TM59, v.c. 25, E B , August 1980.

Still t h e r e , 12/8/82, G W M .

Dactylorhiza x grandis (Druce) P. F. Hunt ( = D.fuchsii x D. praetermissa), Leopard Spotted Marsh Orchid.

Gt. Bealings, edge of small wet wood, TM24, v.c. 25, FWS, 15/6/82.

A b o u t six varied specimens (FWS).

Ophrys apifera H u d s . , B e e Orchid.

Sudbury, on partially developed land near Sudbury Upper School, TL84, v.c. 26, N J R and J A , July 1982. A colony of 93 plants. Also reported by AAB. Key to contributors A d d y , D . J. Atienza, Mrs. J. Balls, R. G .

Barsted, C. P. B e a u m o n t , Dr. E. Briggs, R . S.

DJA JA RGB CPB EB RSB

Bull, A . L. Butcher, A . A .

Clement, E . J. Coe, Mrs. E. M. Copping, A .

C r a c k l e s , M i s s F . E.

ALB AAB EJC EMC AC FEC

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Daniels, E. T. Ellis, Dr. M. B. G r e e n , Mrs. C. A. H e a t h , J. J. Hunt, G . E. H y d e , Mrs. E. M. Hyde, M. A .

Killeen, I. J. Lawson, P. G .

Leverett, A . F. Maybury, G . W. M i l n e - R e d h e a d , E.

Natural History,

ETD MBE CAG JJH GEH EMH MAH IJK PGL AFL GWM EM-R

Vol. 19

Morley, Mrs. M. J. MJM Nixon, D. J. DJN Reed, N. J. NJR Scott, N . E .

NES Sheppy, Mrs. O . O . D . O O D S Sheppy, P. F. PFS Simpson, F. W. FWS Southwell, Mrs. M. MS T h o m p s o n , Mrs. H . A .

HST Trist, P. J. O .

PJOT Vaughan, Mrs. I. M. IMV Woolnough, R. J. RJW

References Simpson, F. W. (1982). Simpsons Flora of Suffolk. Ipswich.

T u r n e r , D . and Dillwyn, L. W. (1805). The Botanist's Guide England and Wales.

Tutin, T. G . etal., eds. Flora Europaea, 1 - 5 . Cambridge.

E. M. H y d e , Parkside, Woolverstone, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 1AR.

through

F. W. Simpson, 40 Ruskin R o a d , Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1PT.

M. A . H y d e , 68, T h e Woodlands, Chelmondiston, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 1DU.

Grey Seal DĂźring J u n e and July 1982 a solitary Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus Fabricius) was observed in the coastal area of Minsmere. It hauled out onto the concrete sluice-outfiow structure and on 16th June was in obvious moult.

This was probably its second moult and one presumes the pinniped was born at Scroby Sands some nineteen or twenty months previously.

It would feed busily and on several occasions travelled, at high tide, the h u n d r e d or so metres of pipe f r o m the sea onto the actual sluice gate.

Observers claimed that it was seen to consume freshwater morsels such as rudd and toad whilst in this enclosure.

Peter Quinn

Trans. Suffolk

Nat. Soc. 19