We had a most enjoyable outing to La Fret Point on Tuesday evening. Our most interesting find was made by Tina who found Spergularia bocconei Greek Sand-spurry in one of its common habitats of a trodden path, so it is not a spectacular looking plant, but it is rare in Jersey. It was last recorded on Portelet Common by Penny Anderson in 1994. Another interesting record was one of our protected plants Luzula forsteri Southern Wood-rush, in its usual place near the bench. It was interesting to note that as well as Cytisus scoparius Broom there were a few plants of Cytisus scoparius subsp. maritimus Prostrate Broom. It was good to find a few plants of Vicia lathyroides Spring Vetch. We enjoyed the open short turf habitat of La Fret with its lack of Pteridium aquilinum Bracken, unfortunately some small patches of Carpobrotus edulis Sour Fig are present.
Recently Neil has found Poa bubosa var vivipera Bulbous Meadow Grass, a form that is viviparous and regenerates small plants from the flower. It was growing on the sand dunes. A very nice find. There are no recent records that I can find of this plant.
For more information on the Section please contact botany@societe.je
Anne Haden
Botany Secretary
