Ragged Robin

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 I've been a way for a couple of days when the weather has been sunny and then temp in the mid 20sC.  There has been a real burst of growth  in the wild flowers. One of the most noticeable new arrivals is the ragged robin.

This plant Lychinis flos-cuculi (lychnis means "lamp") shines out across the meadow. Ragged Robbin was once a common plant in damp areas but is another of those plants that has become less common as agricultural land has been "improved".


In the USA this plant apparently goes by the name of "cuckooo flower " ( the second part of the Latin name  "flos - cuculi" - but we have another "cuckoo flower" in the UK). The stalk has tiny downward pointing hairs to prevent attack by insects (I couldn't see them but could feel them if I brushed up the stalk with my fingers). The root of this plant contains saponins which were used as a substitute for soap.

Diary.
The lower field was covered in buttercups on our return. I'll talk about the different type of buttercup tomorrow!

I did't get much in my moth trap last night (it was very windy  - perhaps that is why) but this buff tip is nice.
Badger near the pond on the trail cam.









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