FLOWERS
The earliest flowering plants rely on wind pollination or reproduce via their vegetation. They cannot rely on insects for pollination as these are scarce in winter. The leaves of such perennial plants die back in winter, and the plant retains its food reserves in the rootstock. It can temporarily generate a higher temperature than the surrounding air by growing its plant tissues rapidly and flowering.
The Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna, formerly Ranunculus ficaria L) begins to flower this month, taking advantage of increased light as the hedge has lost its leaves. It likes damp banks and has a small, dark glossy leaf. It has tuberous roots which, when eaten by rodents and game birds, are spread further afield and propagate into new plants.
Sweet violet (Viola odorata) reproduces because its runners or ‘stolons’ root at intervals to form new plants. It used to be very common but now is only found on quieter roads on the hedge bank such as the south end of Colcott Lane in Ballyboughal. Back to top
MOSSES
Found in hedge banks, mosses look wonderful below the bare branches. Back to top
FERNS
Hart’s tongue fern (Phyllitis scolopendrium) is easy to recognise by its long, undivided fronds or leaves. The stalk is covered with narrow, pointed brown scales. The veins are parallel and on the underside of the blade or leaf, the long sori containing the sporangia or seeds lie in pairs parallel to the veins. It loves limestone but grows on most hedge banks. Back to top
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