16 April 2010

American Skunk-cabbage

The alder carr behind Kenfig industrial estate has a strong population of American Skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus). It was frst noted in the wild 1947 in Surrey, though it is not known how long it has been established in NPT, probably the only Glamorgan site. The flowers are very smelly and ripen to produce abundant seed and it can colonise suitable habitat very quickly.

2 comments:

Barry Stewart said...

Reading the Flora of Glamorgan in the bath, I note that it has in fact been recorded from at least 4 sites in the east of the county, though these aren't shown on the New Atlas.

David Carrington said...

It's in Bridgend too, a stone's throw away across the river on flooded woodland near the River Kenfig.