22 September 2010

Mystery plant?

David Painter photographed this mystery plant at Llanelli North Dock dunes. I have a feeling it may be White Mullein (Verbascum lychnitis), though not sure without having a look in the field. If anyone can identify the species with more certainty I'd be grateful.

3 comments:

Charles Hipkin said...

Almost certainly White Mullein (Verbascum lychnitis), but can only confirm that with a specimen. But from the photo a number of key features are fairly clear - 1) white flowers, 2)hairs on anthers appear to be white (purple hairs would make the anthers look dark in the photo, particularly against a white petal background) and 3)the upper surfaces of the leaves are green (not white-hairy). This is a rare native species in some parts of the UK, but usually occurs in South Wales as a rare casual alien. But a good record!

Barry Stewart said...

Richard Pryce commented... 'I agree it is lychnitis: no meal on the leaves and the stem looks to be angled but can't be sure from the photo. It will be worth having a look when we're passing'

Barry Stewart said...

Richard also added... 'Its the 5th vcr but IKM saw it at N Dock on 15/8/96 but his grid ref gives it on the E side of the river.
I've just come back from the site - there are 29 this year's plants, at least 6 last year's dried stems and prob at least 6 next year's rosettes. Please thank David Painter.'