Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - June 1996
Richard Pryce

Again in 1994 I was swamped with data. As usual the main contributors have included Dr. George Hutchinson (GH), Ian Morgan (IKM) and Mary and James Iliff (M&JI) but in addition, the Phase I and Phase II survey teams of the Countryside Council for Wales have submitted a substantially increased number of records as they have concentrated this season on Dinefwr and Carmarthen districts. The teams included Sarah Andrews (SA), Morfydd Lloyd (ML) and Richard Howorth (RH) (Phase I) and Jamie Bevan (JMSB) and Graham Motley (GSM) (Phase II). The other major contribution of records was, of course, from the weekend recording meeting which is now established as an annual event.

Early Spring Records

IKM reported his discovery of Galanthus nivalis flore pleno (the double form of Snowdrop) being well established in the “wilderness” area of Stradey Woods (SN489013) in early February, a relict of a former garden, now being restored.. Several records of Prunus cerasifera (Cherry Plum), a native of the Balkans and into Asiatic Russia, conspicuous by its early flowering (maybe three or four weeks before P. spinosa (Blackthorn)) were also made by IKM: a large bush opposite Soar Chapel, Llwynhendy (SS542997) and also planted along the Hendy Link Road between Llangennech and Dafen.

Ferryside Recording Weekend

The annual recording weekend at the beginning of July, based in Ferryside, was attended by several familiar faces and concentrated on underworked areas in the northwest of the vice-county. John Killick and Jim Bevan recorded  Carex pulicaris (Flea Sedge) and Eleocharis multicaulis (Many-stalked Spike-rush) as part of a diverse species assemblage from a valley mire 200m south of Pencaerau Mill near Talog (SN334270) and Trifolium micranthum (Slender Trefoil) from near Castell Draenog (SN22A), all new 10km square records. They also found Carum verticillatum (Whorled Caraway) and Scutellaria galericulata (Common Skullcap) from Llwyncrwn in the Fenni valley (SN235183), both new tetrad. records. John had earlier recorded Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) (in addition to many other noteworthy  species) near Iscoed, Ferryside (SN31V), between arriving on the train and checking-in for evening dinner. This proved to be another new 10km square record.

Graeme Kay and John Gibson recorded Lepidium heterophyllum (Smith’s Pepperwort) from near Tyddyn-fari (SN269293) and a moderate colony of Polygonatum multiflorum (Soloman’s-seal) from a wooded hedgebank at SN269297. They also found Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow-grass) and Agrostis vineale (Brown Bent) in the tetrad (SN22U), the latter a new 10km square record. Both of these grasses are probably overlooked  and  are  likely to be  more widespread  in the vice-county  than  the  distribution maps  (below)  indicate.   At a chapel

graveyard near Blaenwaun (SN233276) in SN22I, they discovered three plants of Platanthera chlorantha  (Greater Butterfly Orchid) amongst many of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid), both new 10km square records, growing with two plants of Orchis mascula (Early-purple Orchid) and five of Listera ovata (Common Twayblade). Also in the tetrad were Ononis repens (Restharrow), Carex pulicaris, Sagina subulata (Heath Pearlwort) and Coronopus squamatus  (Swinecress), also all new to the 10km Square.

Jean Green and Pauline Goodhind also noted Polygonatum multiflorum, apparently native on a streambank at Cwmfelin Mynach (SN222247), whilst Salix x sericans (=S. capraea x S. viminalis) was also in the same tetrad, 0.5km north of Bumper Farm, at SN236247, and proved to be new to the 10km square. They also discovered some rich flushed habitat near Capel Iwan with Hypericum elodes (Marsh St.John’s-wort) (new 10km square), Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort) and Wahlenbergia hederacea (Ivy-leaved Bell-flower) at SN304314 and in the same tetrad (SN33A) had new 10km square records for Alchemilla glabra (Lady’s-mantle) and Conium maculatum) Hemlock. Jean also had Poa nemoralis in the Marlais Valley at Gilfach Meredydd, north of Brechfa (SN 53B).

RDP and GH visited SN22J where three plants of Viola cornuta (Horned Pansy) were found growing over a c100m length of lane-side hedgebank, presumably having at some time escaped from the garden of a nearby derelict cottage. This was a new vice-county record and the third record for Wales. Further along the same lane-bank. An area of remnant unmanaged Molinia-dominated heathy grassland at Crugelwyn Common (SN233288) was the welcome relief in an otherwise rather intensively farmed tetrad and produced, for instance, several sedges, Carum, Succisa pratensis (Devil’s-bit Scabious), Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel), Calluna vulgaris (Heather), Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath) and E. cinerea (Bell Heather). In similar, though recently burnt, habitat near Triol-bach, Hermon (SN343317) they descovered about six Vaccinium oxycoccos plants in flower within an area of about 10m2.

Records from the Northeast

Louise Midgley provided a species list from Cwm-marchon Farm, north of Llanwrda (SN698343), which included Circaea x intermedia (Upland Enchanter’s-nightshade), Hordeum murinum (Wall Barley), Petasites hybridus(Butterbur), Carex vesicaria (Bladder Sedge) and Carum, the first three being new 10km square records.

The second vcr of Luronium natans (Floating Water-plantain) and first since Ronald May’s record of 1962 from the Bishop’s Pond, Abergwili, was made by Ray Woods (RGW) where at least 100 plants were growing in an old ox-bow of the River Tywi at Llanwrda (SN7130). RGW also discovered one plant of Neottia nidus-avis (Bird’s-nest Orchid) in  a wooded area by the River Tywi at Cilycwm (SN754373). This was the fourth vcr and second 10km square record, the first being that of H.H.Knight of c1908.

DD reported his discovery of three plants of Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort) in grassland by an old building at the site of the Nant-y-mwyn leadmine (SN787445) growing with Calluna, Nardus stricta (Mat-grass), Potentilla erecta (Tormentil) and Linum catharticum (Fairy Flax), was a new 10 km square record for the species. Two new records of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue) were from Bwlch-y-Rhiw Chapel graveyard (SN801319) (in addition to c50 plants of Listera ovata (Twayblade)) and meadows east of Llanddeusant Church (SN778246) (both GH & RDP). Ten plants of Ophioglossum were refound by Liz Flood and RDP at the Dyfed Wildlife Trust reserve at Crug Melyn, southwest of Brechfa (SN502281) on 27 April where the species had not been seen for several years.

The first post 1930 records of Salix repens  (Creeping Willow) and Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder) for SN74 were made by M&JI from the Llyn Brianne tetrad (SN74Z). They must also take the prize for marathon recording session as they spent two and a half days in the rather unpromising Cwm Rhosan tetrad (SN74L) where they recorded only 184 species but brought the total up to 240 from less than 150. The most notable records were a bush of Frangula alnus (Alder Buckthorn) at SN759435, the second post 1930 SN74 record of Salix repens (Creeping Willow) and Carex caryophyllea (Spring Sedge).

IKM reported Potentilla erecta subsp. strictissima from the edge of a ride in the Crychan Forest (SN842398). He also discovered the same taxon on a roadside hedgebank south of Lluest Farm, Upper Brynamman (SN705143). These were the  4th and 5th vc records and both new 10km squares. He also reported the presence of Juncus effusus forma spiralis (Corkscrew Rush) from an upland pasture at Disgwylfa below the Carmarthen Fan (SN814235) on 14 December.

The BSBI meeting jointly led by Arthur Chater (AOC) and RDP visited sites in both Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire and has been described elsewhere (Chater & Pryce, 1995). Carmarthenshire highlights at Pant-y-pistyll (SN634476) where a variety of grassland, heath and wetland habitats occurred in a very compact area included fifteen spikes of Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid) in the hay meadow, Utricularia minor (Lesser Bladderwort) and Eleogiton fluitans (Floating Club-rush) in the pond and Ranunculus penicillatus subsp. penicillatus  (Stream Water-crowfoot) in a very small stream (this latter species is particularly frequent in the Afon Teifi which forms the northern vc boundary between Lampeter and Cenarth.

Carum verticillatum (Whorled Caraway) was recorded from no less than seventeen new tetrads, thanks largely to the CCW Phase 1 teams bring the total number of tetrads where this species has been recorded to 347. The map continues to exemplify the centres of distribution as the coalfield in the south together with the northern and north-eastern uplands What has not been so apparent in the past is the additional concentration in SN42 and SN43. Indeed the first record for SN42 was only made in  1982 at the start of the scheme! The absence of the species away from the coastal flats is also marked (the population at Marros Mill (SN20D) is now thought to be extinct due to Salix scrub invasion.

CCW Survey Records and Other Inland Records

Of the great volume of records made by the CCW teams, probably the following are most noteworthy. Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) was found near Caeglas, Brechfa (SN557302) by JMSB & David Stephens and at Arcada Park (SN487183) by SA. IKM also found the species in Brechfa Forest at SN475283 and RDP in a flush near Ffrwd Farm, Pembrey (SN431029) where it was growing with Hypericum elodes (Marsh St.John’s-wort), Potamogeton polygonifolius (Bog Pondweed)  and Carex laevigata (Smooth-stalked Sedge).

Several hundred plants of Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge) were found at Gellybevan (SN7020) by Dawn Grey (DEG) and JMSB (1992) which was a previously unknown population despite this farm having been botanised in the past. The only previously known population, at Clogau Mawr on Mynydd Du (SN720194), recorded in 1976 by Mrs.Vaughan, remains elusive.

A new site for Carex viridula subsp. Brachyrrhyncha (Long-stalked Yellow-sedge) holding several hundred plants was found by DEG & JMS at Cae Cilmaenllwyd (SN6720) (1992).

Galium uliginosum (Fen Bedstraw) was found in three sites by JMSB & GSM: Cae Maes-y-ffynnon, Pen-y-graig-goch and Cae Llwynroser (all in SN72L).

Twenty spikes of Dactylorhiza majalis subsp. purpurella  were present at Cwrtbrynbeirdd (SN6518) when the site was surveyed by JMSB & GSM in 1993.

A new inland site for Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine) at Pen-y-graig-goch (SN7422) discovered by JMS & GSM compliments the nearby Maes-y-ffynnon site.

Other Phase 1 and 2 Survey discoveries of new sites including Vicia orobus (Wood Bitter-vetch), Carex montana (Soft-leaved Sedge) and Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass)have been reported in previous Annual Reports.

New sites for several locally scarce species such as Dryopteris carthusiana (Narrow Buckler-fern), Botrichium lunaria (Moonwort), Genista anglica (Petty Whin), G. tinctoria (Dyer’s Greenweed), Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil), Hypericum elodes (Marsh St.John’s-wort), Vaccinium oxycoccos (Cranberry), Pedicularis palustris (Marsh Lousewort), Serratula tinctoria (Saw-wort), Cirsium dissectum (Meadow Thistle), Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid), P. bifolia (Lesser Butterfly Orchid) and Gymnadenia conopsea (Fragrant Orchid) (the list continues) were discovered by the Phase 1 team in particular.

John Steer reported eighty flowering spikes of Platanthera chlorantha at Brynduon, Bancyffordd (SN409345) which was a new 10km square record.

Jim Davies (JND) sent detailed species lists of various noteworthy sites around the county. For instance a Menyanthes trifoliata (Bogbean) - Carex curta (White Sedge) - Agrosis canina (Velvet Bent) dominated basin mire at Waunuchaf, Alltwalis (SN438305) and Molinia caerulea (Purple Moor-grass) grassland with Serratula and Carum at Taicyd, Brechfa (SN522315). He also discovered a new colony of Equisetum hyemale (Dutch-rush) at Carwe (SN469070, the fifth naturally occurring population in the vc.

Although previously reported in the northwest of the vc, the first written record to be received by the vc recorder of Trichomanes speciosum gametophyte (Killarney Fern) was submitted by AOC and referred to an abundance of the plant in a dry rock cavity under an overhang on a northwest facing wooded slope at the  bottom of Allt Penrhyn wood, Forge-Cych (SN254413).

Coastal Sites

Participants of the early March site visit to the RAF bombing range at Tywyn Burrows primarily to discuss site management to encourage the possible recovery of Liparis loesellii (Fen Orchid) (Peter Jones (PSJ), Clive Hurford, IKM & RDP) witnessed not only the recent severe erosion of the dune-front but also the consequent dislodging of one of the Yucca recurvifolia (Curved-leaved Spanish-dagger) plants which was lying at a forlorn angle at the base of the 4m high sand-cliff (cSN361045). It is thought that these plants, which may reach 2m in height, (at least four have been recorded at this site over the last twenty years) have become established from germinated seeds drifted across the Atlantic from its native south-eastern USA. Similar occurrences occur in Glamorgan. A second visit by PSJ, IKM, GSM et al  in July resulted in the discovery of populations of Carex disticha (Brown Sedge) and Schoenoplectus lacustris (Common Club-rush), the latter new to Tywyn Burrows.

Members of the conservation group of the Proof and Experimental Establishment, Pendine were shown the Populus nigra subsp. Betulifolia trees planted near the main gate (SN261087) which were contrasted with other poplars nearby. Highlight, however, was the discovery two very photogenic plants of Coeloglossum viride (Frog Orchid) by Jack Donovan (SN277074). The lack of proper monitoring and management at this important site is of great concern, particularly as its future in the light of recent MoD cut-backs, is far from certain.

Morfydd Lloyd of CCW made the first  Welsh record  of  the  hybrid foxtail grass  Alopecurus x plettkei  (=A. bulbous x A. geniculatus)  (det.T.A.Cope) from the upper saltmarsh near Mwche Farm, Llanybri (SN320112) where it was growing with both parents. Hordeum marinum (Sea Barley) was discovered on the upper saltmarsh of the Afon Tywi at Aalton(SN403181) and below Green Castle (SN401161) by ML, these being the second and third vc records.

Frank Webb reported Seriphidium maritimum (Sea Wormwood) from the concrete wall of the eastern breakwater of Burry Port Harbour (SN 4446002). This proved to be a new tetrad record. When visiting the site later, RDP confirmed Limonium procerum subsp procerum (Rock Sea-lavender) and Vicia sativa subsp. segetalis (Common Vetch) growing nearby.

Two spent spikes of Orobanche hederae (ivy Broomrape) were discovered near the summit of Gilman Point, Pendine (SN228075) by RDP & A.Griffiths on 15 October, which was a new site for the species and a large population of O. minor (Common Broomrape) was found along the edge of the railway line alongside Trinity Road, Morfa, Llanelli (SS512993) by IKM in June.

A normally coastal species in Carmarthenshire is Ranunculus sceleratus (Celery-leaved Buttercup), but Mrs Annie-Mary Pell discovered a plant growing as a weed in a garden tub at a property in Wernddu Road, Ammanford (SN61) which was a new 10km square record.

Critical Taxa

Determinations of Taraxacum (dandelion) specimens collected in 1993 were received from John Richards and Andrew Dudman. There were no less than sixteen new vc records and sixteen 2nd vc records. First records were T. argutum, T. celticum, T. cophocentrum, T. fagerstroemii, T. hesperium, T. hexhamense, T. interveniens, T. lacerifolium, T. laticordatum, T. lepidum, T. oellgaardii, T. pannulatiforme, T. sahlinianum, T. subundulatum, T. tenebricans, T. tumentilobum and T. xanthostigma  agg.  2nd records were T. aberrans, T. anceps, T. atactum, T. cordatum, T. dilatatum, T. hesperium, T. intumescens, T. laeticolor, T. lunare, T. necessarium, T. rhamphodes, T. sahlinianum, T. stereodes, T. tumentilobum, T. undulatiflorum and T. xanthostigma agg.  In addition Mike Porter recorded thirteen Taraxacum species from Llethrhir, Cynghordy in 1991 which included T. euryphyllum (first vc record) and T. aberrans.

Jim Bevan determined  Hieracium (hawkweed) material collected by GH from east of Burry Port railway station in 1989 and 1993 which proved to be H. rigens and was a new 10km square record.

The Rubus (bramble) recording meeting based at Trinity College, Carmarthen has been written-up elsewhere (Pryce, 1995). First vcrs included Rubus adscitus, R. ariconiensis, R. breconensis, R. lamburnensis, R. largificus, R. melanodermis and R. sprengelii.  and R. amplificatus, R. flexuosus, R. lamburnensis, R. melanodermis and R. Nessensis were 2nd vcrs.

Following interest in Rorippa islandica ss AOC, GH and RDP embarked upon a survey of the Tywi valley in order to locate new sites for the species on 27 October. Several promising areas between Dryslwyn and Llandovery were searched but despite the discovery of several localities supporting Rorippa palustris,  the only place where R. islandica ss was confirmed was on the edge of an ox-bow at Pentre Dafis, east of Dryslwyn (SN567201). The species, previously known from only a few sites in Carmarthenshire, particularly in the Teifi valley, had been identified by AOC on waste-ground at Cwmann (SN582473) at the start of the BSBI excursion on 30 July. (Chater & Pryce, 1995)

More Euphrasia (Eyebright) determinations were received from Alan Silverside. Most interesting was a “hirsute variant” of E. scottica collected from Nant Iwrch, Caio (SN7039) by Mary Barnes in 1953. E. confusa x micrantha was collected from Bwlch-y-Rhiw (SN719461) by M&JI and there were several collections of E. confusa x nemorosa: Crychan Forest (SN826382, M&JI, 1991), Upper Cothi Valley (M&JI, SN713475) and Penrhyngwyn (SS517973, IKM and Barry Stewart).

Specimens of Michealmas Daisies accumulated at NMW  over the years were sent by GH to P.F.Yeo for determination and produced first and second authenticated records of Aster x salignus  from Cydweli railway station (SN401065) (GH, 1965) and Llangennech (SN561012) (IKM), the first record of Aster x versicolor, a garden throw-out at Llwynhendy (SS537994) (IKM) and first and second records of Aster x lanceolatus, a garden throw-out at Stradey, Llanelli (SN495013) (IKM) and on a fly-tip at The Green, Llansteffan (SN357109) (IKM).

Two specimens of Cotoneaster recently determined by Janette Fryer proved to be new Welsh records. Material of C. atropurpureus was collected from a hedge at The Graig, Burry Port (SN444016) by GH in 1991 and IKM collected C. salicifolius from a roadside bank in Penyfai Lane, Llanelli (SN497016) in 1993.

Salix (Willow), Populus  (Poplar) and Ulmus (Elm) received attention by AOC, IKM, GH and RDP and accounts of their various researches appear elsewhere (Morgan, 1995 and in press;  Hutchinson, in press)

Non-natives

Geranium phaeum (Dusky Crane’s-bill) was recorded by Marion Herbert who sent two records of this species, the first from Cribyn Organ (SN361293) and the second from Llwyn Howel, near Whitemill (SN474226). Both proved to be new 10km square records. Dafydd Dafis also recorded G. phaeum abundantly naturalized on a road verge near Crymlyn Manor (SN651234).

JND discovered a plant of Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) growing from the pavement outside no.1 Queen Street, Carmarthen where all the properties are commercial and devoid of gardens, thus not presenting the opportunity for garden escapes in the near vicinity. JND also reported Ceratophyllum demersum  (Rigid Hornwort) growing in an ornamental pond at Garnant (SN693134).

I can only assume that the Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink) discovered by Janet and Keith Crowden on an old trackway at Bryndias Farm, Pinged (SN434034) cannot be a native site, buts its origin remains a mystery. RDP visited the site in October when it was obvious that the first generation of plants had reproduced and died and had been replaced by a second generation of much less robust specimens. In total RDP counted 238 individuals, some up to 0.6m tall.

IKM, whilst doing some “back-lane botanising” in the urban areas of Llanelli, discovered the distinctive bramble (Rubus laciniatus), sometimes cultivated for ornament, growing at the base of a wall behind Cedric Street (SN513002). This was a new vc record although the species has been previously recorded elsewhere in Wales as a naturalised plant, presumably of bird-sown origin. Other street weeds were Cosmos bipinnatus (Mexican Aster) recorded by GH at the base of a crumbling wall of a back-lane off Andrew Street, Llanelli (SN510007), Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) from a doorstep in Queen Street, Carmarthen (SN414200) (JND) and Satureja montana (Winter Savory) from a brick wall in Bryn Avenue, Burry Port (SN453009) (IKM, 1993). All were new vc records.

A bird seed alien which appeared in IKM’s garden in 1993 was Eruca vesicaria  subsp. sativa (Garden Rocket) (SS537993) and was a new vc record.

The invasive north American Lemna minuta (Least Duckweed) continues to spread: IKM reported new sites at Dafen Pond (SN532015) where it is dominant under flooded Salix carr and also in the pond in front of the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust Penclacwydd visitor centre (SS531983). Another alien water plant, the south American Lagarosiphon major (Curly Waterweed), was recorded by IKM in the pond on the restored Glyn-tai opencast site, Saron (SN 609128).

Viscum album (Mistletoe)

At the end of 1993 about a dozen sites were known but Barry Stewart reported a major population of at least thirteen plants in an old apple orchard at Glanamman (SN672128) in late 1994. This record and the current BSBI Mistletoe survey prompted GH & RDP to check as many old records as possible. Only one of the original records (consisting of three separate populations in old orchards at Hermon (SN6728)) proved to be extant. Even plants known as recently as seven years ago at Cnap-llwyd, Glanamman (SN678124) and Llanmiloe House, Pendine (SN248088) had disappeared. However, appeals in the local press have so far produced previously unknown sites at Croes-y-ceiliog (SN407165) and Bethlehem (SN684251) and have brought to light an old record at Llangadog (SN702287) that had eluded GH & RDP during their search.

Closing Thoughts

All tetrads have been visited and very few have less than 200 species recorded within them except where monotony of habitat indicates that a lower total must be expected. The map below illustrates this point. The emphasis on future recording should, therefore , concentrate on filling in gaps where they effect individual species, for instance. In the meantime the writing-up phase must begin and I hope that by this time next year a significant proportion of the species accounts will have been completed.

Acknowledgements

As always I am greatly indebted to all who have contributed records during the year and to all referees who so willingly give of their time and without whom many plant determinations just would not get done. In particular I must thank Andrew Dudman and John Richards (Taraxacum), Alan Newton and Mike Porter (Rubus), Alan Silverside (Euphrasia) and Arthur Chater (Carex, Rorippa islandica etc, etc). Locally, Ian Morgan and George Hutchinson must be acknowledged for their constant encouragement, despite my frequent lapses which include memory, filing and computing. Finally I must also thank them for reading and correcting the draft of this report.

References

Chater, A.O. and Pryce, R.D.  (1995).  Reports of Field Meetings -1994: Lampeter Area (vcc 44 & 46). 30th July 1994.  BSBI News: 69, 69-70.

Morgan, I.K.  (1995).  The Llanelli Levels.  Llanelli Nats. Bul. 1, 4-

Morgan, I.K.  (1996).  The Black Poplar in Carmarthenshire.  Llanelli Nats. Newsl. 60. 5-9.

Hutchinson, G.  (1996).  Salix (Willows) in Carmarthenshire - a guide to identification.  Llanelli Nats. Bul. 2,  23-40.

Pryce, R.D.,  (1995).  Reports of Field Meetings - 1994: Rubus Recording Weekend, Carmarthen (vc44). 21st - 24th July 1994.  BSBI News: 69, 66-68.