Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - September 1998 - No 3
Richard Pryce

Three seasons' recording provides the material for this report. Demands on my time since giving up my 9 to 5 job and setting up my own business have taken their toll on the amount of time I have been able to devote to progressing the County Flora. Of necessity, this report contains only the highlights and I apologise in advance for the omission of any records which recorders feel were worthy of inclusion.

Red Data Plants

After an absence of six years, eleven plants of Liparis loeselii (Fen Orchid) were discovered in 1996 at the species’ only extant Carmarthenshire site at the East 4 Range within the military establishment on Laugharne Burrows (SN301072). The following year, the BSBI party, which visited the site on 29 June, counted 76 flowering stems but all except eleven had been destroyed by slugs (Arion ater) by 9 August (John Rees (JR), Barry & Sandra Stewart (B&SS) and RDP) and most of those remaining had been severely damaged. However, several new rosettes were also noted which hopefully will reach maturity in subsequent years. RDP’s survey of the county’s dune systems searching for potential Liparis sites, commissioned by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) as a contribution to developing a Liparis Biodiversity Action Plan, failed to identify any previously undiscovered populations. However, the presence of possibly suitable habitat in conjunction with proposed site management at both Laugharne and Tywyn Burrows may promote the maintenance of the plant as a Carmarthenshire species.

The most convincing population of Gentianella uliginosa (Dune Gentian) that RDP had seen for many years was discovered on 26/9/97 growing in the short rabbit-disturbed and grazed turf of the helipad at the RAF range on Tywyn Burrows (SN368050). These were all current year’s annual plants and ranged from 10mm tall with one or two flowers to 80mm tall with up to five flowers and many had yet to open. In fact many were still in flower on 2 November. They displayed typical morphological characters and were readily distinguishable from G. amarella, which also grew mixed in with the population. In the densest areas, it was impossible to walk without treading on them. This site had been examined earlier in the year but only robust biennial Gentianella plants up to about 250mm tall were seen, none of which displayed definitive G. uliginosa characters. It would appear, therefore, that biennial plants of G. uliginosa (if indeed they do occur) may not conspicuously develop characters such as long terminal petioles and lax calyx segments which are so well displayed by the annual forms. The question might be prompted as to whether G. uliginosa does produce biennial forms distinct from G. amarella in Carmarthenshire. On Laugharne/Pendine Burrows, only a single Gentianella plant, which could possibly have been G. uliginosa, was seen in 1997. This was found by the BSBI party on 29 June on the track west of the C9 prep room (SN277074) but was probably the hybrid G. amarella x G. uliginosa: apex damage prevented certain determination. It was associated with several Coeloglossum viride (Frog Orchid) plants, occasional Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue) and a single Botrichium lunaria (Moonwort).

The third vc record of Trichomanes speciosum (Killarney Fern) gametophyte was recorded by Arthur Chater (AOC) and Clive Jermy from Allt Rhyd-y-groes NNR (SN767478) on 23/10/97 in a cavity in a north-east facing rock outcrop in a sessile oakwood.

A thriving population of Linaria supina (Prostrate Toadflax) was discovered at a new site by Philip Jones (PAJ) in 1996, growing in the recently limestone-ballast surfaced car park of the Burry Port AFC (SN452005). When RDP visited the site on 9/7/97, associates of L. supina were found to include occasional Trifolium squamosum (Sea Clover) and locally frequent Silene conica (Sand Catchfly), both Nationally Scarce species.

Nationally Scarce Plants

Potamogeton coloratus (Fen Pondweed) was discovered by Nick Stewart (NFS) in 1996 in the recently enlarged Conservation Pond in Pembrey Country Park (SN397007). This was a first vc record and only the second record for South Wales (the other being at Castlemartin Course, Pembrokeshire). He also recorded two Nationally Scarce stonewort species, the principal reason for his visit to the pond. They were Chara contraria var. hispidula (C. vulgaris var. hispidula), a first vc record for the variety and a second vc record for the species, and C. curta (C. aspera var. curta), another second vc record. Nick also determined a collection made at the same site by IKM on 22/9/97, which comprised C. hispida and C. curta, both rare in Wales, and identified C. hispida collected by IKM on the same date from the ‘Sciomyzid Pond’ in Pembrey Forest (SN371040). These were the fourth and fifth vc records for C. hispida and the third for C. curta. Material collected on 8/6/96 by RDP from the ‘Ski Slope Pond’ in the Country Park (SN409000) was also identified by NFS and proved to be Chara contraria var. hispidula second vc record for the var. and third for the species) and Tolypella glomerata (third vc record for this Nationally Scarce and rare Welsh species). NFS identified another specimen collected by IKM on 27/7/97, from a quarry west of Glyngwernan, Felinfoel (SN533025), as Chara vulgaris var. longibractiata, the third vc record. Additional charophyte records were made by Richard Lansdown (RVHL) and RDP in Pembrey Forest and the RAF Bombing Range, Tywyn Burrows, on 22/3/1998. Tolypella glomerata (previously recorded from the RAF Range by IKM in 1986 and from the ‘Ski Slope Pond’ (see above)) was frequent in flooded ruts and tracks at SN376033, SN376035, SN373044, SN366044, SN364050 and SN365049. Chara aspera was also abundant in the pool by the targets (SN364050). Two other species were collected which await confirmation.

A small population of Silene gallica (Small-flowered Catchfly) was discovered by RDP at Burry Port on the apron above the northern wall of the Western Inner Harbour (SN444006) on 28/7/97, a species not seen in the vc for about forty years. Associates included Trifolium squamosum and Limonium procerum ssp. procerum (a Rock Sea-lavender), both also Nationally Scarce, together with more familiar plants such as Trifolium arvense (Hare’s-foot Clover), Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch) and Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire). He also recorded a third population of T. squamosum, in cracks in the paving in front of the Burry Port Yacht Club house (SN444003). This was growing close to the only extant vc population of Malva neglecta (Dwarf Mallow), consisting of c.15plants, re-discovered here a few weeks earlier after an absence of several years, by B&SS. The population of Dianthus armeria (Deptford Pink) at Bryndias (SN434034), discovered by Jan and Keith Crowden in 1994, continues to thrive with about sixty plants present in 1997 (RDP).

Several new populations of Carex punctata (Dotted Sedge) were discovered by RDP in the vicinity of the E3 Range within the defence establishment at Laugharne Burrows (SN289070 – SN293071) during the Liparis survey (reported above).

Whilst carrying out a survey of the Afon Tywi for CCW in 1997, Richard Lansdown (RVHL) discovered Limosella aquatica (Mudwort) growing on a muddy sand bar near Dryslwyn Castle (SN588201). The species has only once before been recorded in Carmarthenshire, as reported by Barker from the Bishop’s Pond, Abergwili (1905) and has not been seen in the interim. Other species recorded from the Tywi during the survey included Potamogeton crispus (Curled Pondweed), P. berchtoldii (Small Pondweed) and P. perfoliatus (Perfoliate Pondweed), the latter recorded only twice previously from the vc.

The first vc record for about fifty years of Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) was made by GH & RDP when they found a substantial clump growing on a shingle bar by the Afon Tywi at Llanwrda (SN718309) on 25/8/95. Subsequently, information received from the occupier of a local farm suggests that the species has been present on this part of the Tywi for several years but it is not clear whether the population is of native origin or an escape from cultivation.

The first record for Alopecurus bulbosus (Bulbous Foxtail) from the Carmarthenshire side of the Afon Llwchwr was made by RDP on 27/5/95 when he discovered a few plants in grassy marshland subject to inundation by the highest tides, on Bryngwili Manor land, Hendy (SN581033). Carum verticillatum (Whorled Caraway) was found growing nearby in pastureland subject to brackish influence, and the only such site for the species in RDP’s experience.

Twelve spikes of Orobanche rapum-genistae (Greater Broomrape) between about 0.8m and 1.0m tall, were recorded growing on gorse at the edge of a heathy pasture field at Sir John’s Hill, Laugharne (SN301098) by JR on 3/8/96, the ninth post 1950 vc record of the species.

Locally Scarce Species

The ‘new’ record of Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Tree) from woodland at Coed-y-Glyn between Glyn Abbey and Waun-gwiail-fach, Four Roads (SN447084), reported by the owner, Andrew Stevens (6/97), was presumably a rediscovery of James Motley’s pre 1848, record noted as ‘Pyrus torminalis, found in the Glyn Abbey Woods’. Mr Stevens also reported the presence of both Epipactis helleborine (Broadleaved Helleborine) and Listera ovata (Common Twayblade) in the vicinity. A second new record of S. torminalis was made at Babel (SN834356) by GH & Jim Bevan (JB) in July 1996. This brings the total of known naturally occurring populations in Carmarthenshire to six. The hot summer of 1996 produced a good crop of fruit and IKM successfully germinated seed from the Stradey Woods, Delacorse and Babel trees, which will be used for planting at appropriately recorded sites elsewhere in the county. Stock has also been donated to the National Botanic Garden at Middleton Hall.

Philip Davies of Gwynfe reported c.50 plants of Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort) in sheep-cropped limestone grassland at Banc Wern Wgan (SN680183) together with two depauperate plants of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue). Nearby (SN683184) he also suspected Asplenium obovatum (Lanceolate Spleenwort) to be growing in a wet crevice c2m from the base of a low limestone cliff but on later examination by GH & RDP it disappointingly proved to be only a prolific colony of A. adiantumnigrum (Black Spleenwort). Jean Green (JAG) and Wendy McCarthy (WMcC) also recorded B. lunaria growing with Orchis morio (Green-winged Orchid) near Nantsais (SN347337). Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid), Carex caryophyllea (Spring Sedge, a new 10km record), Ranunculus bulbosus (Bulbous Buttercup), Wahlenbergia hederacea (Ivy-leaved Bellflower) and Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) were also present in the same tetrad.

Andy Jones recorded 5-10 small plants of Anagallis minima (Chaffweed) growing in deep wheel-ruts in a scrubbed-over dune slack on Laugharne Burrows (SN291071) in October 1996. This was the first vc record for about forty years but RDP failed to find any plants at the site in October 1997, the ruts being under about 0.5m of water. The first confirmed vc record since 1977 of Scleranthus annuus (Annual Knawel), another diminutive annual, was made by John Killick on a dry, acid, shaly, sheep-grazed, trackside bank at Cefn Telych near Llandovery (SN785333) in June 1996.

A single plant of Spiranthes spiralis (Autumn Lady’s-tresses) was discovered by RDP on the helipad at the RAF bombing range on Tywyn Burrows in company with a large population of Gentianella spp. This was the first coastal record since 1989, prior to which, plants were regularly recorded. Now, however, it is extinct at most of these sites due to habitat destruction or degradation. The only presumed extant inland population, at Llandyfan (SN6417), has not been seen since 1985 – a monitoring task for 1998?

Over the last twenty years Carex pseudocyperus (Cyperus Sedge) has also become a victim of the alarming degradation of the county’s duneland habitats, which is largely a result of unchecked scrub colonisation. Only about fifty plants now remain in a small area of species-rich tall fen at the south-eastern margin of the Witchett Pool, Laugharne Burrows (SN287075) (RDP). This is the only site for the species in the vc but represents a very significant reduction in population size when compared to early 1980s. At that time, the near-monospecific stand covered up to a hectare on fen at the eastern end of the pool, but has now been completely over-run by Alnus glutinosa (Alder) scrub. Another casualty of scrub encroachment is Asparagus officinalis (Wild Asparagus), a single plant of which was noted on dune grassland in the vicinity, the first record at the site for about ten years.

Four new records of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) were made in 1996 and 1997. The first was by Geoff Proffitt of a plant growing at the edge of a limestone ballast path at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at Penclacwydd (SS531983). PAJ reported three plants growing on vegetated fly-ash on the site of the former Carmarthen Bay Power Station, Burry Port (SN454006) in association with Orobanche minor (Common Broomrape). Another population, this time of about 22 plants, was discovered in dune grassland west of the E5 Range at the MoD Establishment on Laugharne Burrows (SN309071). Jonathan Price (of the Carmarthenshire County Council Ranger Service) recorded three plants, possibly more, in company with hundreds of dactylorchids, on the edge of the restored opencast site at Pant y felin, Tumble (SN540122). The number of extant Carmarthenshire O. apifera sites now amounts, therefore, to nine, an increase of 40% in the last two years. Also at Pant-y-felin, Bob and Rannveig Wallis reported a Pyrola species (wintergreen) growing extensively within a plantation of Pinus nigra ssp. laricio (Corsican Pine) and P. contorta (Lodgepole Pine) established on restored opencast land on soil-less shale (SN538127, 11/97). On visiting the site on 14/2/98, RDP established its identity as Pyrola minor (Common Wintergreen), the only extant record away from its populations within Pembrey Forest.

A new site for Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid) was recorded by Graham Motley (GSM) and J Murphy from an unimproved meadow at Pant Soar (SN6228) with Carum verticillatum, Epipactis helleborine and Pedicularis palustris (Marsh Lousewort) growing in the vicinity. GSM & Jamie Bevan (JMSB) also discovered a few plants of Bromus racemosus (Smooth Brome) growing in a semi-improved meadow at Halfway, Talley (SN658302) and GSM found the same species growing at Whitehill Down SSSI, Laugharne (SN2913), the fifth and sixth post 1950 vc records. JMSB and Dawn Gray made the second vc record of Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge) consisting of several hundred plants growing in a base-rich NVC M10 flush at Gellybevan, Gwynfe in 1992 (included in a previous annual report), which now appears to be the only extant population. The first, at Clogau Bach, Mynydd Du (SN 720194), which was last seen by Mrs Vaughan in 1976, eluded AOC, JB, GH and RDP who failed to refind it on 28/6/97 despite diligent searching.

GH & JB recorded a Valerianella plant in June 1996, 400m west of Dagfa farm, near Llandovery (SN804325) on a heap of disturbed soil at the edge of a forestry plantation. GH & RDP revisited the site on 4/7/96 to find that the plant had matured and set seed, confirming its identity as V. carinata (Keelfruited Cornsalad). IKM also discovered this species as a street weed in Marsh Street, Llanelli

(SS509995) in May 1997. These were the fourth and fifth post 1950 vc records. Annie Mary Pell made the first vc record of Calystegia silvatica var. quinquepartita (the five-lobed corolla form of Large Bindweed) at Llanedi Churchyard (SN588066) in 1995. GH & RDP visited the site on 4/7/96 and found the plant scrambling over an old tree stump by the south-eastern boundary wall of the graveyard.

Critical Species

There were three new records for Rorippa islandica ss (Northern Yellowcress), the first in stream-side mud in the Nant Gurrey fach on the eastern outskirts of Llandeilo (SN632230) (GH, 15/7/1995), the second from a spoil slope at Pen-y-Dinas quarry, Llansawel (SN629355) (AOC, 17/9/95) and thirdly from Clwtau, below Pont Ynyswen (SN526233), the first record for the Cothi valley, reported by Ralph Goodchild, (9/96) who has known the population at this location for at least ten years. All were confirmed by AOC.

AOC also recorded a hybrid willowherb growing on spoil tips at Pen-y-Dinas quarry, Llansawel (SN629355) on 2/6/95 which was determined by T.D.Pennington on 17/9/95 as Epilobium  brunnescens x E. ciliatum (= E. brunnatum), the first British record. It was growing with both parents.

Both 1994 and 1995 Taraxacum (dandelion) collections have been determined by John Richards (AJR) and Andrew Dudman (AAD) and included twelve first vc records and eleven second records. Of greatest interest was the sect. Celtica specimen collected by AOC and Paul Smith (PAS) from the cliffs above Llyn-y-Fan fach (SN801216) which turned out to be a previously unknown plant and has been given the working name T. nigrimontanum by AJR and AAD. It has a combination ‘black stigmas, absent pollen, midrib purple to the tip, and bracts with wide white margins, erect’. This needs to be looked for in similar situations in the Brecon Beacons and Fans, and may have been collected in the past by visiting botanists. All material in the following lists was collected by either GH or RDP or both. First records were T. macranthoides (Pontyfenni, SN238168), T. nigridentatum (Lan, Cynwyl Elfed, SN367289), T. spiculatum (near Maudsland, SN330348), T. acutifrons (Berwick Roundabout, Trostre, SS542987), T. landmarkii (Crug Melyn WTWW Reserve, SN502281), T. rubicundum (Mynydd Du, SN735189), T. obliquilobum (Bwlchyrhiw Chapel, SN802320), T. arenastrum (Shoreline Dunes, Burry Port, SN443002), T. fasciatum (Plasgwyn, Penygroes, SN587138), T. fulviforme and T. obtusifrons (both Trostre, SS533989). Second records were T. pannulatiforme (Nazareth Cemetery, Whitland, SN196178), T. sinuatum (Cyffig Churchyard, SN207139), T. hesperium (near Bwlchydomen, SN326371), T. marklundii (Penybedd Wood, SN418018), T. euryphyllum (Llanddeusant Churchyard, SN777245), T. celticum (Pembrey Forest, SN389010), T. laticordatum (near Llanddowror, SN251145), T. rubicundum (Shoreline Dunes, Burry Port, SN440001), T. sublaeticolor (Plasgwyn, Penygroes, SN587138), T. inane and T. argutum (both Mynydd Du, SN736188).

The 'suberect' bramble collected from the edge of a rank, Molinia-dominated enclosure at Cwm Garenig, Glanamman (SN672122) on 22/8/95 by RDP was determined by M. Porter (10/11/96) as Rubus plicatus, the second vc record. The identity of a further three specimens of another ‘suberect’ bramble, R. scissus, all from the Hermon area (SN351318, SN359310 and SN360310) collected by GH & RDP on 3/7/94, were confirmed by Alan Newton in February 1996.

Hieracium lasiophyllum is a hawkweed known to occur on crags above the Afon Doethie in Cardiganshire but only recorded in error from Carmarthenshire in the past. By following the outcrop of the stratum on the geological map on which the plants occur in Cardiganshire across the border into Carmarthenshire, GH was able to predict that the species would occur on Craig Gallt-y-Berau on the north face of Mynydd Mallaen (SN772463). On 4/6/95, JB, GH & RDP scaled the prescribed crag and as if by magic discovered nine plants of H. lasiophyllum scattered over a small number of rock outcrops. The re-examination of previously collected Hieracium specimens in NMW by Jim Bevan is continuing.

A Salix (willow) specimen collected by RDP from near Maudsland (SN332321) on 30/10/92 was confirmed as Salix x capreola (= S. aurita x S. caprea) by R.D.Meikle (29/8/95) and was the first confirmed record for this hybrid from Carmarthenshire.

Monitoring

Mark Atkinson and S.C. Thurston spent a weekend (28-29/9/96) revisiting the sites of many past records of Sambucus ebulus (Danewort) including a new site found only a few weeks previously by JAG & WMcC south of Llanfraith (SN344330). They also made a new record for the species at Cwmfelinboeth (SN195196).

At RDP’s request, in June 1997, J&MI started a monitoring exercise to ascertain the current status of Sibthorpia europaea (Cornish Moneywort) in Carmarthenshire. They were successful in refinding two of the previously known populations, near Fforest Farm, Brechfa (SN522311) and at Llanfihangel Rhos-y-Corn (SN547345) but other plants remained elusive. The task continues but the status of this Nationally Scarce species must give some cause for concern.

On 4/6/95 AOC and PAS visited some poorly worked part-tetrads on the vc boundary with a view to making more thorough records and also took the opportunity to monitor the Arctic-Alpine flora of the cliffs above Llyn-y-Fan fach. In addition to the expected species, they recorded Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage), a new record for the site, growing by a streamlet flowing into the lake (SN798218). They did not, however, find Salix herbacea (Dwarf Willow) which has now not been seen for 15 years on these cliffs. They also recorded ten fronds of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue) at SN807354, and nearby species-rich grassland and fen habitat (SN808365) had Genista anglica (Petty-whin), Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge), Equisetum sylvaticum (Wood Horsetail), Scutellaria minor (Lesser Scullcap), Carum verticillatum and Hypericum elodes (Bog St.John’s-wort).

Several plants of Antennaria dioica (Mountain Everlasting) and 19 plants of Gentianella amarella were recorded in a sparse, sheep-grazed, grass sward on limestone spoil tips at Clogau Bach, Mynydd Du (c.SN720194) (AOC, JB, GH & RDP, 28/6/97). Hieracium diaphanum and H. anglorum. were also present on the old quarry faces. Several plants of A. dioica, two of Helianthemum nummularia (Common Rockrose) and about twenty G. amarella were also refound at Pal-y-cwrt (c.SN679183). A small patch of A. dioica was also found at a new site well away from any previous recorded population by JMSB and GSM on the edge of a rock outcrop in species-rich dry acid grassland (NVC U4c), at Blaen-bydernyn, Llanybydder (SN58438). Anthriscus caucalis (Bur-chervil) was last recorded in Carmarthenshire on limestone scree below the castle at Carreg Cennen (SN669190) by Mrs Vaughan in 1962 and was searched for without success on 28/6/97 by Dorothy Brookman, John Killick and David George. However, good populations of Veronica spicata ssp. hybrida (Spiked Speedwell) and Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) were present, and Cochlearia danica (Danish Scurvygrass) was a new record for the site.

Carex aquatilis (Water Sedge) was noted by AOC, RVHL and T. Pankhurst on 15/9/97 from the Teifi valley, firstly in an ox-bow at Henfaes, south-west of Llanybydder (SN503426) and secondly in a marsh 3.3km west-southwest of Lampeter (SN547460). These were the first records from the area since the mid-1980s.

During a search for a small population of Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage) recorded on 12/4/97 by Ray Woods in the Sawdde gorge north of Pontarllechau (SN722251), a c.5m x 2m stand of Trollius europaeus (Globeflower) in abundant seed, was recorded on a rocky bluff(SN719256) (AOC, JB, GH & RDP, 8/6/97) which, following recent population declines, may now be the largest extant stand in the vc.

About twenty plants of Crepis biennis (Rough Hawk’s-beard) were recorded growing in tipped limestone chippings on the road verge by Gorswen Quarry, near Maesybont (SN578159) by RDP on 29/5/1995.

Another small population of this species was discovered growing on disturbed ground in old limestone workings by WMcC and JAG at Craig Dwfn, Llandyfan (SN649171) on 28/6/97. Gentianella amarelle (Autumn Gentian), Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rockrose), Filago minima (Small Cudweed), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage), Epipactis helleborine, Geranium columbinum (Long-stalked Crane’s-bill), Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore), Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris), Listera ovata (Common Twayblade), Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder) and Trisetum flavescens (Yellow Oat-grass) were all present in the vicinity.

Mrs Gwenllian Smith reported that the population of albino Scutellaria galericulata (Skullcap) located between the lakes at Talley and first discovered by Margaret Humphrey and Mrs Vaughan many years ago is extant and thriving (comm. Denys Smith).

Other Notable Records

Carum verticillatum was noted from new tetrads by several recorders. These included SN50W, SN51Z, SN52X and SN63C.

A record of a single plant of Viscum album (Mistletoe) growing in a young oak at eye level in the middle of a wood, well away from habitation, was made by Sarah Andrews near Llwynbedw in the Cych Valley (SN150597) in June 1994. Other recent Viscum records include plants in a garden orchard at Bethlehem (SN6825) and in a garden in Croesyceiliog (SN4016). In addition, IKM has successfully germinated seed in his garden in Llanelli over the last two years.

Hordeum secalinum (Meadow Barley), unusual away from the coast and lowland river valleys in Carmarthenshire, was recorded by JAG on 27/6/97 from near Caio (SN681427) growing on a roadside bank.

Several noteworthy species records rewarded a visit by IKM to Y Winllan, Brechfa (SN524303) in June 1997. Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) and Rubus caesius (Dewberry) were growing in presumably base-rich spoil; both species are infrequent inland in the vc, whilst Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed) was abundant in a pig-disturbed field. Nearby woodland had one plant each of Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris) and Listera ovata (Common Twayblade). Man-made ponds had introduced Typha angustifolia (Lesser Bulrush) and presumably naturally colonised Lemna minuta (Least Duckweed).

Lemna trisulca (Ivy-leaved Duckweed) was found by IKM growing in a ditch north-east of the Berwick Roundabout, Llwynhendy (SS545986) in July 1995, the second record for the vc. Indeed, it may now be the only extant population as it has apparently disappeared from its traditional site at one of the smaller Machynys Ponds (part of the SSSI) probably due to pollution or water-table changes caused by nearby works associated with the redevelopment of South Llanelli.

RDP noted that Cochlearia danica (Danish Scurvy-grass) was frequently growing along the central reservation of the M4 motorway between Hendy and Pont-Abraham obviously taking advantage of the salty run-off (eg SN575035, SN572042, SN572055 & SN573067, 17/4/95) but interestingly appears not to be present along the A48 dual-carriageway further west.

Weed Flora

Quentin Kay (QONK) completed an arable weed survey of three Carmarthenshire farms participating in the Tir-Cymen countryside stewardship scheme for CCW. All three were situated in SN52 and the survey provided new 10km square records for Kickxia elatine (Round-leaved Fluellen), Viola arvensis (Field Pansy), Viola tricolor (Wild Pansy), Stachys arvensis (Field Woundwort), Euphorbia helioscopia (Sun Spurge), Fumaria muralis (Common Ramping-Fumitory), F. bastardii (Tall Ramping-Fumitory), Lamium hybridum (Cut-leaved Dead-nettle) and Matricaria recutita (Scented Mayweed).

Viola tricolor ssp. tricolor was recorded by Huwel Manley in dry acid grassland on the upland fringe at Glanmarlais, Llansadwrn (SN676333) (conf. Prof. D.M. Moore) and by GSM in upland pasture at SN6847.

Kickxia elatine was also recorded by Viv and Tony Lewis (V&TL) growing abundantly in the car park at Llyn Llech Owain Country Park (SN565148) (9/97) and this species was also present in an arable field at Cencoed uchaf (SN478029) (IKM, Sept 96) at the same site where it was recorded in 1988. This latter site also had abundant Stachys arvensis and some Misopates orontium (Weasel’s-snout). (Kickxia continues to thrive as a weed in RDP’s garden!). Other Llanelli records made by IKM included Stachys arvensis growing in allotments south of Coronation Road (SS513998), six plants of Misopates orontium in a disturbed soil bank to the east of Machynys Pond (SS514980), the sixth vc record, and one plant of Mercurialis annua (Annual Mercury) in the back-lane linking College Hill and Glenalla Road (SN514003).

The allotments at Penallt, Llanelli (SN518004) yielded Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Good-King-Henry) and Cichorum intybus (Chickory) with Vitis vinifera (Grape Vine) growing in a nearby hedge (IKM, 8/97).

Non-natives

About a dozen plants of Dipsacus laciniatus (Cut-leaved Teasel) were found independently by both IKM and RDP growing by the main railway between Pwll and Burry Port (SN467007) in July 1997, a new record for Carmarthenshire.

A single plant of Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) was found by RDP in a farmyard at Blaenycoed (SN348257) on 9/6/96 (the sixth vc record) and an unusual weed reported by Mary Williams in her garden at Maesyquarre, Bethlehem (SN653233) was identified as Nicandra physalodes (Apple-of-Peru) by GH during the Llanelli Naturalists’ meeting hosted by Mrs Williams (15/7/95). It was the second vc record for the species. The population of Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris) in the small valley adjacent to the garden was also seen during the meeting.

Field hedges near Llanllwni (SN487352), planted with Laburnum alpinum x anagyroides (= L. x watereri) (hybrid Laburnum) were recorded by AOC (8/6/96) and was the first vc record. L. alpinum (Scottish Laburnum) was reported from hedges at both Capel Isaac (SN583273, 3/6/95) and Bryndafydd uchaf, Llansawel (SN608397, 4/6/95) by JAG, D.M.George and Edna Stephenson and were confirmed by AOC.

V&TL recorded a single plant of Galinsoga quadriradiata (Shaggy-soldier) in waste ground south of Tyle Teg, Burry Port (SN458010) in October 1997 which was the third vc and first post 1970 record. A month or so earlier they had recorded Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed) from a ride in Pembrey Forest (SN3901) which was the second record for the species during the year. The first report was of three plants, one in full flower, made by David Corscadden growing on the south side of the new Swansea Link Road near Trostre works (SS533994) in August. These records were the fourth and fifth for the vc; the species was last recorded in 1988 at Manordeilo by GH (SN6726).

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), a rather uncommon, planted tree in Carmarthenshire, was found growing on a roadside at Froodvale Farm (SN648389) (JAG 5/6/95) and was a new 10km square record. Six plants of Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern) were reported by Nigel Stringer growing from the mortar of an old wall in Stepney Road, Pwll (SN481011) having first been noted by Mrs C. Lewis. One plant of Verbascum lychnitis (White Mullein) was discovered at North Dock Llanelli (SS498993) (IKM, 15/8/96) and the species was also present as a garden weed at Eithin Tewion, Cilycwm (SN744413) (M&JI, 11/9/1996). Cyperus longus (Galingale) was noted as an introduction at Sandy Water Park, Llanelli (SN493004, IKM) and Azolla filiculoides (Water Fern) was common for one season only, amongst algal blooms around the western margin of the main Machynys Pond (SS511981, 11/95) but not reappearing in subsequent years (IKM).

The third and fourth vc records of Oxalis stricta (Upright Yellow-sorrel) were recorded as farm weeds. On 4/6/95, HJK & DB recorded the plant from a farmyard near Bwlch-y-Rhyd, Talley (SN621337) and QONK from a barley stubble field at Hafod-Neddyn, Llangathen (SN583243) on 11/8/97.

A clump of Cortaderia richardii (Early Pampas-grass) found by GH & IKM (1/8/94) on waste ground below Cwmbach Road, Llanelli (det. T.B. Ryves, 1/95) was the first vc record. In 1996 IKM found several noteworthy garden escapes including a plant of Hypericum x inodorum (Tall Tutsan) in limestone chippings at the Penclacwydd wildfowl centre (SS555990) and a plant of Melissa officinalis (Balm) by a roadside lay-by at Rhydyffynnon (SN611195). He also noted Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) and Crocosmia paniculata (Curtonus paniculatus) (Aunt-Eliza) in the allotments south of Coronation Road (SS513998).

Following Jim Davies’ Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane) street weed record from Carmarthen in 1994 (SN483009), the species was recorded as a garden throw-out at Pwll (SN483009, GH & RDP) and a single plant was also found growing in wall mortar in Spowart Avenue, Llanelli (SN503010) by IKM in 1996.

A large clump of Trachystemon orientalis (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) north of Ferryside (SN372117) was a second vc record of this very early flowering plant, whilst two plants of Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge) were found at the base of a wall at Holcwm, Ferryside (SN365013) (both IKM, 4/97). Another spurge, growing on wasteground between Robinson Street and Old Lodge, Llanelli (SS508999) was believed to be Euphorbia characias (Mediterranean Spurge) but awaits confirmation. Nigel Stringer and IKM found Arum italicum ssp. italicum (Italian Lords-and-Ladies)to be frequent below an old wall at Henllan (SN353402, 5/97).

IKM provided several records of the Ilex x altaclerensis (Highclere Holly) including Stradey Woods (SN486013, 3/95); Pentrepoeth, Furnace (SN505015, 12/94); Llangennech (SN561012, 4/95) and near The Links, Pembrey (SN432005, 5/97).

Holly Harries recorded Crassula helmsii (New Zealand Pigmyweed) in a recently constructed ornamental pond at Glandwr, Llanpumsaint (SN411301), the third vc record. The fourth was made by IKM from an artificial pond at Y Winllan, Brechfa (SN524303) on 30/6/97 and the fifth, also by IKM, from the demonstration pond, east of the main pond in front of the restaurant at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre, Penclacwydd (SS531985) on 29/7/97.

Writing-up

The eventual form that the Flora of Carmarthenshire will take has been planned by GH and RDP with assistance from Tim Rich. Indeed, writing-up has at last started: GH has already completed the bibliography (although this is constantly being extended as relevant new papers appear) and has checkedand amended RDP’s initial list of species, bringing them up to the new ‘Stace’ standard format and adding Welsh names. He is also continuing to assemble all first species records, a task started by RDP over two years ago. The recent completion of the Carmarthenshire Rare and Scarce Plant Register (Provisional) by RDP has also provided the opportunity to research all of the species which meet the criteria for inclusion in that work. The data so obtained will act as a foundation from which to build the species accounts. The content of the introductory chapters has also been decided but their writing has not yet started. So progress is being made, but there is also scope for additional field work both in the form of monitoring and also the completion of the recording of less well-worked tetrads.