It is 30th June and there are over 7,700 records from 2017 in the database – and Joanna has several completed cards to give me from her time on Skye. With the aid of a grapnel, she found Nitella translucens (Translucent Stonewort) in Loch Corlarach, north of Dunvegan – only the second Skye record though known on Raasay, Rum and Soay. She also fished out a second charophyte which I am still fretting about.

Nitella translucens (Translucent Stonewort)
She also found a small sedge which we think is Carex caryophyllea (Spring-sedge) but I have sent it away for an expert view. I have also sent a Callitriche away for further assistance.
Meanwhile, Steve has sent nearly 600 records from June including Echium vulgare (Viper’s-bugloss) from the Aird of Sleat. Quite a few years ago, there was a lot in a garden in Harrapool along with other oddities from a wildflower seed mix. I never recorded it as it didn’t escape from the garden. Where this one came from is currently unknown.

Echium vulgare Photo: S. Terry
He and Tim also found the Californian Phacelia tanacetifolia (Blue Tansy) planted at Tormore. There may be other strange things about from “native” wildflower seeds.
Steve has also found more Dactylorhiza traunsteinerioides (Narrow-leaved Marsh-orchid), Paris quadrifolia (Herb-paris) and re-found the Gentianella amarella (Autumn Gentian) at Torrin.

Gentianella amarella Photo: S. Terry