Colura calyptrifolia on Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Dulais Valley
Seeing lots of Colura on Gorse near Nant y Cafn in the Dulais valley a few days ago prompted me to check the current, known distribution of this fabulous little liverwort in VC41.
Distribution of Colura calyptrifolia in Glamorgan (VC41) from current MapMate records (1km squares)
While the crux of its distribution is clearly centred in the upland conifer plantations of NPT, it has now built up huge propagule potential in South Wales which has enabled it to colonise suitable sites elsewhere in the county. Hence the scattered occurrences outside the core, which illustrate a classic range expansion pattern. Willows (particularly Salix cinerea) are the most common hosts, but it also grows on a wide variety of coniferous and hardwood trees and it is always worth looking for it on Heather, Gorse and Buddleja. It is neither confined to conifer plantations nor to lowland sites.
Away from your core area Charles it still uncommon in my opinion. You really are in a big hotspot for it.
ReplyDeleteAlso gives an indication as to just how much recording has gone on in this part of Wales in the last 10 years. By the way, what camera set up are you using for your close-ups.
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