The Origins of Plants by Maggie Campbell-Culver, is a great book that talks about how plants from all over the world came to live in England. After the last Ice Age, Britain had the smallest natural, native flora of any country in the world. Yet, by the twenty first century is has the widest range of plants in the world.
Cornwall has been especially effected by the introduction of many species, which have become naturalized aspects of the landscape. This photo is of Tregrehan, St Blazey, near St Austell. It has a vast collection of plants from the southern hemisphere.
When looking at these plants I cannot help but think of the places from which they came, the plant hunters that brought them here, as well as the plant collectors that nurtured them.
Cornwall has a mild climate, not too hot and not too cold with plenty of rain. These conditions are not always welcome by holiday makers and beach goers, but they are perfect for plants from lush rain forests. Cornwall can also sustain a wide range of plants from dry environments as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment