2024 County Report for South Ebudes

Simon Smart

Saxifraga spathularis × umbrosa was recorded for the first time on Jura growing on moist, rocky woodland near to the Jura Hotel. Unsurprising given its regional presence to the north and south of the VC and on the mainland yet with only two other records in the VC, one at Port Ellen, Islay in 1999 and on Colonsay in 2000.

Malcolm Ogilvie reported a poor year for Platanthera chlorantha at the two regularly monitored sites on Islay with only four and five spikes respectively but with more plentiful Coeloglossum viride and Orchis pyramidalis at the Killinallan site.  Kevin Byrne reported a new population of Asplenium ceterach on Colonsay among limestone rubble. This is a rare species in the VC confined to lime-rich substrates.  A notably persistent population on Jura occurs on the mortared sides of the Three Arch Bridge, well known to those who have run the Jura fell-race as the point at which the road back to Craighouse is regained having enjoyed some hours in the hills.

A large number of Islay Orchid records were also received from Grahame Preston in 2024 detailing populations of Dactylorhiza incarnata, D. francis-drucei, D.maculata, D.purpurella and Epipactis palustris from across the island.  Many thanks to everyone who recorded in 2024.