The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Beloved of bees
“Dundee Law has produced an intriguing variation of the foxglove, this common wayside flower so beloved of bees,” emails Kirsty Noltie.
“Known as after the Greek word for monster, some plants are able to spontaneously produce a genetic mutation, whereby, for example, a single bowl shaped symmetrical bloom can be found atop the usual spire of hanging flowers that we know so well.
“It is possible that this could be triggered by a sudden increase in light intensity.
“Having seen a dramatic white specimen near the top of the Law, I returned two days later to look at it again. Sadly, someone had broken it off and removed it, depriving others of this curious novelty!
“However, when I returned to a pink version I had noticed lower down, I was thrilled to discover that the sun had coaxed it out into perfect bloom.
I wonder if any of your readers have observed this phenomenon elsewhere this year? At a time when many of us have had the opportunity to become more observant of the beauties and significance of the natural world, this was fascinating and rewarding.” and when he entered the newsagent I concealed myself behind a lamppost...’ I duly typed the report and handed it to him. He read it and then said: ‘I think it was a tree actually, so just leave that bit out as I can’t be certain.’ We both managed to keep a straight face with some difficulty.
“He was a well-liked and respected figure in St Andrews.”