Quick questions & answers

QQuite a while ago, I scrounged a seedhead from a local park and it has now come into flower. Any ideas what it is? Dave Richards, via email

AThe flower appears to be English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). If, however, its leaves have an oniony smell, then it is Tulbaghia violacea, a handsome native of South Africa’s Eastern Cape and a member of the allium family.

Q

What has happened to these acorns? Jill Rogers, via email

AThe acorns have been attacked by acorn cup gall wasp (Andricus quercuscalicis). A pest of the pedunculate and Turkey oaks (Quercus robur and Q. cerris), it came here in the 1960s.

Although the galls are unsightly, the wasp is relatively harmless and affected trees remain vigorous.

Q

What has tied my cordyline leaves together? Terry Bailey, Worthing, W. Sussex

AIntriguing! It is usual, in chilly gardens, for one to bundle and tie cordyline leaves to protect the plant from low winter temperatures. Might someone have done this for you? I am sure that if you unfasten the leaves all will be well.