Catching up with communications in the Botany Group during July. This is from an email from Jocie to the group on July 1.
Here are some updates from Alison M. on what is in bloom at Paradise Meadows [on July 1]. The snowmelt is quite rapid this year, so the flowers are in full swing:
The past two weeks of mostly warm sunny weather have brought on many blooms in Paradise Meadows, some earlier than expected. So the insectivorous butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris) and the green bog orchid, (Platanthera hyperborea?) are widespread. We saw a couple of specimens of the scented white bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata) just beginning to open.
By the way, there is a researcher from VIU (Jasmine Janes) who is conducting a research project on orchid pollination and will be up in the Meadows very soon to set up her little cameras, which will be identified with signs.
We were also fortunate last Sunday to catch the nagoonberry (Rubus arcticus ssp. acaulis) in bloom. So close to the ground it is often completely hidden by the vaccinia and other low-growing plants. It is to be found on the extension of Paradise Meadows Loop, in the wet area just after the wooded section and before you reach the platform with the bench that overlooks the deep trout pond.
So the Meadows continue to be awash with colour – don’t miss the treat.
