Rhamnus

[Nigel Venters]

Mike,

Nevertheless....I'm afraid that in the British Isles Rhamnus cathcarticus is
only found on Alkaline soils. Much of Ireland has acid soils...there are
some exceptions including the beautiful "Burren" an area with limestone
pavement on the West Coast at sea level that has an amazing spring display
of alpine plants normally found on the mountains of Central Europe. Trevor
was right the plant I recommended to Anne was indeed Red Valerian
(Centranthus ruber)...I should have looked it up instead of relying on a
poor memory! Sorry Anne...but we both now know which plant it is!

Nigel
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Gochfeld" <gochfeld at EOHSI.RUTGERS.EDU>
To: "Leps List" <leps-l at lists.yale.edu>
Cc: "Anne Kilmer" <viceroy at GATE.NET>
Sent: Sunday, May 05, 2002 11:12 AM
Subject: Rhamnus


> It's hard to imagine that Rhamnus catharticus is fussy. It is a highly
invasive
> species here in NJ including on no soil at all.
> It fruits profusely and seedlings grow happily (at least they seem happy)
in the
> cracks in our patio, in flower pots, and even on the nearly bare red-shale
> soil.  Birds eat the fruits, but I have never seen a Lep nectaring.
>
> Mike Gochfeld
>
> Nigel Venters wrote:
>
> > I think that you'll find that Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathcarticus) is only
found
> > on Chalk soils...if you are on chalk ...no problem. It is a rare plant
in
> > Ireland.
> > Nigel



 
 ------------------------------------------------------------ 

   For subscription and related information about LEPS-L visit:

   http://www.peabody.yale.edu/other/lepsl