Primulaceae: the Primrose Family

Our native primrose, noticed on roadside verges as you travel through the west country on family holidays, are remarkable in that they produce seeds that are tasty to ants. The unwitting little workers store them underground, where they germinate and then shoot up in early spring.

For this reason alone, it is worth reconsidering the use of ant killer.

NOTES: THE PRIMROSE FAMILY

Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder

Primulaceae: the Primrose Family

Colourful and recognisable. I was surprised to learn that Cyclamen and Loosestrife are members of this family.

HOME

Cyclamen hederifolium

Wild Cyclamen, Sow's Bread.

Flowers on bare stems. Plant up to 0.1 metres high.

About

Introduced from Southern Europe in the 16th century. Plant grows from a potato-like corm. Flower stalk "coils" to push the ripe seed capsule into the soil. Seeds dispersed by ants.

The "Christmassy" patterns on Cyclamen leaves vary from plant to plant. The cultivars that we buy from the florist are not hardy and are grown indoors over the festive season.

HOME

Lysimachia punctata

Garden Loosestrife, Golden Candles.

Hairy, ridged stem. Plant up to 1.2 metres high.

About

The plant is an introduction that escaped into the wild from the 1800s. Happy in damp conditions - so I grow it in the "froggy hollow" area of my garden. The inhabitants are happy that it attracts so many insects.

Our moth caterpillars - the V-Pug is one example - feed on the leaves. Interestingly, there is a Yellow Loosestrife Bee (Macropis europaea) that is a native of Eastern England; I have never seen one.

HOME

More information

SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.

EMAIL SWP

Useful links

SURREY WILDFLOWERING

THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN