[from Proc IoMNH&ASoc vol2 #3 1917-1923]

REPORT OF BOTANICAL SECTION, 1918-1919.

J. W. HARTLEY.

1st May, 1919.

Pressure through the war conditions has somewhat interrupted the interesting work of further exploring the treasures of the Manx Cryptogamic Flora; but some progress has been made.

A great loss, however, is sustained in the death of our friend, the late Mr. Hunter, whose ability and energy were enthusiastically enlisted in the pursuit. Our warmest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Hunter and her family in their bereavement.

Quite recently he made a number of additions to our records; including: -

Among Lichens: Gyrophora cylindrica, North Barrule Placodium decipiens, Balladoole.
Among Mosses: Grimmia Stirtoni, Douglas Head.

I enclose a reprint of Further Notes on the Manx Flora by J. A. Wheldon, F.L.S., which are especially valuable, as he is an acknowledged authority in the subject treated of, namely, Sand Dune Flora. The most interesting find was Euphrasia tatarica Fisch at Ramsey. Of this Mr. Wheldon writes: ' I at first thought it to be an unusually robust and hairy form of Euphrasia curta. I sent it to the Exchange Club, and some thought it one and some the other-the striking feature about it for Euphrasia tatarica being the extremely slight glandular clothing. However, Mr. Pearsall has looked up the Continental examples of Euphrasia tatarica in Bailey's collection at Manchester University, and he says these examples exactly match the foreign ones-some of which are equally poorly supplied with glands. I therefore feel quite satisfied now that the Ramsey plant is Euphrasia tatarica-a species only recently added to the British Flora, and still a rare plant.'

Other additions to the records are : -

Lichens-

Gyrophora cylindrica form fimbriata, N. Barrule, 1800ft; J.A,W., 1918.
Gyrophora polyphylla, form congregata growing with Andreaea falcata; J.A.W., 1918.
Platysma triste; J.A.W:, 1918.

Mosses. Sphagna-

S. teres v. imbricatum, W. forma strictum; J.A.W. and J.W.H.
S. plumulosum v. lilacinum, Spruce f. delicatulum (Wheldon); J.A.W. and J.W.H.
S. teres v. imbricatum f. robustum; J.A.W. and J.W.H.
S. teres v. imbricatum f. laxum; J.A.W. and H. J. Wheldon.
S. recurvum v. parvulum f. flavescens W.; J.A.W. and J.W.H.
S. serratum v. serrulatum W.; J.W.H.
S. inundatum v. lancifolium f. submersum; J.A.W. and H.J.W.
S. rufescens v. magnifolium f. bicolor; J.A.W. and H.J.W.
S. cymbifolium v. glaucescens f. deflexumf J.A.W. and H.J.W.
S. cymbifolium v. glaucescens f. pycnocladum; J.A.W. and H.J.W.

Many good records of Manx Sphagna appear in the 'Synopsis of European Sphagna ' compiled by J. A. Wheldon, 1917, but it is hoped that further research will add to the number of varieties already found.

The list of Manx Lichens now consists of about 300 species, without including varieties; and the list now awaits publication. Any further records will be very welcome before going to press.

The nomenclature will, however, require some adjustment to follow the lines of the new British Museum Monograph by Miss Lorrain Smith.

It is to be hoped that with a return to normal conditions, greater efforts may be possible both in the sections specially referred to in this report--amongst the Fungi; and also in bringing the records of flowering plants up to date.

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received MNB Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2008