A
pale member of the violet family sometimes known as ‘milk violet’, the
fen violet has a delicate and unassuming appearance. A real specialist
of the wetland habitat, this species has seen a massive decline in
population due to habitat loss and draining of wetland habitats.
About
The
fen violet has been studied over the last 50 years by a number of
organisations working together to determine the needs of this rather
fussy perennial. The conditions of those growing in England is markedly
different from those in Northern Ireland which gives a range of
environmental conditions to monitor. The seed is known to be long lived
and the plant has an ability to produce seed through self-pollination
which boosts seed numbers in years where conditions are unfavourable. It
is hoped that continued research will see the strengthening of current
populations in the UK.How to identify
The
fen violet is a member of the violet family with a very pale flower,
and deep green leaves. It has been reported to hybridise with other
violet species but research is ongoing to the extent of this.Distribution
The
fen violet has been recorded at around 20 sites in England in the past
but in recent years only at Woodwalton Fen, Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire
and Otmoor in Oxfordshire. Its stronghold is in Northern Ireland but it
is still restricted and threatened.Did you know?
The seeds of this species
seem to be very resilient and large emergences commonly follow a level
of disturbance such as scrub clearance or peat cutting.
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