Monthly Archives: January 2013

Honeysuckles in the Wilderness

If you take a walk through the wilderness on campus during  spring, you may well stumble across some beautiful honeysuckles coming into flower: they’re not quite so easy to spot at this time of year (Winter) without the distinctive bloom, … Continue reading

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In the lurch about silver birch?

Around campus there are many native British trees, including members of the Betulaceae or birch family.

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Cornus alba – Winter Fire

Unlike many other plant species Cornus alba – the Siberian dogwood – is one which is at its most spectacular in the autumn and winter months and is beautiful, not because of its flowers but because of its vibrant red stems. … Continue reading

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Red Fox

LATIN NAME: Vulpes vulpes WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: These canines are about 30 inches long (45 including the tail) and usually range in colour from red to brown, although black and grey morphs exist. WHERE TO FIND THEM: The Red fox … Continue reading

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Violaceae – Violets and Pansies

Pansies and Violets are well known to brighten up any garden throughout spring, and are a common favourite due to their bright and varied colours. Violets even have their place in history as Josephine was fabled to have thrown a … Continue reading

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Fagaceae – A significant presence in Whiteknights

This gallery contains 10 photos.

The Whiteknights tree collection is famous for its Fagaceae!  For example, in his twelve favourite Whiteknights trees, University of Reading’s tree expert Mr Rupert Taylor included 6 Fagaceae: 5 Quercus robur and 1 Castanea sativa (BBC, 2008). Three important genera of the Fagaceae in … Continue reading

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Primulaceae

According to Mast et al. (2001) the Primulaceae family is made up of 24 genera, found throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. They are herbaceous annuals or perennials, with various leaf arrangements, but never have stipules. The flower arrangements vary, but … Continue reading

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Sweet Violet

LATIN NAME: Viola odorata WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE: The distinctive flowers on this plant are usually dark violet or white. Sweet violets are also characterised by their hooked style, and their rear-facing nectar capsule (behind the flower).

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Mute Swan

LATIN NAME: Cygnus olor WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Weighing in at up to fifteen kilos, and with a wingspan of two metres, the Mute Swan is one of Britain’s largest birds. It is less vocal than other swan species, hence the name. It is … Continue reading

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Campanulaceae – the belle of the ball

The Bellflower family (Campanulaceae) is widespread across the northern hemisphere. Species are commonly identified by their beautiful bell-shaped flower – often a distinctive shade of blue. Despite their delicate appearance the family is quite hardy and can grow on  dry grassland, heaths, … Continue reading

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