Don’s walk, Yellow Star-of- Bethlehem Gagea lutea. Leader Falgunee Sarker.
Sunday 20th of March, time 2-00 pm, at Low Coniscliffe village, Darlington. Enter the village from A67 and continue until the road divides. Here we will take the left-hand road and park at the end. The path is uneven. We will be following the River Tees and its sandy woodland path that has been used to record this beautiful plant by Don Griss. This plant was recorded by G.W.Mosses,a club member in Cliffewoods, Piercebridge, on 12th April 1894. This walk will take two hours.
Description of the plant
1) There is a single basal leaf and a flowering stem per plant. The height of the stem is 8-25cm.
2) Basal leaf has a unique acuminate hooded tip. There are 2-3 leaf-like bracts present.
3) Three veins are present in the narrow leaf. At this time of year, many Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scriptus leaves are growing that has only one vein in the leaf.
4) Yellow-green tinged flower has a green stripe at the back of tepals
5) The Gagea lutea may persist for many years without flowers. The plant prefers to grow in well-drained sandy soil and by the river Tees.
WHAT TO TAKE
Suitable wet weather clothing.
Strong walking boots and walking sticks.
ENJOY!
