Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Narrow-lleaved vetch (Vicia sativa ssp, angustifolia) again


One of the key flowers in Emthree has opened for the first time this year (I counted five).

Narrow-leaved vetch is typical of late spring and early summer, dotting the grass with small purpe spots. Ants are constantly scrambling about on them and the picture shows one looking, no doubt, for nectar or other sugary exudations. I

let the grass round about grow a little partly to support the vetches and ensure an adequate supply of seed for next year. I suppose one of the reasons why Emthree stays so green and healthy-looking is due to the nitrogen-fixing bacteria associated with roots of plants of the pea family.

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