𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 (𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴)

Let’s delve into the captivating world of Marsh Marigold (𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴), a vibrant perennial plant native to wetlands in Europe and North America.

The Marsh Marigold, scientifically known as 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴 belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Caltha refers to the cup-shaped flowers, with palustris meaning 'of marshland'. Its glossy green leaves and bright yellow flowers make it a captivating sight in wetland habitats.

Bright Yellow Flowers: One of its most striking features is its vibrant yellow flowers, which bloom in early spring. These cheerful blossoms attract wildlife and serve as an essential source of nectar for early pollinators like bees and butterflies. Interestingly, while these petals appear uniformly yellow to us, insects perceive the upper part as a mixture of yellow and ultraviolet color, often referred to as "bee’s purple".

Water-Loving Plant: As its name suggests, Marsh Marigold thrives in wet, marshy areas. You’ll find it growing near ponds, streams, and ditches, where it contributes to the rich biodiversity of these ecosystems.

Medicinal Properties: Marsh Marigold has a history of use in traditional medicine. Its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties have been valued traditionally all by herbalists. However, utmost caution is required, as the plant contains toxins that can cause irritation if not properly prepared.

Symbol of Courage: In folklore and mythology, Marsh Marigold symbolizes bravery and strength in the face of adversity. It was believed to have protective powers and was used to ward off evil spirits.

Ecological Importance: Beyond its beauty, Marsh Marigold plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems. It provides food and habitat for various organisms, stabilizes soil, and prevents erosion. Pollinators, including hoverflies, visit its flowers, ensuring its reproductive success.

Locally, you can find marsh marigold along the abberd brook, such as tis recently planted specimen: https://www.facebook.com/CalneCommunityNatureReserve/posts/pfbid0B3yguXqD7smdAXaByNURYBmR9oYHkfkmKTnYEdN7FrVCcJhF3cvGp6wJf7dcuLydl

Plant Profile: 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔 (𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔)

At first glance, some hellebores are really nothing to look at, especially with face down to the soil as

many have evolved to grow. This can often be extreme enough that those in a border may be dismissed as a clump of foliage or missed altogether. However, with a bit of attention, their beauty mesmerises, and they shine.

While hellebores are well grown in gardens as a reliable perennial herb, Britain is the native home to only two species, which are woodland plants: stinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) and green hellebore (Helleborus viridis) known as green lily in Wiltshire.

Research published in 2010 discovered that yeast in the nectar of H. foetidus actually warms the flowers. As the yeast feed on the sugars within the nectar, their metabolic activity can raise the temperature of the flowers upwards of 2 °C above the ambient temperature. Bees show a preference for these heated flowers early in the season when temperatures are colder.

There is some traditional knowledge that I do not encourage you to attempt. In the past green hellebore has been used against worms in children. However, in 1762, two children died from such treatment at Fisherton Anger. It seems that they were treated with stinking hellebore, rather than green hellebore – perhaps showing that those in the past could be just as ignorant of the nature around them as some today. Further north, it is said that green hellebore was used to treat swollen udders in cows.

These days, I would suggest that hellebores are used purely for their aesthetic value as the plants are considered poisonous.

An interesting feature are the nectaries, which are the true petals on the plant and have evolved into tube-like structures to hold nectar for their pollinators, primarily bees and flies. These can be seen between the stamen and the sepals, which take over the petal's duty of being the 'showy' part of the plant.

There are so many variations of colour and designs of hellebore flowers, from white to chocolate and green to shades of pink.

The sepals of hellebores can remain on the plant well after the sexual parts of the flower have finished their job. They turn themselves to photosynthesis, possibly contributing energy to the development of the seeds. The bulging seed cases, show that it's been a good year for the hellebores.

The robust seeds of the hellebore are apparently difficult to get going and even after 8 weeks in a fridge can take up to 18 months to fully germinate.

Function of Nutrients in Plants

Notes for RHS Level 2: Unit 1: Element 2 Role of Nutrients: AO1: Function of Nutrients in Plants

The essential nutrients required for plant growth and development are divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Macronutrients are elements that plants require in larger amounts, with the elements used in the highest quantities gained from the air, being carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Erosion slowly releases all the other minerals from the Earth’s rocks.

Whether minerals are obtained from organic sources, such as composted vegetable matter, or inorganic sources, such as liquid blends of chemicals, does not matter to the plant as the mineral elements are the same.

However, the main difference is that organic sources slowly release small quantities of minerals into the soil, whereas inorganic fertilisers use concentrations of specific elements prepared for defined and immediate usage.

N-P-K ratios on fertiliser display the ratios between nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (K refers to the now obsolete neo-latin kalium). For example a formulation using a ratio of 0-10-10 would promote flower and fruit set.

The following table lists the macronutrients and their functions in plants:

 

Nutrient               Function

Nitrogen             Essential for the production of chlorophyll, amino acids, and nucleic acids.

Phosphorus        Involved in the production of ATP, DNA, and cell membranes.

Potassium           Regulates water balance, activates enzymes, and helps in the production of ATP.

Calcium              Essential for cell wall formation, cell division, and cell elongation.

Magnesium         A component of chlorophyll, and is involved in photosynthesis and enzyme activation.

Sulfur                  Required for the production of amino acids, proteins, and enzymes.

Carbon                Required for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their own food.

Oxygen               Required for respiration, the process by which plants convert food into energy.

Hydrogen            Required for the formation of organic compounds, such as carbohydrates and proteins.

 

In addition to macronutrients, plants also require micronutrients in smaller amounts for their growth and development. The following table lists some of the essential micronutrients and their functions in plants:

 

Nutrient               Function

Iron                    Essential for the production of chlorophyll and involved in photosynthesis.

Boron                 Required for cell wall formation, pollen tube growth, and seed production.

Manganese         Involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme activation.

Molybdenum      Required for nitrogen fixation and the production of enzymes.

 

Plants lacking macronutrients and micronutrients will find their growth and development adversely affected, leading to mineral nutrient deficiencies and disorders. The symptoms of nutrient deficiency can vary depending on the nutrient that is lacking. For example:

Nitrogen deficiency:        Plants may exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced leaf size.

Phosphorus deficiency:   Plants may exhibit stunted growth, dark green leaves, and reduced root growth.

Potassium deficiency:     Plants may exhibit yellowing of leaf margins, wilting, and reduced growth.

 

Deficiencies will be explored further in a future post.