Rare Scottish flower threatened

17:44 16th December 2009

A tiny flower that only grows in Scotland is under threat from changing grazing patterns, it has been revealed.

Recent research from Scottish Natural Heritage found that Primula scotica - a primrose that grows in just three areas of the country - could be at risk of being swallowed up by more dominant rivals, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) revealed.

However, the plant - which grows in Orkney, Caithness and Sutherland - is said to be thriving in some areas, with up to 1,000 flowers in the one place.

But in others - mainly cliff-top environments where the flower grows best - as many as 40 colonies may have vanished.

The reason, according to Scottish Natural Heritage, is that grazing has stopped in these areas, allowing more vigorous plants to grow unchecked, taking over the ground the Primula scotica once called home.

"The key to its success, or failure, is grazing in which grass is kept tightly cropped. The fortunes of Primula scotica rise and fall with livestock numbers," survey manager Sally Ward explained.

Meanwhile, the RHS has reported on the NHS Forest - a scheme in which a tree is to be planted for every employee of the National Health Service.