Spiked rampion flower 'under threat'

16:59 13th January 2011

Greenhouse enthusiasts may be interested to learn one of Britain's rarest flowers is under threat.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, spiked rampion has a tall, creamy flower spike with heart-shaped leaves and was made famous as the plant stolen by Rapunzel in the faitrytale.

However, a recent survey by the charity Plantlife found housing and road developments alongside a decline in woodland management means the plant exists at just eight sites across the country.

Plantlife species recovery officer Dominic Price said there is still a chance to turn things around, provided action is taken immediately.

The charity has started a number of schemes to save it such as improving habitats in which it can thrive and preparing road verges.

"If we had left it any later, it may have been too late, but we are optimistic that we can help boost its chances," he commented.

The news comes as gardeners at Wakehurst Palace were able to save the Carex depauperata, a rare plant that was threatened with extinction, the Mid Sussex Times reported today (January 13th).