November 29th 2020
A small number of Lythrum hyssopifolium plants known commonly as grass-poly have been discovered growing on the banks of an old farmland pond in Norfolk. The discovery was made by Professor Carl Sayer from University College London (UCL).
This annual, herbaceous plant prefers wetland environments and is classified as ‘Endangered’ by Natural England and is therefore both threatened and rare in the wild in the UK.
It is believed the plants at this site germinated from seeds submerged in the mud that were disturbed during work to restore the old pond.
Source:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-55104153