Peculiar seeded plant

OwlCreek · #1 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 07:25 PM

Hi all,

I am flummoxed by this plant. I only have pictures of the seed but it looks very distinctive.

Thanks in advance for any light anyone may be able to bring to bear!

Dorts · #2 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 08:37 PM

It looks like Greater Stitchwort.
Dorts.

alindsay · #3 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 09:11 PM

Doesn't Flax (pale or fairy) have a similar seed head? Similar leaves too.

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alindsay

Doesn't Flax (pale or fairy) have a similar seed head? Similar leaves too.

Good suggestion.
Yes, indeed it does and you could well be right. It could be one of the cultivated Flax, bit small for Fairy Flax.
Dorts.

Hedera · #5 (**permalink**) 23-07-2011, 09:57 PM

Agree on Flax. stitchwort pods are rounder and smoother, from what I remember we used to pop them when I was younger!

OwlCreek · #6 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 10:23 AM

Thanks for your help, just some more information, the seed heads are about 1cm across. It was also found along a river in Norfolk, which seems odd as the description for flaxes say that they should be found in dry grassland.

Dorts · #7 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OwlCreek

Thanks for your help, just some more information, the seed heads are about 1cm across. It was also found along a river in Norfolk, which seems odd as the description for flaxes say that they should be found in dry grassland.

Maybe my first suggestion could be on the right lines? Marsh Stitchwort for example, though not generally common is as frequent in Norfolk as anywhere and does have grey, grass-like leaves.
Just a thought.
Dorts.