I thought I had posted this a while ago but it doesn’t seem to be there… Adele has found possible Rubus chamaemorus (Cloudberry) in the Kyleakin Hills.
Rubus chamaemorus (Cloudberry)? Photo: A. Beck
The only previous record from VC104 is from Rum and thought to be an error. The Flora of Rum says: “Recorded in 1997–98 on the Triangular Buttress, Trallval, near to where the grassland runs out…… This seems an unlikely record and possibly an error for R. saxatilis; there are no other records from the Hebrides, or from Ardnamurchan,”
The nearest records to Adele’s are about 20 km to the east on the mainland pre-1970 and unlocalised in two 10km squares. Records to the east of that become more frequent, recent and localised. However, if you check out the comments below you will see that there is doubt over the identity of the pictured plant. A visit is planned for later in the season…..
Now, anyone for Vaccinium uliginosum (Bog Bilberry) or Cornus suecica (Dwarf Cornel)?
Tags: Plants
Plants of Skye, Raasay & The Small Isles 
February 26, 2015 at 10:35 am |
The surprise is that it is not more widespread. I have seen it in Cheshire at around 1000ft, where it has been for over 100 years. It seems very reluctant to flower in Britain though compared to Scandinavia. Cloudberry jam is not great.
February 26, 2015 at 9:09 pm |
Yes, this and the other two I mention were things that Catriona Murray and I discussed as likely for the Kyleakin- Kinloch Hills a number of times – but we never found them.
February 28, 2015 at 4:19 pm |
Interesting it seems to be growing in a bed of Philonotis and Sphagnum. Must be quite wet.
March 1, 2015 at 10:02 am |
Adele says that it is in H21 heath. I will send you another picture showing the area.
March 11, 2015 at 2:26 pm |
I have my doubts that this is Cloudberry. It seems to be growing with a Philonotis sp. which would be most unusual. I think it could be Geum rivale .
March 11, 2015 at 2:39 pm |
Thanks, Rod. I shall have to go and see for myself……