For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk

Thursday 18 April 2013

Moschatel (Town-hall Clock) -- an exquisite tiny flower.

Above is a track heading up the north slope of the South Downs.  Such paths in shady, damp woodland are where Adoxa moschatellina, the Town-hall Clock plant grows.  It is easily overlooked as the flower is so tiny.
Take a close look though.  It is exquisite.

The flower has five florets in the shape of a cube; four on each vertical face and one on top, like the symmetry of Muslim architecture in a mosque, hence the name moschatellina -- a little mosque.

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