Plants: A Scotsman's Perspective

Fuschia excorticata or Kotukutuku in Māori is a large growing shrub from New Zealand.  Fuschia was originally discovered in the 1690s and was named after the German botanist Karl Fuchs. Therefore, the correct pronunciation as I found out in Germany is fook-see-a instead of fyu-sha. An issue as I continue to anglicize my Latin much to the dismay of my better-spoken counterparts.  Fuschia are mostly from Central to South America however, a small disjunct population of three species made it to New Zealand. Fuschia excorticata a large growing shrub to around 15 metres, Fuschia perscandens typically a rambling climber but habit can alter in position and Fuschia procumbens a low growing shrub found in the coastal areas of the northern island. Blue pollen is an unusual phenomenon in the plant kingdom. The three species of Fuschia in New Zealand share this characteristic. I believe the blue pollen is coevolution between one of the endemic pollinators similar to orchids with

This unusual plant ( Azara microphylla) sounds better placed in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory but I assure you it is real. The specimen can be found to the right of the main entrance to the glasshouse behind the fossil. The left of the area is currently filled with the beautifully sweet aroma of Daphne bholua On a warm day, the scent fills the air of sweet chocolate with a dash of vanilla. It has flowered slightly early this year given our mild winter. The fluffy yellow flowers are clustered along the branches similar to a willow which is the family it belongs to Salicaceae. A. microphylla is native to Chile where it can be found as an understory to Nothofagus obliqua growing in disturbed roadside vegetation in the southern part of the country at c. 700m. Developing as a tree to ten metres in height. in Edinburgh, it appreciates shelter from cold wind and is often a multi-branched plant

All plants have stories. The Botanics over its 350 years has managed to create many, from intrepid tales of plant hunters to discovering plants new to science. Some you hear these stories during walk rounds as a student, others across the canteen table, uncovered in the library and latterly the internet with increasing ease. One of the rather unassuming plants newly planted by the monkey puzzles is Berberis empetrifolia . If you haven't heard of it you are not missing much to be perfectly honest. Phenotypically it is distinctly lacking ornamental prowess to catch the eye. It's low growing, prostrate habit shows a tough life of having to live in the subalpine to alpine areas in the rocky Andes. However, when you dig a little deeper you unveil a rather interesting story. A recently planted wild collected specimen of Berberis empetrifolia B. empetrifolia is often overshadowed by its distant cousin. Berberis darwinii . Which was found by Charles Darwin i

Seeds are phenomenal structures which have adapted incredible ways to disperse. One of the most eye-catching seed pods in the garden at this time of year is the long, drooping blue fingers of Decaisnea insignis. The common name "Dead Man's Fingers" originates from the supposed similarity of the fruit or 'fruitlet' feeling like a cold human finger.  These exotic fruits are in the Lardizabalaceae family, a rather small family of mostly climbers. Decaisnea insignis is native to China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar with a small population in India. It grows at a range of altitudes and has a respectable hardiness of around -15C. It is a popular ornamental plant. Specimens can be seen in the Chinese Hillside and the west of the Rock Garden.  Now the exciting bit. The unusual seeds intrigued me when peeled open they reveal an odd translucent pulp which is surrounding the small flat black seeds. It reminded me of a jelly snake sweets you would purchase as a child.

It will be of no surprise that an attractive plant has been found in this particular genus. One in which has been so highly regarded by the garden,  the country and indeed the world. Rhododendron has seamlessly found a home in many of our hearts. In all the countries I have lived in, I am always asked about our sophisticated Scottish counterparts who scour for prized Rhododendron.  During a post-Christmas amble through the garden I decided to venture into the glasshouses; Pigs & blankets, turkey included. A safe haven within the warmth of the collection and less strenuous activity post-Christmas . Despite being based at the botanics for a few years now I always seem to find something new, hidden to me previously through inexperienced eyes or brought into focus when showing off. This day was no different.   Rhododendron himantodes was practically eye level when immersed within the cloud forests of Borneo. Tucked into a nearby tree the plant poked perfectly out catching my atten