Blackberry - 1

No it's not an electronic device.

Its a plant that yeilds a late summer/autumn delight. I said I would start a blip on it last week (see 29/6) so here we go.

Rubus fruticosus or the name 'Blackberry' covers several hundred species of bramble, each of which has its own pattern of thorns, leaf shape and flower colour varying from deep pink to white. In autumn, woods, hedges and heathland are filled with the familiar fruit, but not all varieties are equally good to eat. They are all popular with birds and small rodents which scatter the seed far and wide.

Todays picture shows the start of the process. The tight green buds contain the delicate flower. The flower bursts forth and from its centre we will soon see the emergence of the fruit. The flowers are favourites of all our main pollinators. They are a particular favourite the High Brown and Dark Green fritillary. The High Brown has vanished from many area's since 1970 due to the disappearance of many of its habitats - downland scrub, woods and copses.

I have a recipe for Blackberry Brandy which I will post later in the season....just to wet your appetite. To quote good old Nat, "It's a wonderful world". Lets hope we can keep it that way.