Beautiful Bluebells

 On UEA campus, down Chancellor's Drive, there's a blooming beautiful patch of bluebells, really brightening up the walk down to the New Science building, and a sure sign spring really is here!


These typically English flowers are steeped in mythology, with legends including that walking into a ring of bluebells will put you under fairy enchantment, of that hearing the 'bells' of bluebells ring signals the imminent arrival of an evil fairy, and your unfortunate death! Bluebells aren't all bad luck though, being used in several medicinal ways. Traditionally they were used to treat snakebites and leprosy, and in modern times, research is exploring the insect and animal repellent properties of bluebells, and even their potential for anti-cancer and HIV drugs!


These characteristic spring bulbs have drooping, bell-shaped flower heads, typically a purple colour, although pink and white varieties do exist too, which I've also seen at UEA! The flowering stems of bluebells are known as an inflorescence, which to me makes them seem like they should glow in the dark. Sadly they do not, as imagine seeing a bluebell wood at night in that case! The tendency of the flowers to droop to one side of the inflorescence separates the British bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) from the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), an invasive plant species which outcompetes our native bluebells and hybridises with them, reducing the gene pool. This is especially threatening as the UK holds half of the world's population of bluebells! To protect them, it is illegal to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy them. Its super important to not disturb bluebells, with even light footfall crushing the leaves, preventing them from photosynthesising and hence killing them. So please enjoy these beautiful flowers and their colourful woodland displays from a distance!


References:
  • https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/bluebell/ 
  • https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/trees-plants/a-guide-to-bluebells-in-the-uk



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