The

A Greentours Holiday for the Alpine Garden Society

10th to 23rd June 2011

Led by Paul Cardy

Trip Report and Systematic Lists by Paul Cardy

Day 1 Friday 10 th June Arrival and Transfer to Formigueres

Having driven from the south western and reached Carcassonne the previous evening, I continued to to meet the group at the airport. I was unexpectedly delayed by French customs who stopped me at the toll booth entering the city. There followed a lengthy questioning, as I had to unpack the contents of my suspiciously empty Italian mini-bus and show them my two large boxes of books, suitcase full of clothes, picnic supplies, etc., to convince them my purpose was a botanical tour to the Pyrenees. Now a little late I arrived breathlessly at Toulouse airport and rushed to the gate to meet Margaret, and the New Zealand contingent of Chris, Monica, Archie and Lynsie, hurriedly explaining the delay.

Anyway we were soon back on the motorway and heading south towards . White Storks in a field on route was a surprise. We made a picnic stop at a functional aire where there were tables, and a selection of weedy . Black Kite soared overhead. Once past Foix and Ax-les- Thermes the scenery became ever more interesting as we wound our way up to a misty Col de Puymorens. There a short stop yielded Pulsatilla vernalis in and Trumpet Gentians.

Roadside cliffs had Rock Soapwort, Saxifraga paniculata , and Elder-flowered Orchids became numerous. Now in the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Catalanes, a fascinating route down into the valley took us through Saillagouse and Mont-Louis before heading up a minor road to the village of Formigueres, our base for the first three nights. We had our first look at the narrow gauge little yellow train that would cause so much interest during our stay here. Arable fields were full of Cornflowers and many Corncockles.

Red-backed Shrike was seen, and at a short meadow stop, the wealth of plants captivated the group’s enthusiasm, especially the abundant Poet’s Narcissus, a feature of the area. Here too was the endemic umbellifer Endressia pyrenaica and Pedicularis comosa was locally common. It wasn’t far now to our comfortable small hotel. We settled into good rooms and enjoyed a very good dinner.

1

Day 2 Saturday 11 th June Val d’Eyne

A misty start soon saw the weather clearing and although sometimes cloudy there was no rain all day, and periodical sunshine. We left the bustling village of Formigueres and drove towards Eyne where we were to spend all day walking slowly up a floriferous valley towards the Spanish border. Progress was initially slow as there was much to see, all being seen for the first time. Lower down were meadows full of Poet’s Narcissus, much Thalictrum aquilegifolium and . Near the start of the track was a purple Oxytropis that I will have a closer look at next time! Blackcaps and Tree Pipits sang, and Great Spotted Woodpecker was here.

One field was pink in areas with deltoides. The continued with St.Bruno’s Lily, Great Masterwort, Pyrenean Vetch, and Winged Broom. The strong vanilla scent of Pyrenean Broom filled the air, the cliffs above being extensively deep yellow with it. There were many Great Yellow Gentians, some in . Ferns included Brittle Bladder Fern, Holly Fern, and Oak Fern.

Entering coniferous woodland Alpenrose was commonly in bloom and there were three of Wintergreen in bud, Lesser, Intermediate, and Round-leaved. Wet flushes had much Marsh Marigold, and the attractive Cardamine asarifolia. Meadow Saxifrage was numerous, and more unusual were the endemics Saxifraga aquatica and Saxifraga geranioides. Green Helleborines were a feature, Hepatica was in fruit, and there was some fine yellow Pulsatilla alpina . We continued our beautiful slow walk up the valley, adding Iberis sempervirens , Rock Redcurrant, and onobrychoides.

Crag Martins sped along the valley and Common Treecreper searched tree trunks. Umbellifers included the stately Molopospermum peloponessiacum . A lone Primula latifolia was found, and the Cowslips were still in flower. Alpine and Black-berried Honeysuckle were both here, we saw Lesser Orchid, and a few Early Purple Orchids.

The sun brought out a few , namely Orange-tip and Green-veined White, Pearl- bordered Fritillary and a Duke of Burgundy. A perched Clouded Apollo was found early on, and later several were on the wing. Larva of Apollo on Sedum was an interesting find where we had lunch. A single Spring Gentian was seen, and Moonwort was as always a pleasing find.

The valley was rather busy today with walkers, this being a weekend and also a holiday one. A few plants were added to the list on the return walk, among them Alpine Bastard Toadflax and Draba nemorosa . There were Dippers along the river, and active in the conifers were Crested Tits. The first Golden Eagle of the tour was seen.

En route back to the hotel a roadside stop was made for Broad-leaved Marsh Orchids, where there was also Verticillate Lousewort.

Day 3 Sunday 12 th June Canigou

A fascinating drive took us down the Tet Valley along a spectacular road, more or less following the tracks of the Petit Train Jaune all the way to Villefranche-de-Conflent where we started the climb up the slopes of the imposing Pic du Canigou. Mt.Canigou is somewhat isolated from the main Pyrenean range, a mountain of gneiss. Lower down was much Cistus

2 laurifolius in bloom and Aleppo Pine forest. The car park we stopped at was already in great habitat and among the many plants were alba , Centaurea pectinata , vulgaris , Cerastium trigynum , and Plantago holosteum. A pleasing find was the delicate Dianthus pyrenaicus. Subalpine Warbler was seen well and butterflies were much in evidence, among them Black-veined White, Sooty Copper, Little Blue, Amanda’s Blue, Adonis Blue, Queen-of- Fritillary, de Prunner’s Ringlet, Piedmont Ringlet, and Red-underwing Skipper. There was a great selection of other invertebrates here too.

Walking further up the road we found a lone Greater Butterfly Orchid, impressive St.Bruno’s Lilies, and the lovely Rock Speedwell. Continuing up the track would have taken us to fine alpine pastures, but we would see plenty of those during the tour. I look forward to reaching the area next year! The main species we missed here was Senecio leucophyllus , and although a fine floral display, most other species on the mountain we would see elsewhere.

Back near the vehicle we ate the picnic, the area now somewhat busy with motorbikes rather than the expected bicycles. I next found another road that took us higher up into the Canigou massif with fine views all around. A roadside stream had Saxifraga rotundifolia in flower.

Day 4 Monday 13 th June Formigueres, Puymorens, , Seu d’Urgell, Col de Canto, La Guingeta

Full of expectation for an interesting transfer day we loaded up the vehicle and set off through the attractive scenery and up again over the Col de Puymorens. Heavy rain accompanied our departure, and the weather was changeable all day, but generally allowed us our scheduled stops. We drove initially past crops full of arable weeds, especially Corncockles and Cornflowers, and fields of Poet’s Narcissus.

A short stop at Puymorens in rather eutrophied grassland yielded Antennaria dioica and Polygala alpestris. The fine scenery here was marred by much ski paraphernalia. Linnets were typical of the habitat. Crossing into Andorra we negotiated the horrendous small ski town and duty free centre of Pas de la Casa, and headed above it to fine alpine slopes. There were many Alpine Pasque Flowers, and Narcissus-flowered Anemones on the roadsides. A short stop yielded Pedicularis pyrenaica , Lychnis alpina , Bartsia alpina , Gentiana acaulis and the geometer Psodos quadrifaria.

It was the next site that offered a truly superb flora. The slopes were pink here and there with Androsace carnea , stunning blue with superb Gentiana pyrenaica , white with Ranunculus kuepferi , and yellow with Geum montanum. The Erigeron uniflorus was very attractive and the mats of Creeping Azalea were new for the list. Gentiana alpina was much admired. A little below the Col I found a pleasant site down in the valley and set out a full picnic, made a little difficult by the breeze. Here were many Nigritella rhellicani in flower. Black Redstart frequented the small building. Our journey continued through Andorra, the scenery and flora beautiful, the settlements at best ugly and at worst absolutely monstrous. Crossing into Spain the architecture and culture changed rather markedly. At the first stop was a hovering Short-toed Eagle, and several close Griffon Vultures were very impressive. Cistus laurifolius was in flower . One stretch of road had many Orobanche rapum-genistae under the shrubby legumes. A stop at

3 the Col de Canto was aborted due to very cold rain, but another stop in budejal scrub saw an improvement in the weather and allowed us to find the lovely Linum narbonense, Astragalus monspessulanus , and Orobanche alba. There was a lone Burnt-tip Orchid.

We reached the Noguera Palaresa valley and followed the rushing river up to where our hotel was situated. A new base for us after many years of coming to the area, I had found this beautiful, recently renovated hotel the previous year and it was a delightful place to stay, in a perfect location, with lovely and helpful staff, superb rooms, and delicious high quality food. It was loved by all!

Day 5 Tuesday 14 th June Port de la Bonaigua and Vielha Tunnel

A very fine day saw us heading up to higher altitudes, initially the Port de la Bonaigua not far above the hotel. At something over 2,000m there was plenty of sunshine. As we drove Chris was spotting Chamois from the back seat, first one, followed by another three. Cows on the road were a feature of the journey. Wandering away from the car park and amid the inquisitive horses we had the pass almost completely to ourselves.

From the vehicle it seemed the whole area had been heavily grazed by the horses and we would find little in bloom. However as soon as we reached the first slope a wealth of alpine flowers revealed themselves. Daphne cneorum was in fine flower, with a strong scent. Usually at this time there is a mixture of Androsace carnea , Ranunculus pyrenaeus providing splashes of white, and Gentiana alpina , somewhat similar to the flora we had seen yesterday. But this year things were quite advanced and dominating were swathes of Lychnis alpina , Meum athamanticum , and Potentilla aurea , and Pulsatilla vernalis was again in fruit. Alpine Snowbells were in , and there were abundant Dog’s-tooth Violets in fruit. Linaria alpina and Pritzelago alpina were in flower and one bank had much Vitaliana primuliflora.

Painted Lady was on the wing, one of only two seen on the tour. Water Pipits and Wheatears were the typical birds of this habitat, a fine male Rock Thrush atop a pylon was a highlight, and Citril Finches were much in evidence. The dragonfly White-faced Darter was a feature of the area.

It was time to leave this fine site, and drive down through the verdant Val d’Aran. The scenery was sublime. This really was an excellent botanical stop and it was difficult to show everything to all the group, spread out as they were avidly photographing the wealth of flowers. Orchids were a feature, with Frog Orchids, Greater Butterfly Orchids, Fragrant Orchids, Dactylorhiza caramulensis and most notably many fine Black Vanilla Orchids. Drier turf had Moonwort.

The wet flushes down by the stream were particularly productive. Both Pinguicula vulgaris and Pinguicula grandiflora were in bloom, as were Alpine Bartsia and Tofield’s Asphodel. Primula farinosa was mostly over, among the fine Saxifraga stellaris , Saxifraga umbrosa , and Saxifraga aizoides. Narthecium ossifragum was in bud, and Meconopsis cambrica was in fine flower beside the stream.

4

Mountain and Piedmont Ringlets were seen, there were Large Grizzled Skipper and Pearly Heath, and many Little Blues. Purple-edged Copper was a highlight. A lone Lathyrus laevigatus was found.

After lunch, enjoyed in this superb habitat, we drove a very short distance. Above us stretched beech forest on the slopes of Pic d’Aneto. Arnica was in flower, and we saw a single Brimeura amethystinus . The wet flushes had many sedges. Pedicularis foliosa and Pedicularis mixta were both in flower. There were several St.Bruno’s Lilies, and a lone Small White Orchid. Rosa pendulina was in fine flower. We even had time for group photos here.

It was time to make the longish journey home, back over the Port de la Bonaigua, reflecting on what a very productive day it had been.

Before reaching the hotel we made a short stop in the small town of Esterri d’Aneu in search of postcards, provisions and the like.

Day 6 Wednesday 15 th June Col de Perbes, Pont de Suert, and Montanana

Another fine morning saw us driving to lower altitudes, and the Col de Perbes. The journey took a little over an hour and once at the Col we spent the rest of the morning exploring this wonderful place. As we approached the roadsides became very floriforous with species that we would see commonly once on foot.

The budejal or box scrub on the slopes supported a wealth of flowers. Pink Rockroses, and the small yellow flowered canum were in fine flower among the very spiky Echinospartum horridum . There were blue patches of Globularia cordifolia , and pink splashes of Anthyllis montana. The blue Linum narbonense was particularly fine and the Mt.Cenis Restharrow was beautiful.

The bird life was rather good. Tawny Pipits and Ortolan Buntings sang from atop the junipers, Dartford Warblers skulked in the bushes, appearing now and again, and Woodlarks performed display flights. Griffons are a feature of the site, usually gathering in large numbers over the ridge during the morning spent here. Silver-studded Blue, Brown Argus, and Safflower Skipper were among the butterflies.

Greater Butterfly Orchids bloomed, and Fragrant Orchids were common. Raising our eyes from all the flowers the views around were really special too, of verdant valleys, mountain villages, and snow-capped peaks. The pond near the minibus had several Iberian Water Frogs that leapt in as soon as we approached, and the dragonfly Libellula depressa. In the turf nearby were some very small Adderstongue ferns.

After a short drive a roadside stop yielded some superb spikes of the endemic Saxifraga longifolia. This is always a reliable site for this most impressive species but this year we saw it in many other places too, the giant spikes cascading from the rocks.. Also here was the very important endemic Ramonda myconi , and Pyrenean Bellflower was in flower.

5

The next stop was the lunch stop, a riverside meadow that has been an excellent butterfly site in the past. Among species seen today were Osiris Blue, Escher’s Blue, Marbled Fritillary, and Meadow Fritillary. Two Booted Eagles soared against the forested slopes.

The road took us in and out of Catalunya and Aragon as we headed for Montanana. A cliff stop near one of the tunnels produced more superb Saxifraga longifolia and swathes of Ramonda higher up. I had located the endemic peony subspecies here the previous year, and a stop again yielded several plants, although in fruit. High Brown Fritillary was on the wing.

A minor road took us towards Tremp and along here we found some superb Mediterranean influenced habitat with a wealth of new plants. Among them were Euphorbia serrata , Aphyllanthes monspeliensis , Dorycnium pentaphyllum , Orlaya grandiflora , Lithodora fruticosa , montanum , Convolvulus cantabrica , Phlomis lychnitis , and Bupleurum falcatum . There were some fine grasses too including Aegilops geniculata , Stipa pennata , and Melica ciliata.

Among the butterflies were Berger’s Clouded Yellow, Iberian Marbled White, Great Banded Grayling, Dusky Heath, and Essex Skipper. Sloe and False Ilex Hairstreaks nectared on the dorycnium . A highlight was Moroccan Orange-tip and Corn Buntings sang continuously.

Another stop produced good views of Bee-eaters and over a large municipal rubbish dump soared Griffons, Egyptian Vultures, Black and Red Kites, and even a White Stork.

Day 7 Thursday 16 th June Aigues Tortes

Today the weather was a little changeable but remained ideal for our visit to the national park. We set out for the very close village of Espot and Aigues Tortes National Park, only some twenty minutes drive from the hotel. Once in Espot we parked and I organised the landrover taxi that would take us up the alpine lake of Ratera. The road is now paved as far as the lower lake, St.Maurici, but thereafter the road is still fairly rough, although that has been much improved too.

Fallow Deer browsed in the lower forest as we drove up. The scenery was beautiful, with flowers lining the route as we ascended. We alighted by the lake, and accustomed ourselves to the thinner air. The snow-capped peaks all around were sublime against the cloudy sky. It was time to start exploring the flora of the short alpine turf around the lake shore. The diminutive Primula integrifolia was still just flower this year, a few of both colours or subspecies of Pulsatilla alpina were in bloom, Viola palustris was here and the aromatic of Meum athamanticum were common. The snowbells here were only in leaf this year, and there were none of the snowmelt species, such as gageas, that we sometimes see here in a less advanced season. The large flowered Ranunculus gouanii was a feature, as was the diminutive Murbeckiella pinnatifida. Sesamoides clusii was found, and Chives was in flower.

We set out to walk a little higher, up to a Mirador that provides fine views of the surrounding peaks. I had been scouring the slopes since we’d arrived for signs of Chamois and this paid off when I located several Chamois on a snow patch. Through the ‘scope we watched them cavorting energetically, sliding and leaping, jumping over each other playfully. This was amazing behaviour that we watched for a long time, and a trip highlight. Phyteuma

6 hemisphaericum , Daphne cneorum , Leucanthemopsis alpina , and Viola pyrenaica were seen along the way. Coal Tits and Crested Tits were active in the conifers, and Bearberry was in flower. At the viewpoint we admired the extremely impressive Enchanted Mountains. Androsace vandellii was in fine flower, as was Cardamine resedifolia and a great find was the beautiful Saxifraga pubescens in fine flower. Amelanchier was here too and Golden Eagle soared overhead in the fine landscape. We ate lunch on lakeside boulders surrounded by majestic scenery, and there was time for a break afterwards to simply appreciate our surroundings.

At 1.45 we set out to walk slowly down the track that we’d been driven up earlier. Two white flowered buttercups were here, Ranunculus pyrenaeus and Ranunculus amplexicaulis. Trumpet Gentians were in flower, wet flushes had Starry Saxifrage and a little Water Saxifrage, and Garland Flower was in fine bloom. Near a ruined monastery were both Ribes petraeum and Ribes alpinum, and the white flowered Ranunculus platanifolius. Crested Tit responded well to pishing, and Citril Finches were seen well. We had fine views of a Red Squirrel. Butterflies were strangely almost non-existent on what is usually a good day for them.

Back at the lower lake we regained a landrover taxi for the journey back to Espot. There was time for a coffee and a little souvenir shopping before heading back to the hotel after another extremely enjoyable and productive day.

Day 8 Friday 17th June Tor

We awoke to cloudy skies, but the day improved steadily and by the afternoon it was hot and sunny. We drove along a narrow road that eventually leads up to Andorra, via the isolated tiny village of Tor. The Tor road used to be very rough, but the lower part of it is now paved, and the police post has even been removed. This is a renowned smuggler’s route from Andorra, as the upper part of the road is wild and difficult, and hard to monitor.

We made a short stop to search for Botrychium matricariifolium , of which I had found two of at the site last year, apparently a new record for Lerida province and only the second known site in Spain. None were found today however. A second stop in a small gorge yielded Saxifraga paniculata in fine flower, Asplenium fontanum , Silene saxifraga , Linaria supina and Large Mediterranean Spurge . The rocks all along the valley were splashed yellow with Pyrenean Broom. The next stop was beside sloping meadows. The rocks held a fine flora with Dipcadi serotinum , Clypeola jonthlaspi , St.Bernard’s Lilies (very small examples), Cobweb Houseleeks, and Potentilla rupestris. Carthusian Pink, Vicia onobrychoides , Viola tricolor and Common Columbine were among the species in the meadows. Blue Lettuce was in fine flower. There were no butterflies yet on the wing but purpuralis was here.

Driving further up, the upper meadows were excellent today. Burnt-tip Orchids were here, and literally hundreds, more than ever before, of Bug Orchids. Bird’s-nest Orchids, fine Greater Butterfly Orchids, and Orobanche caryophyllacea were here too. Fox Moth and Forester were seen, and there were several emerging Apollos. Fritillaries seen today were Pearl- bordered, Glanville, Knapweed, Heath, and Meadow.

7

Driving through the very isolated and small village of Tor we saw Citril Finches and then negotiated the much rougher road above, now just a few kilometres from the Andorran border. I drove as far as I could and we parked by a barn and continued on foot.

In this fine open landscape of expansive alpine pastures we were alone apart from three men collecting mushrooms, scouring the slopes for them. There were many Little Blues, and it was surprising to see three Western Dappled Whites up here, rather than the expected Mountain Dappled White. Many Griffons were in the air. A beautiful densely furred fox appeared on the hillside and we watched its progress for some time, and saw it pounce on a small rodent. A Garden Tiger caterpillar crossed the path.

Tree Pipit and Rock Bunting were among the birds. The Alpine Toadflax was in good flower, and there was much Golden Cinquefoil. The wet flushes supported many Broad-leaved Marsh Orchids, and Verticillate Lousewort, the two looking surprisingly similar from a distance.

On the drive down a Camberwell Beauty flew around the track but an untimely car, one of the few today, arrived just at the wrong time and once it was gone we didn’t see the butterfly again.

Day 9 Saturday 18 th June Collegats, Salas, and Tremp

Something different today as we headed down from the high passes to the mixed Mediterranean and alpine influences around Salas, Santa Engracia, and Tremp.

Our first stop was in Collegats Gorge where many Griffons were on the wing. We walked along the beautiful gorge along a disused part of the old road, now replaced by one of several tunnels, towards the weird and wonderful rock formations that are known locally as ‘Gaudi’s Inspiration’. This place really does have a similarity to some of his façades in Barcelona. The flora along here was superb, with much Ramonda myconi in flower, and the endemic Sarcocapnos enneaphylla , a delicate fumitory . I was pleased to find Vincetoxicum nigrum growing with the much more common white-flowered species. There was also much Saxifraga longifolia on the cliffs. A great addition this year was Thymelaea dioica , and the attractive small red flowered Galium maritimum was new for the list. Orobanche hederae parasitised ivy. Maidenhair Fern flourished on the wet stone formations of Gaudi’s Inspiration. Crag Martins were much in evidence. Other plants included Blackstonia perfoliata , Antirrhinum molle , Lactuca perennis , and Campanula hispanica . Speckled Wood was on the wing.

The next scheduled stop was in an area of Mediterranean influenced oak woodland near Salas. Nightingale sang continuously. A streamside produced a fine selection of orchids. Red Helleborines, Epipactis helleborine, Epipactis tremolsii , Epipactis microphylla , Fragrant Orchids, Dactylorhiza elata , Dactylorhiza fuchsii , Woodcock Orchid, and Common Twayblade were all here. Violet Limodore had gone over. Sticky Flax was in impressive bloom and there were several Verbascum blattaria . Round-headed Club Rush and two species of Dorycnium were here. Great Banded Grayling, Pearly Heath, Knapweed Fritillary, and Amandas’s Blue were flying. Golden Oriole and Bonelli’s Warbler were singing. Lunch was eaten in some welcome shade.

8

At the next stop were Golden-ringed Dragonfly, two Nettle-tree Butterflies, and Ilex Hairstreak. Near Tremp was a very productive butterfly site, where among the species seen were two Spanish Purple Hairstreaks, a few Blue-spot Hairstreaks Small Copper, Short-tailed Blue, Lesser Spotted Frritillary, Southern Marbled Skipper, and Mediterranean Skipper. Southern was an interesting find. A pair of Woodchat Shrikes were seen closely here. The large black and yellow hymenopteran here was Scolia flavifrons , one of the largest species in . Coris monspeliensis was in flower.

A short stop by the shore of Tremp reservoir produced Rock Milkwort new for the tour. It was time to head home, and we made an ice cream stop along the way on what was a hot afternoon. Day 10 Sunday 19 th June Alins to Arreau via Bonaigua and Collado del Portillon

Today we said farewell to everyone at the Poldo who had been so friendly and helpful during our stay. For the last time we headed to the Port de la Bonaigua. Once again we drove through the attractive villages and less attractive ski towns of the Val d’Aran reaching Vielha in good time and taking the road towards . We turned onto a minor road over the Col du Portillon. Stopping at the Col, the border with France, under the trees we found Lesser Wintergreen, Woodruff, and Luzula pilosa. The flora was immediately much more northern European in character here. The very attractive road took us through verdant flower filled scenery. A roadside stop yielded Pyrenean Valerian and Saxifraga hirsuta , and rather surprisingly Meconopsis cambrica. Angelica and Spiked Rampion were in flower and under the trees was Herb Paris. Climbing up towards another Col, Peyresourde, we made another short stop and among plants here was Euphorbia flavicoma.

Next we travelled up into the Reserve Naturelle de Neouvielle. The roadsides had much Erinus alpinus , with some fine Common Columbine and Paniculate Saxifrage. Sword-leaved Helleborines were in fine bloom, Mountain Valerian was common and Erucastrum nasturtiifolium was new for us.

The next stop by the river yielded the architectural umbellifer with a name that I was going to spell only once, Molopospermum peloponnesiacum ! A wet flush supported Broad-leaved Marsh Orchids and Lysimachia nemorum. There were several Clouded Apollos here, and Orange-tip, Purple-edged Copper, Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Dingy Skipper. Pyrenean Valerian, Pyrenean Avens, and Pyrenean Vetch were in flower. By the water were some fine Thalictrum aquilegifolium .

The narrow road took us up to the Lac de Cap de Long, where a fine vista was dominated by the peak of Neouvielle itself. We made a short stroll around the lake. Late snow melt patches had some fine Alpine Snowbells. Parsley Fern was here, Linaria alpina was in good flower, and back near the vehicle were Saxifraga exarata , Erigeron alpinus , and Galium pyrenaicum.

There was time to explore another road, and we took another very minor one up the Rioumajou valley. A woodland stop here proved excellent. The display of Ramonda had to be seen to be believed, it really was in remarkable abundant flower here. There was much Saxifraga umbrosa , butterwort in flower, and Dusky Cranesbill. Archie found Lesser Masterwort

9 here, new for the tour. Further up the valley we searched for wintergreens, and found Moneses uniflora , although in fruit .

We arrived in Arreau early evening, and with a warm welcome from the ladies at the hotel settled into the rooms before enjoying an excellent dinner.

Day 11 Monday 20th June Col d’Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, Luz St. Sauveur, Gavarnie

Another fine day weather wise saw us saying farewell to all at the Angleterre and setting out for our final base in Gavarnie. We left at 9.45 to allow everyone a stroll around the attractive town of Arreau whilst I shopped for picnic supplies. Red Kites as usual flew low over the hotel. On the drive up to the Col d’Aspin we had fine views. Despite this being Monday, the cyclists and motorbikes were already out in force, and the drive today required even more concentration than usual. The Col was busier than ever today but there were fine views into both valleys. Monica’s unfortunate encounter with a rather aggressive cow here is a warning that these cattle should be kept at a distance.

The route took us through attractive villages, cultivated valleys, flowery meadows and woodland. A roadside stop yielded Dianthus monspessulanus , Trifolium ochroleucon , and bourgatii and Piedmont Ringlet was on the wing. We made a brief stop in the abominable ski town of La Mongie for toilets, as our next stop at the Col du Tourmalet was of course above the tree line, and busy.

At Tourmalet were many more bicycles but we explored a track that took us away from most of the crowds. Snow Finch was tame and seen very well. Alpine Choughs were an obvious presence, and Water Pipit was here too. The biggest surprise here was Llamas instead of goats! It was not particularly flower rich here, but the heavily grazed turf did support Androsace carnea, Ranunculus pyrenaeus and Linaria alpina . There was a fine patch of Gentiana verna and many cushions of Galium pyrenaicum. Potentilla brauneana and Pyrenean Thistle were here too, and there were a few more Soldanella alpina.

The descent from the Col was spectacular, and we took a parallel side road to a beautiful small bridge over a stream where I set out the picnic, featuring cherries, wine, and salad today among the large selection. This was a superb flowery spot, with Sweet Cicely, Thalictrum aquilegifolium , Meconopsis cambrica , Cardamine raphanifolia , Cicerbita alpina , Lactuca perennis , and Fragrant Orchids among the many species in bloom. A pair of Dippers frequented the stream.

Tourmalet Botanic Garden now provides an excellent stop in the area. Especially good today were Lilium pyrenaicum and Lady’s Slipper, but the pyrenaica that grows wild in the garden had nearly all gone over this year, although one was more or less still in flower. Geranium cinereum and Papaver lapeyrousianum were much admired among the great variety of species here.

We were soon in Luz St.Sauveur, where the antics at the world’s most inconveniently placed petrol pump caused us some amusement, and from there took the road to Gavarnie. Arriving

10 in good time we settled in to the comfortable rooms and reconvened for an excellent dinner. The hotel was something of an experience, an excellent place with very friendly owners, but the stuffed foxes in sunglasses in the foyer are a little kitsch, but what had happened to the whistling marmot on the reception desk?

Day 12 Tuesday 21st June Col de Tentes and Ossoue Valley

The day dawned with superb weather once again. As we drove up to the Col de Tentes, not far from Gavarnie, we had superb views of many Marmots, scampering across the road, whistling alarm calls, and disappearing into burrows. They are not native here however, being introduced from the Alps. Birds typical of southern European alpine pastures, Alpine Chough, Linnet, Wheatear and Water Pipit, were much in evidence. Here we were very near the Spanish border, the road now blocked with a line of boulders. The views were sublime of the surrounding peaks and ridges, and the famous Breche de Roland.

The acid sward here was dominated by eskia , and flowers were rather few and far between, although a few Trumpet and Spring Gentians gave welcome splashes of colour. A short walk up towards the border along the blocked road produced much Saxifraga intricata on the roadside banks. Alpine Accentor was seen very closely.

A superb patch of Primula hirsuta on the roadside rocks was admired, and then Draba aizoides in fine flower. On damp slopes around a late snow patch were a lone Primula integrifolia , some fine mats of Silene acaulis , many Snowbells, and Chamois Cress. A highlight was the beautiful endemic Geranium cinereum , in fine flower this year on a calcareous outcrop.

Back in the minibus, further down the mountain I stopped by a small stream where I usually find Pyrenean Brook Salamander (or Newt). Standing in the stream and turning over a few stones I soon located three of these fascinating endemics, and holding one in my hand to show everyone, we all had a close look at it. Here was much Potentilla alchemilloides in flower and Bright-eyed and Piedmont Ringlets were on the wing.

For lunch I drove everyone along the very flowery Ossoue valley to an open area of wet meadows with fine views all around. This was a fine picnic spot and there was plenty of time to explore too. I tried to cross the rushing river barefoot, but the water was too cold to cope with for the time necessary to do so! Dactylorhiza majalis was abundant here.

Back down the road we parked and walked, finding some very special plants on the roadside rocks. Marmots were still much in evidence. Saxifraga longifolia was again in superb flower, and up a rather steep slope Lilium pyrenaicum , prompting Chris to clamber up the slope for photographs, and we all breathed a sigh of relief when he set foot safely back on the road. I was pleased to find the very local Saponaria caespitosa , only the second time we had seen the species here. Swallowtail was among the butterflies. Chaenorhinum origanifolium , Globularia nudicaulis and Globularia repens were among the many other plants, and there were some fine Aster alpinus on the rocks. As I drove down I was delighted to spot two fine Iris latifolia in flower, and parking where I could we walked back to admire a fine last highlight of a very productive day.

11

A feature of the area today was a huge congregation of the beetle Spanish Fly, on Lonicera pyrenaica. Golden Eagle soared above. Among butterflies seen during the day were Orange-tip, Brimstone, Little Blue and Pearl-bordered Fritillary.

Day 13 Wednesday 22 nd June Cirque de Troumouse and Gavarnie

Plans were rather altered today as after a visit to the medics in Gavarnie, it was decided we must go to Lourdes hospital to x-ray Monica’s injuries. So that was the day for the three of us. Margaret, Archie, and Lynsie meanwhile enjoyed a lovely walk towards the splendour of the Cirque de Gavarnie. We arrived back mid-afternoon and all met up and caught up with the day’s events. There was time still, and I offered that we could still have a quick visit to the Troumouse valley, but all decided on a quiet afternoon, which I used to thoroughly clean the van. I leave here a previous account of this day to give an idea of what can be seen.

This morning saw us heading up another beautiful minor road towards the Cirque de Troumouse. The weather was once again fairly changeable but didn’t cause many problems. The first stop was by a braided river valley, with part of the cirque above us. Marmots scampered across the road in front of us, and Griffons, and many Red-billed Choughs, were much in evidence here.

On closer inspection there were many fine plants growing on the river gravels. Brassica repanda , Pritzelago alpina , Viola biflora , and Saxifraga praetermissa among them. We drove a little further up and took a short walk across alpine grassland took us to where we had a fine vista of the Cirque de Troumouse all around. We saw Gentiana alpina , both Androsace carnea and Androsace villosa etc. From the viewpoint I spotted a group of fifteen Chamois below us and we were able to watch them for some time. Lunch was taken at a quiet spot back down the valley, where we saw a dead Garden Dormouse, a beautiful creature. Lower down the valley we saw an Apollo.

After a short stop back at the hotel in the afternoon we set out to walk some of the way towards the Cirque de Gavarnie, such a dominant feature here, even from the town itself. The beautiful path took us alongside the river, and as this was an out and back walk those who came with me could decide when they’d had enough, and just turn back. In the end it was Gordon, Sheila, Ursula, and me who reached the furthest, being the second viewpoint where the valley opens out, allowing superb views of the Cirque. This walk is always busy, and this was certainly the site with the most people of our whole trip.

Back in town there was time for a little last minute shopping before we enjoyed our final delicious dinner.

Day 14 Thursday 22 nd June Departure

All that remained was for us to make the journey to Toulouse airport and catch our respective flights. The journey was a leisurely one, mostly on minor roads through fine scenery, as we had a comfortable amount of time. Once on the motorway we stopped at an aire to stretch our legs. Sad farewells at the airport followed a sublime tour with a truly delightful group, we’d really had a marvellous time and made new friends, and I immediately started planning my New

12

Zealand expedition. From the airport I drove east aiming to get as far as possible before finding a hotel, returning home the next day. In the end I was making such good progress that I continued all the way home to the Cottian Alps, crossing the Col d’Agnello which was awash with flowers, with many snow patches and associated blooms, arriving home some twelve hours after leaving Toulouse. I spent a couple of days at home, even having a day botanising with some visiting friends, before heading across to meet the next group in the Dolomites, which reunited me with Chris and Monica!

13

Pyrenees Systematic Lists 2011

Compiled by Paul Cardy

Itinerary Day 1. Friday 10 th June:- Arrival, Toulouse to Formigueres via Puymorens Day 2. Saturday 11 th June:- Val d’Eyne Day 3. Sunday 12 th June:- Canigou Day 4. Monday 13 th June:- Formigueres, Puymorens, Andorra, Envalira, Seu d’Urgell, Col del Canto, La Guingeta Day 5. Tuesday 14 th June:- Bonaigua, Vielha, La Guingeta Day 6. Wednesday 15 th June:- Col de Perbes, Aragon, Montanana road Day 7. Thursday 16 th June:- Aigues Tortes National Park Day 8. Friday 17 th June:- Alins, Tor Day 9. Saturday 18 th June:- Collegats, Salas, Tremp Reservoir area Day 10. Sunday 19 th June:- Bonaigua, Portillon, Peyresourde, Neouvielle, Rioumajou, Arreau Day 11. Monday 20 th June:- Arreau, via Col d’Aspin and Col du Tourmalet, Tourmalet Botanic Garden, to Gavarnie Day 12. Tuesday 21 st June:- Col de Tentes and Ossoue valley Day 13. Wednesday 22 nd June:- towards Cirque de Gavarnie Day 14. Thursday 23 rd June:- to Toulouse and departure

14

Systematic List Number 1 Plants

The is based on various works, but mainly Flora Europaea; the 17 published volumes of Flora Iberica; and ‘La Grande Flore Illustrée des Pyrénées’ by Marcel Saule, 2002. This list has continued to grow and be added to over the last fifteen years or so of our Pyrenees tours. Several species were added to the list in 2011 and are thus annotated. A few species recorded in 2010 but not this year are annotated 2010. In 2011 a total of some 1070 species were recorded.

Lycopodiaceae Huperzia selago - Fir Clubmoss - Rocks along Cirque de Gavarnie track

Selaginellaceae Selaginella selaginoides - Lesser Clubmoss - Vielha Tunnel and Tentes

Equisetaceae Equisetum arvense - Common Horsetail - Scattered records [Regular whorls of branches and sheaths with 6-12 teeth] Equisetum pratense - Shade Horstail - Salas Equisetum telmateia - Giant Horsetail - Salas [Robust whitish stems, regular whorls and sheaths with 20-30 teeth] Equisetum variegatum - Variegated Horsetail - near Pont de Suert Equisetum fluviatile - Water Horsetail - Pont de Suert Equisetum palustre - Marsh Horsetail - Scattered records

Ophioglossaceae Botrychium lunaria - Moonwort - Vielha tunnel, and near Formigueres, Eyne, locally common [Forked frond: sterile 1-pinnate (moon-shaped segments and fertile like grapes)] Botrychium matricariifolium - 2 above Alins. Apparently a new record for Lerida province, and only the second record for Spain. 2010. Could not find again in 2011. Ophioglossum vulgatum - Adder’s tongue Fern - Perbes, very small examples

Cryptogrammaceae Cryptogramma crispa - Parsley Fern - Neouvielle [Low dimorphic 3-pinnate fern, resembling parsley]

Adiantaceae Adiantum capillus-veneris - Maidenhair Fern - on rocks near ‘Gaudi’s Inspiration’

Blechnaceae Blechnum spicant - Hard Fern - Gavarnie area

Polypodiaceae Polypodium cambricum - Southern Polypody Polypodium vulgare - Common Polypody - widespread [Small-medium singly pinnate, outline lanceolate]

Hypolepidaceae Pteridium aquilinum - Bracken - woodland edges and upland edges

15

[Familiar tall branched fern]

Aspleniaceae Asplenium adiantum-nigrum - Black Spleenwort - Sheltered rocks, e.g. Eyne, Tor road and Vielha [Small 2-3 pinnate leathery fern] Asplenium ruta-muraria -Wall-rue - France, on basic rock, Aigues Tortes [Small dark green 2-pinnate tufted fern, diamond-shaped segments] Asplenium septentrionale - Forked Spleenwort - scattered records on acid rocks, e.g. Rioumajou and Aigues Tortes [Small fern: irregularly 1-3 forked] Asplenium trichomanes - Maidenhair Spleenwort - widespread, rock crevices, e.g. Tor, Collegats, Rioumajou,Eyne [Small 1-pinnate tufted fern, dark rhachis] Asplenium viride - Green Spleenwort - rocks, Rioumajou, and Tor road, Tentes Asplenium fontanum - Black Forest Spleenwort - rocks low on the Tor road and Rioumajou Ceterach officinarum - Rusty back Fern - walls and rocks, e.g. Alins and Gaudi’s Inspiration Phyllitis scolopendrium - Hartstongue - Rioumajou 2011

Woodsiaceae Athyrium filix-femina - Lady Fern - woods, France [Graceful, large 2-3 pinnate fern, sickle-shaped indusia] Aythyrium distentifolium - Alpine Lady Fern - Vielha and Aigues Tortes Cystopteris fragilis - Brittle Bladder-fern - Humid crevices, Tor, Peyresourde, Rioumajou, Eyne [Delicate, 2-3 pinnate, tufted] Gymnocarpium dryopteris - Oak Fern - Shaded rocks, France and Aigues Tortes [Triangular 3-pinnate, creeping] Gymnocarpium robertianum - Limestone Fern - Rioumajou

Dryopteridaceae Dryopteris filix-mas - Male Fern - Woodland, France [Familiar large 2-pinnate fern, pinnule with acute teeth] Dryopteris borreri - Tor and Rioumajou Dryopteris oreades - Mountain Male Fern - Aigues Tortes etc. Polystichum aculeatum - Hard Shield-fern - woodland, e.g. Rioumajou, Neouvielle [Like Male Fern, but leathery, bristle-like teeth] Polystichum lonchitis - Holly Fern - montane rock, e.g. Aigues Tortes, Eyne [1-pinnate, leathery, pinnae with auricle at base] Polystichum setiferum - Soft Shield Fern - Piau-Engaly road 2010 CONIFERS

Pinaceae Abies alba - Silver Fir - France [Big tree needle-leaves borne singly on twigs but not on peg projection] Picea abies - Norway Spruce - forest [From last by leaves borne on persistent pegs] Pinus halepensis - Aleppo Pine - near St.Llorenc, Fillols Pinus nigra - Austrian Pine - widespread [Like Scots Pine, but needles 6-18cm & 1-2mm wide. Ssp. salzmannii ] Pinus sylvestris - Scots Pine - very widespread [2 needle pine, leaves <7cm long, cones pendent. Mainly “var. pyrenaica”] Pinus uncinata - a mountain pine - locally dominant, e.g. Tor and Aigues Tortes

16

[From last by upright cone, bright green not glaucous] Larix decidua - Larch - forest [deciduous conifer]

Cupressaceae Cupressus sempervirens - Italian Cypress - planted on verges etc. in south, sub-Mediterranean zone [Conifer tree with tiny paired scale-like leaves - columnar form, var. pyramidalis ] Juniperus communis - Common Juniper - ssp. alpina and ssp. communis [Aromatic shrub, needle-leaves (whorls of 3), black berry-like cone] Juniperus o. oxycedrus - Prickly Juniper - Baixols area 2010 [From last by red-purple berry-like cone and 2 (not 1) glaucous bands] Juniperus phoenicea - Phoenicean Juniper - sub-Mediterranean zone, e.g. Collegats

Ephedraceae Ephedra distachya - a Joint Pine - Baixols area, St.Llorenc 2010 FLOWERING PLANTS

DICOTYLEDONS

Salicaceae Populus alba - White Poplar - scattered [Familiar suckering tree whose maple-like leaves are white downy below] Populus nigra - Black Poplar - scattered [Tall tree, fluttering leaves shaped like ace of spades] Populus tremula - Aspen - widespread [From last by rounded, sinuate-toothed leaves] Salix fragilis - Crack - along rivers Salix bicolor - Vielha tunnel Salix alba - White Willow - scattered [Tall tree whose linear-lanceolate leaves are appressed white silky] Salix caprea - Sallow - scattered, e.g. Eyne [Big shrub, ovate leaves grey-hairy beneath] Salix cinerea - Grey Willow - scattered Salix phylicifolia - possibly this species at Tor Salix elaeagnos - Olive Willow - scattered, e.g. near Pont de Suert, Salas [Waterside shrub with narrow leaves, white-woolly beneath] Salix purpurea - Purple Willow - by rivers [Oblanceolate, glaucous, sub-opposite leaves] Salix pyrenaica - Pyrenean Willow - Puymorens 2011 Salix x sepulchralis - Weeping Willow - planted [Large-tree, narrow yellowish leaves, pendant branches] Salix triandra - Almond Willow - recorded 2011

Juglandaceae Juglans regia - Walnut [Tree with alternate pinnate leaves, 7-9 ovate leaflets - chambered pith]

Betulaceae Alnus glutinosa - Common Alder - by water [Familiar tree with blunt roundish leaves and like small cones]

17

Betula pendula - Silver Birch - frequent at moderate altitudes on forest edges [Familiar slender tree with whitish bark and small heart-shaped leaves]

Corylaceae Carpinus betulus - Hornbeam - France Corylus avellana - Hazel - woodland at lower levels [Familiar shrub with roundish leaves]

Fagaceae Castanea sativa - Sweet Chestnut - in France en route to Arreau, and Canigou Fagus sylvatica - Beech - locally dominant, submontane forest [Majestic forest tree: grey bark & oval leaves] Quercus coccifera - Kermes Oak - sub-Mediterranean scrub [Shrub or tree with evergreen, holly-like leaves] Quercus faginea - an oak - Fillols [Semi-evergreen tree with toothed wavy-edged leaves and hairy beneath] Quercus ilex - Holm Oak - Fillols [Evergreen tree with lanceolate leaves paler (downy) beneath] Quercus petraea - Sessile Oak - recorded Quercus pubescens - Downy Oak - widespread

Ulmaceae Celtis australis - Nettle Tree - Sub-Mediterranean scrub, e.g. Salas [Deciduous tree, alternate leaves, 1-serrate, asymmetric base] Ulmus minor - Small-leaved Elm – scattered, e.g. Collegats [Similar, but leaves doubly serrate, rounder; tree freely suckering] Ulmus glabra - Wych Elm - Gavarnie, Tor

Moraceae Ficus carica - Fig - sub-Mediterranean scrub [Familiar tree with large palmately-lobed leaves and large dark fruit] Morus alba - White Mulberry - lower altitudes

Cannabaceae Humulus lupulus - Hop [Climber, rough, opposite 3-5 lobed leaves]

Urticaceae Parietaria judaica - Pellitory-of-the-wall - local in Spain, Fillols Urtica dioica - Stinging Nettle - common everywhere [Familiar coarse stinging weed]

Loranthaceae Viscum album - Mistletoe - lower altitudes in France

Santalaceae Thesium alpinum - Alpine Bastard Toadflax - Eyne, Canigou, Aigues Tortes Thesium divaricatum - Branched Bastard Toadflax - Canigou Thesium pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Bastard Toadflax - Vielha etc.

18

Osyris alba - sub-Mediterranean scrub 2010

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia pistolochia - a birthwort - Santa Engracia and Baixols area, 2008

Polygonaceae Reynoutria sachalinensis - Giant Knotweed Fallopia convolvulus - Black-bindweed - Salas 2010 alpinum - Alpine Knotgrass - Locally common in France Polygonum bistorta - Bistort - meadows [Pink spikes, leaves lanceolate with winged stalk] Polygonum viviparum - Alpine Bistort - Vielha tunnel [White spikes, giving way below to reddish bulbils, linear-lanceolate leaves] Polygonum aviculare - Common Knotgrass - scattered [Familiar weed] Polygonum equisetiforme - Salas Polygonum persicaria - Redshank acetosa - Common - meadows [Like a dock with arrow-shaped leaf, and no warts on fruit] - Sheep’s Sorrel - open stony sites [More slender, spreading leaf-lobes; ssp. pyrenaicus ] Rumex obtusifolius - Broad-leaved Dock [Familiar coarse weed with broad leaves] Rumex alpinus - Monk’s Rhubarb - local by cattle enriched areas [Typical dock, but leaves almost round and no warts on fruit] Rumex scutatus - French Sorrel - scree [Grey “mitre”-leaves, spreading basal lobes] Rumex crispus - Curled Dock - Tor road

Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album - Fat Hen [Mealy annual, irregular-toothed lanceolate leaves, grey-green flowers] Chenopodium bonus-henricus - Good King Henry - montane paths [More spicate head, leaves broad arrow-shaped] Chenopodium vulvaria - Stinking Goosefoot - near Isona, 2008, aptly named

Caryophyllaceae Telephium imperati - near Pont de Suert 2011 Arenaria serpyllifolia - Thyme-leaved Sandwort - widespread [Erect annual: opposite oval leaves and small white flowers with star-like ] Arenaria ciliata - Ciliate-leaved Sandwort - Envalira and Aigues Tortes 2011 Arenaria hispida - a Sandwort - Santa Engracia area = fontqueri hispanica , 2010 Arenaria aggregata - a Sandwort - Perbes Arenaria grandiflora - Large-flowered Sandwort - Gavarnie area Arenaria purpurascens - Troumouse gravels 2010 Minuartia laricifolia - Canigou 2011 Minuartia mutabilis - Gavarnie = rostrata Minuartia sedoides - Mossy Cyphel - Andorra 2011 Minuartia verna - Spring Sandwort - above Tor Stellaria graminea - Lesser Stitchwort - widespread

19

[From next by flowers only 5-12mm]

20

Stellaria holostea - Greater Stitchwort - widespread, shade, e.g. Eyne [Long narrow leaves & white flowers 15-30mm] Stellaria nemorum - Wood Stitchwort - Neouvielle Stellaria media - Chickweed Stellaria alsine - Bog Stitchwort - in France below Col de Portillon Cerastium arvense - Field Mouse-ear - widespread and common [Perennial, mat-forming, white flowers ca 2cm, 5 styles] Cerastium cerastoides - Starwort Mouse-ear - Canigou and Envalira [Similar, but almost hairless, flowers 9-15mm with 3 styles only] Cerastium glomeratum - Sticky Mouse-ear - scattered Cerastium fontanum - Common Mouse-ear - e.g. Vielha Cerastium alpinum - Alpine Mouse-ear - Aigues Tortes Sagina procumbens - Mossy Pearlwort - Aigues Tortes [Mossy mat-forming perennial, 4 green sepals, no ] Sagina saginoides - Alpine Pearlwort - Bonaigua Scleranthus perennis ssp.polycnemoides - Perennial Knawel - scattered, e.g. Aigues Tortes, Tor, Perbes, Eyne Scleranthus annuus - Annual Knawel - e.g. Tor, Aigues Tortes Paronychia kapela - Perbes, Canto road [Low mat-forming perennial with very prominent silvery stipules and sepals] Paronychia polygonifolia - widespread in France, e.g. Tentes Herniaria glabra - Glabrous Rupturewort - e.g. Aigues Tortes Herniaria hirsuta - Hairy Rupturewort - St.Llorenc 2010 Spergularia rubra - Sand Spurrey - Canigou Agrostemma githago - Corncockle - 1 at Santa Engracia 2008. Several in France 2011. Lychnis alpina - Alpine Catchfly - Bonaigua, below Envalira [Low, tufted perennial: compact head of dark pink flowers, deeply notched petals] Lychnis coronaria - Rose Campion - naturalised in France, Val d’Aran [Like dark pink campion, but densely white hairy] Lychnis flos-cuculi - Ragged Robin - moist areas [Familiar perennial with 4-lobed dark pink petals] Silene acaulis -Moss Campion - a few in Gavarnie area, in leaf at Aigues Tortes [Moss-like cushions, linear leaves, pink flowers and very short stems [ssp. bryoides] ] Silene alba - White Campion - France, roadsides, and Gaudi’s Inspiration Silene dioica - Red Campion - France [Familiar large hairy red campion] - Nottingham Catchfly - scattered, e.g. Rioumajou [Sticky perennial, spathulate leaves, nodding white flowers, petals rolled back and 8-12mm] Silene rupestris - Rock Campion - widespread on rocks, e.g. Tor and Vielha [Low grey hairless perennial, clusters of 1cm white flowers] Silene saxifraga - Tufted Catchfly - lower Tor valley and Ossoue [Tufted perennial, sticky with slender stems and white flowers bigger than last] Silene legionensis - a campion - Tor [Like S. nutans but greenish-white and capsule 12-14mm] - Bladder Campion - widespread and common [Grey hairless perennial: white flowers, inflated calyces] Silene otites - Spanish Catchfly - over, near Tremp Silene gallica - Small-flowered Catchfly - lunch site on arrival day Saponaria caespitosa - a soapwort - Ossoue, seen in 2009 and 2011 Saponaria ocymoides - Rock Soapwort - widespread and very common, one with white flowers at Perbes [Low sprawling perennial, branched clusters of dark pink flowers 6-10mm, narrow oval leaves]

21

Saponaria officinalis - Common Soapwort - verges [Like hairless patch-forming pale pink campion] Gypsophila repens - Alpine Gypsophila - Gavarnie and Neouvielle Petrorhagia prolifera - Proliferous Pink - near Tremp [Slender annual pink, flower cluster with brown papery ] Petrorhagia nanteuilii - Canto road, Montanana road Dianthus armeria - Deptford Pink - Perbes Dianthus carthusianorum - Carthusian Pink - Tor, and locally common Gavarnie area [From last by deep pink clusters, not flat-topped] Dianthus deltoides - Maiden Pink - locally common Eyne, and Aigues Tortes Dianthus hispanicus - a pink - Guingetta lake cliffs Dianthus pyrenaicus - Pyrenean Pink - Canigou, Fillols, 2011 Dianthus seguieri - Seguier’s Pink - Gavarnie area, Tor Dianthus monspessulanum - a fringed pink - between Arreau and Tourmalet

Ranunculaceae Helleborus foetidus - Stinking Hellebore - widespread, scrub and rocks [Typical hellebore with digitate leaves (all on stem) and pale green flowers, edged purple] Helleborus viridis ssp.occidentalis - Green Hellebore - widespread, shade, e.g. Eyne where numerous [Has basal leaves, pure green flowers] Trollius europaeus - Globe-flower - scattered records, e.g. Tor and Eyne [Like large palmate-leaved buttercup with almost spherical yellow flowers 3-5cm] Actaea spicata - Baneberry - Eyne, 2011 Caltha palustris - Marsh-marigold - widespread in wet sites, e.g. Tor and Eyne [Heart-shaped leaves and head of beaked pods (follicles)] Delphinium montanum - Mountain Larkspur - in leaf at Val d’Eyne Aconitum napellus - Monk’s-hood - Gavarnie, 1 in flower. Aconitum anthora - Yellow Monk’s-hood - noted in leaf at Tor Anemone narcissiflora - Narcissus-flowered Anemone - Andorra and 3 at Aigues Tortes Anemone nemorosa - Wood Anemone - noted in leaf, e.g. Puymorens [Familiar delicate white flower] Hepatica nobilis - Hepatica - in leaf at several sites, including Tor and Aigues Tortes, some still in flower [Basal leaves 3-lobed, purple beneath] Pulsatilla alpina ssp. alpina - Alpine Pasque-flower - alpine turf, Aigues Tortes, white flowers Pulsatilla alpina ssp. apiifolia - Alpine Pasque-flower - alpine turf, Aigues Tortes, pale yellow flowers, Eyne, and Andorra Pulsatilla vernalis - Spring Pasque-flower - in fruit at Puymorens, going over at Aigues Tortes [Stem-leaves unstalked, 1-pinnate, “petals” flushed pink] Clematis flammula - Fragrant Clematis - St.Llorenc 2010 [Typical Clematis with 2-pinnate leaves] Clematis vitalba -Traveller’s Joy - scattered in leaf [Similar but more robust and 1-pinnate] Adonis aestivalis - Pheasant’s-eye - near Salas 2008 Ranunculus aconitifolius - Aconite-leaved Buttercup - Vielha tunnel [Leaves 5-7 lobed, leafy with numerous white flowers] Ranunculus platanifolius - Aigues Tortes Ranunculus acris - Meadow Buttercup - meadows [Familiar perennial, palmate leaves and yellow flowers] Ranunculus amplexicaulis - Amplexicaule Buttercup - Bonaigua and Aigues Tortes [White-flowered; lanceolate leaves clasp stem]

22

Ranunculus bulbosus - Bulbous Buttercup - scattered [Bulbous, reflexed sepals, 3-lobed leaves] Ranunculus sardous - Hairy Buttercup – Tor, check this Ranunculus auricomus - Goldilocks buttercup – Tor 2010 Ranunculus pyrenaeus - Pyrenean Buttercup - alpine turf, especially where snow lay late, e.g. Andorra, Bonaigua and Aigues Tortes, locally numerous [White flowered; leaves blue-green, linear to lanceolate, not clasping stem] Ranunculus repens - Creeping Buttercup - widespread [Familiar creeping herb, three distinct leaflets, sepals not reflexed] Ranunculus montanus s.l. - Mountain Buttercup - France Ranunculus gouanii - Gouan’s Buttercup - widespread at higher altitudes, e.g. Vielha tunnel and Aigues Tortes Ranunculus arvensis - Corn Buttercup - arable weed at Salas Ranunculus flammula - Lesser Spearwort - Rioumajou 2011 Aquilegia vulgaris - Columbine - widespread in woods and meadows [Familiar blue-purple flower with hooked spurs, not sticky – staminodes blunt] Thalictrum aquilegifolium - Great Meadow-rue - Tor, Vielha, and widespread in France [2-3 pinnate, oval leaflets, branched flowerheads with prominent ] Thalictrum tuberosum - a fine meadow-rue common at Plata Verde, also near Baixols, 2008 Thalictrum minus - Lesser Meadow-rue - Gavarnie and Ossoue

Paeoniaceae Paeonia officinalis microcarpa - Common Peony - a few in fruit near Pont de Suert 2010 and 2011

Papaveraceae Chelidonium majus - Greater Celandine - Alins 2010 [Familiar plant: orange sap, yellow flower] Glaucium corniculatum - Red-horned Poppy - near St.Llorenc 2009 Meconopsis cambrica - Welsh Poppy - Vielha tunnel and widespread in France [Perennial yellow poppy, yellow latex and ribbed ovoid-oblong pod] Papaver dubium - Long-headed Poppy - scattered, e.g. Tor [Long-fruited poppy whose pods have no bristles] Papaver rhoeas - Corn Poppy - widespread and common [Typical red poppy, often with black blotches, globular pods]

Fumariaceae Fumaria officinalis - Common Fumitory - Santa Engracia area etc. Fumaria vaillantii - a Fumitory - Tor, 2009 Sarcocapnos enneaphylla - Sarcocapnos - a few at ‘Gaudi’s Inspiration’, in fine flower [2-3 divided leaves, white corydalis-type flowers, short spurs]

Brassicaceae Sisymbrium austriacum - Austrian Mustard - Tor, below Bonaigua, Vielha, and France [From next by pods more spreading, and slightly twisted] Sisymbrium officinale - Hedge Mustard - recorded [Erect yellow cress, pinnately-lobed leaves, pods appressed to stem] Sisymbrium irio - London Rocket - Alins Murbeckiella pinnatifida - Murbeckiella - alpine turf, Aigues Tortes [White notched petals, narrow pods and pinnatifid leaves] Hugueninia tanacetifolia ssp. suffruticosa - Tansy-leaved Rocket - recorded in 2009

23

[Like Hedge Mustard, but perennial with 2-pinnately cut leaves and pods not appressed] Alliaria petiolata - Garlic Mustard - shade [Familiar white mustard with heart-shaped leaves] Descurainia sophia - Flixweed - Tor 2011 Erysimum duriaei ssp. pyrenaicum - a treacle-mustard - alpine rocks, Tor and Aigues Tortes [Tufted yellow perennial, lanceolate leaves; narrow pods, square in section, stigma 2-lobed.] Erysimum sp. - a treacle mustard - Canto road Hesperis matronalis - Dame’s Violet - scrub edges, white flowers [From familiar stock-like garden plant] Matthiola fruticulosa - Ager road 2010 Barbarea vulgaris - Common Wintercress - scattered, e.g. Puymorens Rorippa pyrenaica - Tor, Canigou Cardamine impatiens - Narrow-leaved Bittercress - scattered, shade, e.g. Tor [Pinnate biennial, 5mm white flowers, long pods] Cardamine pentaphyllos - Col du Portillon 2008 Cardamine heptaphylla - Seven-leaflet Bittercress - Rioumajou Cardamine resedifolia - Mignonette-leaved Bittercress - Aigues Tortes, Ossoue and Eyne Cardamine amara - Large Bittercress - Canigou 2011 Cardamine pratensis - Lady’s smock - Eyne, Andorra, Tor Cardamine raphanifolia - Radish-leaved Bittercress - widespread by water, e.g. Tor, Aigues Tortes, Rioumajou, Eyne [Reddish-violet perennial, pinnate (leaflets 3-11 and roundish) – narrow flattened pods] Cardamine hirsuta - Hairy Bittercress - scattered records, e.g. Eyne Arabis glabra - Tower Cress - Tor [Tall cream cress: hairless grey leaves clasping stem] Arabis hirsuta - Hairy Rockcress - scattered records [Slender bristly unbranched white cress, pods pressed to stem] Arabis turrita - Tower Rockcress - occasional in seed, e.g. Tor and Collegats [Tall softly hairy cress, long curved pods] Arabis alpina - Alpine Rockcress - Gavarnie, Eyne Arabis corymbiflora - Troumouse 2010 Arabidopsis thaliana - Thale Cress - Tor Lunaria rediviva - Perennial Honesty - noted on Day 8 at the lunch site, 2009 Clypeola jonthlaspi - scattered records in Spain, e.g. Tor Draba aizoides - Yellow Whitlow-grass - rocks near Gavarnie [All leaves basal, narrow; yellow flowers, oval pods] Draba nemorosa - a whitlow-grass - Eyne 2011 Erophila verna - Spring Whitlow-grass - in very late flower at Tor, 2008 Kernera saxatilis - Gavarnie Capsella bursa-pastoris - Shepherd’s-purse - occasional in waste places [Familiar white cress with triangular fruit] Pritzelago alpina - Chamois Cress - Andorra, Bonaigua and Gavarnie Cochlearia pyrenaica - a scurvy grass - below Col de Tourmalet Thlaspi arvense - Field Pennycress - Tor [Familiar weed with round, broadly winged pods, deeply notched] Thlaspi montanum - Mountain Pennycress - Eyne 2011 Thlaspi perfoliatum - Perfoliate Pennycress - Tor [Small hairless white annual with grey leaves clasping stem, petals <3mm] Iberis s. spathulata - Spoon-leaved Candytuft - in flower and fruit on river gravels, Troumouse 2010 [Flat-topped fruiting head, flowers white or purplish] Iberis sempervirens - Evergreen Candytuft - Eyne

24

Iberis amara - Ossoue Erucastrum nasturtiifolium - Neouvielle and Rioumajou Biscutella laevigata - a buckler-mustard - scattered Cardaria draba - Hoary Cress - roadsides in Spain Lepidium campestre - Field Pepperwort - Tor Brassica repanda - Alpine Cabbage - Troumouse 2008 Coincya monensis ssp. recurvata - Wallflower Cabbage - Tor, Vielha, Aigues Tortes and Puymorens [Like pinnate-lobed yellow hairy cabbage, long (3-9cm) beaked pods]

Resedaceae Reseda glauca - Pyrenean Mignonette - Vielha, and locally common in France [Typical mignonette but with whitish flowers and linear leaves] Reseda lutea - Wild Mignonette - dry grassy and rocky verges, scattered records, e.g. Perbes [Differs in pinnatifid leaves and pale yellow flowers] Reseda phyteuma - Corn Mignonette - lower altitudes in Spain Sesamoides clusii - Sesamoides - turf and rocks, Puymorens, Andorra, Bonaigua, Aigues Tortes and Peyresourde [Like tiny tufted mignonette, but arching linear leaved, dwarf perennial]

Droseraceae Drosera rotundifolia - Round-leaved Sundew - a few at Vielha

Crassulaceae Sedum acre - Wallpepper - dry stony sites, widespread, e.g. Alins [Typical yellow thick-leaved perennial stonecrop, peppery taste] Sedum album -White Stonecrop - similar habitats, e.g. Tor [Typical white perennial stonecrop, alternate glabrous leaves] Sedum alpestre - a stonecrop - Neouvielle, Aigues Tortes Sedum anglicum - English Stonecrop - Tor, Gavarnie, and near Llavorsi Sedum annuum - Annual Stonecrop - acid gravel, Neouvielle [Annual, often reddish, yellow flowers and oblong leaves] Sedum atratum - Dark Stonecrop - Troumouse 2010 Sedum dasyphyllum - Thick-leaved Stonecrop - acid rocks, widespread [From S.album by opposite ovoid leaves] Sedum hirsutum - a stonecrop - Troumouse 2010 Sedum rupestre - Rock Stonecrop - widespread, e.g. Tor, Santa Engracia [Perennial like next, but bright yellow and leaves linear-terete] Sedum sediforme - a stonecrop - scattered records [More robust, pale yellowish flowers and oblong flat-topped leaves] Sedum telephium - Orpine - in leaf at Rioumajou, Fillols etc. [Perennial: flat toothed leaves and purplish flowers. Ssp. fabaria ] Sempervivum arachnoideum ssp. tomentosum - Cobweb Houseleek - acid rocks, e.g. Tor and near Llavorsi [Like S. tectorum but red-pink & dense cover of cobweb hairs.] Sempervivum m. montanum - Mountain Houseleek - acid rocks, local but widespread, e.g. Tor and Aigues Tortes [From last by wine-red flowers and short hairs] Sempervivum tectorum - Common Houseleek - local, e.g. Eyne, rosettes [Familiar succulent hairless rosettes of overlapping acute leaves; branched head of pinkish flowers] Umbilicus rupestris - Navelwort - rock/walls, daily in Spain [Typical navelwort with palish green pendant flowers]

25

Saxifragaceae Chrysosplenium oppositifolium - Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage - Rioumajou valley, Canigou Saxifraga pubescens - Aigues Tortes 2011 Saxifraga aizoides - Yellow Mountain Saxifrage - wet stony places, in leaf in Andorra, in flower at Vielha [Yellow saxifrage, (petals often red-dotted) fleshy oblong leaves] Saxifraga aquatica - Water Saxifrage - stream edges, Eyne, Aigues Tortes and Tor [Stout, erect leafy saxifrage, leaves 3-lobed and shiny; flowers white and 15-20mm] Saxifraga clusii - French Saxifrage - damp acid rocks, French side of Bielsa tunnel 2010 [Hairy, oval leaves (10-20 toothed) in rosette, 3 long & 2 short white petals] Saxifraga exarata ssp. moschata - White Musky Saxifrage - rocks, widespread in France [Hairy cushion saxifrage, 3-5 lobed leaves (not grooved), white oblong petals.] Saxifraga granulata - Meadow Saxifrage - grassland, widespread, e.g. Tor and Vielha, locally very common [Kidney-shaped toothed leaves, bulbils at base and white flowers] Saxifraga hirsuta - Kidney Saxifrage - moist shady ledges, French side of Col du Portillon [Rosettes of long-stalked round hairy leaves; white flowers with red spots - numerous] Saxifraga geranioides - Geranium-like Saxifrage - Val d’Eyne 2011 Saxifraga intricata - 1 plant in bud in Aigues Tortes 2009. 2011, Col de Tentes, common. Saxifraga longifolia - Pyrenean Saxifrage - limestone cliffs, in superb flower this year at many sites on both sides of the border, locally very common [From next by single big rosette, linear strap-like leaves and large white “fox-brush spire” ] Saxifraga oppositifolia - Purple Saxifrage - Col de Tentes, over Saxifraga paniculata - Paniculate Saxifrage - rocks/screes, widespread and locally common, as along Tor road [Lime encrusted rosettes, many white flowers, erect] Saxifraga praetermissa - river gravels at Troumouse, several in flower, 2010 Saxifraga rotundifolia - Round-leaved Saxifrage - 2011 Saxifraga stellaris - Starry Saxifrage - damp rocks, e.g. Vielha tunnel, Aigues Tortes, and Ossoue valley [Like S. clusii but leaves 6-10 toothed, petals usually equal] Saxifraga umbrosa - Wood Saxifrage - Vielha, Rioumajou, and Neouvielle, locally common

Parnassiaceae Parnassia palustris - Grass-of-Parnassus - wet turf, not recorded 2010 or 2011 [Rosette of hairless long-stalked heart-shaped leaves]

Hydrangeaceae Philadelphus coronarius - Mock Orange [naturalised popular sweetly scented white-flowered garden shrub]

Grossulariaceae Ribes uva-crispa - Gooseberry - Eyne 2011 Ribes petraeum - Rock Redcurrant - Aigues Tortes, Eyne [Typical currant, racemes horizontal or drooping] Ribes alpinum - Aigues Tortes [Typical currant, racemes erect]

Platanaceae Platanus x hispanica - London Plane - planted on roadsides [Tree with alternate palmate leaves, scaling bark]

26

Rosaceae Agrimonia eupatoria - Agrimony - Salas, Collegats [Long spike of yellow flowers, bur fruit, leaves pinnate with alternating large and small leaflets]

27

Alchemilla basaltica - a lady’s-mantle - acid rocks [Palmate leaves of 5-7 separate leaflets, silver beneath; clusters of small greenish flowers (each of 4 sepals)] Alchemilla fallax - Deceptive Lady’s-mantle - rocky grassland [Flowers as last; leaves 7-9 lobed (cut <½ way), hairless above and slightly hairy underneath] Alchemilla plicatula - a lady’s-mantle [As A. basaltica , but all 7 leaflets except middle one joined near their base] Alchemilla vulgaris s.l .- Common Lady’s-mantle - grassland, widespread [As A. fallax but spreading hairs on stems and on underside of leaves - A. xanthochlora ?] Alchemilla spp. - many species of this very complex genus present but not identified Amelanchier ovalis - Amelanchier - base-rich rocks, widespread [Shrub with toothed oval leaves and white flowers (petals pointed and narrow)] Aruncus dioicus - Goat’s-beard Spiraea - Rioumajou [Tall herb with 2-pinnate leaves, pyramidal head of white spikes] Cotoneaster integgerimus - Wild Cotoneaster - Eyne Cotoneaster nebrodensis - Neouvielle Crataegus monogyna - Hawthorn - scrub, widespread [Familiar shrub] Dryas octopetala - Mountain avens - noted in France, 2010 [creeping with white 8-petalled flowers and fluffy seed heads] Filipendula ulmaria - Meadowsweet - meadows etc. [Tall herb with =5 pairs of large elm-like leaflets alternating with tiny leaflets; many creamy fragrant flowers] Filipendula vulgaris - Dropwort - scattered records, e.g. Montanana road [Like slender meadowsweet, but 8-25 pairs of the larger leaflets; white petals often purplish beneath] Fragaria moschata - Hautbois Strawberry - Rioumajou [Like next but flower stalks longer than leaves] Fragaria vesca - Wild Strawberry - widespread [Familiar wild strawberry – short flower-stalks] Geum montanum - Alpine Avens - alpine turf, Neouvielle, Andorra [Like G. urbanum , but flowers 25-40mm and fruit with many unhooked styles] Geum rivale - Water Avens - Tor [From other avens by its nodding cream or pale pink flowers] Geum pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Avens - Gavarnie Geum urbanum - Herb Bennet - shade, scattered records, e.g. Vielha tunnel [Yellow flower <15mm, pinnate (big terminal leaflet), fruit barbed style] Potentilla alchimilloides - Alchemilla-leaved Cinquefoil - Gavarnie area, Ossoue Valley, Neouvielle [Leaves like those of Alchemilla basaltica , but only toothed at tip; white flowers ca 2cm] Potentilla montana - Gavarnie area, wild in Tourmalet botanic garden Potentilla anserina - Silverweed [deeply dived very silvery foliage] Potentilla argentea - Hoary Cinquefoil - Tor and in France [Yellow cinquefoil: leaves white beneath, dark green above] Potentilla aurea - Golden Cinquefoil - acid montane turf, Andorra, Aigues Tortes and Tor [Like P. reptans but mat-forming, flowers with gold centres in clusters] Potentilla brauneana - Dwarf Cinquefoil - Tourmalet and Tentes Potentilla erecta -Tormentil - acid grassland, widespread [Ascending herb with yellow 4-petalled flowers] Potentilla micrantha - Pink Barren Strawberry - Aigues Tortes 2010 Potentilla reptans - Creeping Cinquefoil - Tor, Collegats [Familiar prostrate herb, solitary yellow flowers]

28

Potentilla rupestris - Rock Cinquefoil - rocks, local but widespread, Tor, Ossoue, below Bonaigua [Pinnate leaves, white flowers] Potentilla pyrenaica - Pyrenean Cinquefoil – Neouvielle 2009 Potentilla recta - Alins Potentilla tabernaemontani - Eyne Prunus avium - Gean - Eyne [Tall wild cherry tree, white flowers in sessile ] Prunus mahaleb - St Lucie’s Cherry [Shrub with short corymbs of black fruit, each 8-10mm] Prunus padus - Bird Cherry - scattered records [Tree or bush, racemes of black fruit, each 6-8mm] Prunus spinosa - Sloe, Blackthorn - widespread Rosa agrestis - Alins Rosa canina s.l . - Dog Rose - widespread [Deciduous briar with hooked prickles, some sepals divided] Rosa glauca - Blue-leaved Rose - Arreau and Gavarnie areas [From last by blue-green or purplish leaves, sepals not cut or lobed] Rosa pendulina - Alpine Rose - open scrub, Vielha tunnel, Tor, Gavarnie, Eyne, Aigues Tortes [Pink-purple flowers and stems without prickles] Rosa sempervirens - a rose [Evergreen briar, few curved prickles, white flowers, style column] Rosa pimpinellifolia - Burnet Rose - Eyne Rosa tomentosa - Downy Rose - Rioumajou 2011 Rosa villosa - possibly this species at Vielha Rubus idaeus - Raspberry - widespread [Familiar woody plant: pinnate leaves whitish beneath] Rubus fruticosus s.l .- Bramble - ubiquitous on verges, forest edges and rocks [Variable but typical bramble] Rubus saxatilis - Rock Bramble - Gavarnie Sanguisorba minor ssp. muricata - Salad Burnet - base-rich grassland, widespread [Familiar herb, pinnate cucumber-tasting leaves and round greenish heads] Sanguisorba officinalis - Great Burnet - meadows [From last by oblong dull crimson heads] Sibbaldia procumbens - Sibbaldia - Neouvielle, Lac du Cap du Long, in leaf this year Sorbus aria s.s . - Whitebeam - limestone, scattered records, e.g. Fillols [Tree with obovate leaves, white beneath] Sorbus chamaemespilus - False Medlar - Aigues Tortes Sorbus mougeotii - in fine flower in Ossoue valley Sorbus aucuparia - Rowan - acid scrub/rock, widespread and locally common [Familiar pinnate-leaved small tree]

Fabaceae Anthyllis montana - Mountain Kidney-vetch - in fruit on the Col de Canto road [From next by red/purple heads, uninflated calyx] Anthyllis vulneraria ssp. forondae - Kidney Vetch = sampaioana [yellow flowers, calyx 11-13mm] Anthyllis vulneraria ssp.vulnerarioides - Kidney Vetch [as last but calyx 7-9mm] Anthyllis vulneraria ssp. pyrenaica - Kidney Vetch = alpestris - e.g. Tor [Typical kidney vetch with calyx inflated when flowering, pink flowers]

29

Argyrolobium zanonii - Argyrolobium - Montanana road [Low sub-shrub, silver hairy, heads of 1-3 yellow flowers] Astragalus echinatus - Baixols 2008 Astragalus glycyphyllos - Wild Liquorice - French side of Portillon [Procumbent herb with pinnate leaves and heads of creamy flowers] Astragalus monspessulanus - False Vetch - scattered records, e.g. Perbes and Canto road Astragalus penduliflorus - Troumouse Valley 2010 Astragalus purpureus - Purple Vetch - Canto Chamaespartium sagittale - Winged Greenweed - local, e.g. Eyne [Leafless winged stems, heads of yellow flowers] Colutea arborescens - Bladder Senna - Collegats [Pinnate yellow spineless bush, heads of 3-8 and inflated pod.] Coronilla scorpioides - Annual Scorpion-vetch - scattered in Spain [Blue-green annual: simple (or trefoil) elliptical leaves, small yellow flowers and curved pods] Coronilla emerus - Scorpion Senna - Montanana road, near Pont de Suert Coronilla minima - a scorpion-vetch - Salas and Montanana road Coronilla varia - Crown Vetch - Toulouse roadsides etc., near Seu d’Urgell Cytisus purgans - Pyrenean Broom - abundant in Spain and east France = Cytisus oromediterraneus [As next but <1m, standard 10-12 not 16-18mm] Cytisus scoparius - Broom - France, e.g. Portillon [Familiar tall spineless shrub] Cytisus sessilifolius - a broom - Perbes road, Salas [Trefoil leaves (no or short stalk), flowers in leafless racemes] Dorycnium hirsutum - Dorycnium - Salas [Shaggy hairy herb, 5-foliate leaves, 1-2cm pink/white flowers] Dorycnium pentaphyllum - a dorycnium - lower altitudes in Spain Echinospartum horridum - Echinospartum - abundant at Perbes [Like dwarf gorse, opposite branches and trefoil leaves, oblong leaflets] hispanica - Spanish Gorse - Salas, Puymorens [Similar to a dwarf gorse] - Dyer’s Greenweed [Resembles dwarf broom, simple leaves] Genista scorpius - Santa Engracia, Canto road Genista pilosa - Tor and Aigues Tortes Hippocrepis comosa - Horseshoe Vetch - widespread [Pinnate perennial, heads of 5-12 yellow flowers and pods like string of horseshoes] Lathyrus angulatus - Salas 2009 Lathyrus aphaca - Yellow Vetchling - Salas Lathyrus ochraceus - Yellow Pea - Vielha, synonyms Orobus luteus , Lathyrus occidentalis Lathyrus latifolius - Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea - Santa Engracia area etc. [Large clambering, 1 pair of leaflets, tendrils, broad winged stem and 2-3cm pink flowers] Lathyrus montanus - Bitter Vetch - scattered, e.g. Vielha tunnel, Tor, Aigues Tortes and Neouvielle = Lathyrus linifolius [crimson flowers fading blue- green] Lathyrus pratensis - Meadow Pea - scattered records. e.g. Tor, Eyne [Familiar yellow vetch with tendrils and only one pair of leaflets] Lathyrus setifolius - noted on day 8 Lathyrus sphaericus - 1 in Fillols Lathyrus sylvestris - Narrow-leaved Everlasting-pea - recorded Lathyrus vernus - Spring Pea - scattered records alpinus - Alpine Bird’s-foot Trefoil - alpine turf [Similar to next, but heads of 1-3 flowers and leaflets 2-6mm]

30

Lotus corniculatus - Common Bird’s-foot trefoil - widespread [Familiar herb: 5 “leaflets” (each 5-15mm) & heads of 3-6 yellow flowers] Medicago lupulina - Black Medick [Familiar medick with black fruit & many flowered heads] Medicago s. sativa - Lucerne - near Pont de Suert, locally common in fields in France [Purple-headed, fruit spineless and curved] Medicago orbicularis - Large Disc Medick - near Tremp Medicago minima - Bur Medick - Baixols Medicago arabica - Spotted Medick Medicago suffruticosa - a medick - Aigues Tortes and Perbes, Eyne Melilotus alba - White Melilot – verges, locally common [Typical tall melilot but white-flowered] Melilotus officinalis - Common Melilot - verges [From last by yellow flowers each 4-7mm] supina - a sainfoin - Perbes Onobrychis viciifolia - Common Sainfoin - verges by autoroutes etc. Onobrychis saxatilis - Rock Sainfoin - scattered records Ononis aragonenesis - Collegats, near Pont de Suert Ononis cristata - Mt.Cenis Restharrow - Perbes, some fine examples above Tor Ononis n. natrix - Large Yellow Restharrow - near Pont de Suert, Ossoue [From O. aragonensis by petals reddish-veined; sticky hairy] Ononis minutissima - Collegats 2011 Ononis repens - Common Rest-harrow - Salas Ononis rotundifolia - Round-leaved Restharrow - Gave de Gavarnie valley Ononis spinosa - Spiny Restharrow - lower levels in Spain, also France [Spiny, often erect pink-flowered restharrow] Ononis tridentata angustifolia - a restharrow - locally common near Tremp Oxytropis campestris - Yellow Milk-vetch - Ossoue 2011 Oxytropis sp. - a milk-vetch - Eyne 2011, a purple flowered species Psoralea bituminosa - Pitch Trefoil - sub-Mediterranean habitat in Spain and France [Dull green trefoil, smelling of bitumen & violet-blue heads] Robinia pseudacacia - False Acacia - France [Spiny tree with pinnate leaves, pendent white racemes] Spartium junceum - Spanish Broom - roadsides [Bush: rush-like branches; large yellow flowers] Tetragonolobus maritimus - Dragon’s-teeth - scattered records, e.g. Perbes road [Hairy trefoil herb, pale yellow flowers, big winged pods] Trifolium alpinum - Alpine Clover - alpine turf, Vielha, Aigues Tortes [A typical clover: linear lanceolate leaflets, heads of 3-12 flowers, each 18-25mm] Trifolium arvense - Hare’s-foot Clover - Tor, Canto road [Hairy annual, pale pink hare’s-foot heads] Trifolium badium - Brown Clover - Tor, Vielha [Resembles next i.e. large golden yellow trefoil, but turns chestnut] Trifolium campestre - Hop Trefoil- Tor [Annual yellow trefoil, heads of 20-30 flowers] Trifolium m. medium - Zigzag Clover - Eyne Trifolium montanum - Mountain Clover - widespread in meadows [Erect white/sulphur perennial with lanceolate leaflets; individual flowers 7-9mm] Trifolium ochroleucon - Sulphur Clover - below Peyresourde, Ossoue Trifolium pratense - Red Clover [Erect red clover, usually with pale crescents on leaflets]

31

Trifolium r. repens - White Clover [Familiar: white, creeping (rooting at nodes), papery fruit] Trifolium rubens - Red Trefoil - Tor [Erect perennial clover, with oblong (not oval/round) heads] Trifolium scabrum - Rough Clover Trifolium striatum - Knotted Clover Trifolium thalii - Tor, Neouvielle Ulex parviflorus - Canto road 2011 Vicia cracca - Tufted Vetch - widespread [Familiar purple vetch, silvery leaves] Vicia hirsuta - Hairy Tare - Tor, Canigou [Typical tare with tiny lilac flowers and hairy fruit] Vicia hybrida - Hairy Yellow Vetchling - near Tremp 2011 Vicia onobrychiodes - scattered, e.g. Eyne, Perbes and Tor Vicia orobus - Vielha 2009 Vicia peregrina - Boixols 2010 Vicia pyrenaica - Pyrenean Vetch - locally common in France, e.g. Bielsa and Neouvielle [3-6 pairs of roundish leaflets and solitary bright violet flowers 16-25mm] Vicia sativa - Common Vetch - scattered [Familiar pink leafy vetch; 1-2 flowers together] Vicia sepium - Bush Vetch - widespread, mainly France [Typical vetch with ovate leaflets, heads of 2-6 dull bluish- purple flowers, each 12-15mm] Vicia tenuifolia - Fine-leaved Vetch - Perbes and Tor [Like V. cracca but flowers 12-18 not 8-12mm]

Oxalidaceae - Wood Sorrel - France, e.g. Eyne [Trefoil leaves (acid-tasting), nodding white 5-petalled flowers]

Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium - Common Stork’s-bill - a few records in Spain, e.g. Tor [Typical stork’s-bill with fern-like leaves, pink flowers and beaked fruit] Erodium malacoides - Mallow-leaved Stork’s-bill - lower altitudes in Spain Erodium petraeum - Rock Stork’s-bill - Santa Engracia, Plata Verde, 2008 Geranium cinereum - in superb flower on calcareous rocks at Col de Tentes Geranium columbinum - Long-stalked Crane’s-bill – Tor, Perbes road, Gaudi’s Inspiration [Narrow-lobed palmate leaves; 12-18mm flowers with pink un-notched petals] Geranium dissectum - Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill - scattered records, e.g. Santa Engracia [Like latter, but with smaller flowers, notched petals] Geranium molle - Dove’s-foot Crane’s-bill - noted in France [From G. dissectum by its wedge-lobed leaves, more purplish- pink flowers (7-15mm)] Geranium phaeum - Dusky Crane’s-bill -Woods in France, e.g. Rioumajou [Perennial: pairs of blackish-purple to brownish-purple flowers, each 15-20mm] Geranium pyrenaicum - Mountain Crane’s-bill - widespread and common [Rough grass. Close to G. molle , but flowers 15->20mm] Geranium robertianum - Herb Robert - widespread in shade [Aromatic, fern-like leaves, un-notched pink petals, orange pollen] Geranium rotundifolium - Round-leaved Crane’s-bill - scattered records, e.g. near Pont de Suert [Like G. molle , but shallowly-lobed, unnotched petals] Geranium sanguineum - Bloody Crane’s-bill - near Vielha [Cut leaves, 3-4cm crimson flowers]

32

Geranium pratense - Meadow Crane’s-bill - Tor, Eyne [Perennial with well-cut leaves and bright violet-blue 25-30mm flowers] Geranium sylvaticum - Wood Crane’s-bill - widespread and locally common, e.g. Eyne and Aigues Tortes [Shade/meadows: from G. pratense by its red-purple flowers 12-25mm]

Linaceae Linum bienne - Pale Flax - Collegats Linum catharticum - Fairy Flax - local but widespread, e.g. Vielha tunnel [Tiny opposite-leaved white flax, typical round capsule] Linum narbonense - Beautiful Flax - common at Perbes, and Canto road [Tall blue flax 5-6cm flowers] Linum perenne - Blue Flax - noted on one day 2008 Linum suffruticosum ssp. salsoloides - Pyrenean Flax - lower altitudes in Spain, e.g. Perbes [Sprawling perennial, linear leaves, 2-3cm white flowers] Linum strictum - Upright Yellow Flax - near Tremp Linum trigynum - a flax - Montanana road Linum viscosum - Sticky Flax - Salas and below Perbes [Sticky perennial, ovate-lanceolate leaves, pink flowers 25-35mm]

Rutaceae Ruta angustifolia - a rue - Collegats

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia amygdaloides - Wood Spurge - woods, France [Tall hairy perennial, reddish stems, capsule hairless and raylet leaves joined forming a cup] Euphorbia characias - Large Mediterranean Spurge - several sites in Spain, e.g. Tor road [Like Wood Spurge but more robust and with hairy capsule] Euphorbia cyparissias - Cypress Spurge - widespread and common [Patch forming perennial with linear leaves and yellowish bracts] Euphorbia flavicoma - a spurge - Peyresourde Euphorbia helioscopia - Sun Spurge - Santa Engracia [Familiar weedy spurge, toothed leaves] Euphorbia hyberna - Irish Spurge - Gavarnie [Perennial, leaves hairy beneath, fruit warty, ray-leaves not joined] Euphorbia nicaeensis - a spurge - Fillols Euphorbia segetalis - a spurge - Ager lunch site 2010 Euphorbia peplus - Petty Spurge - noted in France Euphorbia exigua - Dwarf Spurge - Baixols 2010 Euphorbia serrata - a spurge - common in Spain Mercurialis perennis - Dog’s Mercury - woods, France [Like perennial nettle, with erect spikes and dull leaves]

Simaroubaceae Ailanthus altissima - Tree of Heaven - locally naturalised, e.g. Salas [Suckering tree, alternate pinnate leaves (teeth have gland beneath)]

Polygalaceae Polygala alpina - Alpine Milkwort - Tourmalet etc. Polygala alpestris - Mountain Milkwort - alpine turf, Aigues Tortes and Vielha

33

[Typical blue milkwort, leaves increasing in size upward] Polygala comosa - Tufted Milkwort - scattered records [Leaves more even, and flowers lilac-pink 4-6mm long] Polygala nicaeensis ssp.caesalpinii - Nice Milkwort - Perbes [Perennial usually pink milkwort, bracts longer than flower stalks, flowers 9-11mm] Polygala rupestris - Rock Milkwort - Tremp reservoir 2011 Polygala vulgaris - Common Milkwort - scattered Polygala calcarea - Chalk Milkwort - Perbes

Hippocastanaceae Aesculus hippocastanum - Horse Chestnut [Popular ‘conker’ tree with large compound palmate leaves]

Coriariaceae Coriaria myrtifolia - Mediterranean Coriaria - scrub and plantation edge, lower altitudes in Spain [Bush, opposite ovate leaves, small green flowers, fruit of 5 black achenes and fleshy red petals]

Anacardiaceae Cotinus coggygria - Smoke Tree - planted, autoroutes [Shrub with ovate untoothed leaves, feathery fruit-stalks] Pistacia lentiscus - Mastic Tree - sub-Mediterranean areas [Evergreen shrub: pinnate leaves normally have no terminal leaflet] Pistachia terebinthus - Terebinth - Montanana road

Aceraceae Acer campestre - Field Maple - Tor etc. [Maple with blunt lobed leaves (latex in stalk), and erect flower-head] Acer monspessulanum - Montpelier Maple - Collegats [From other Acer by 3-lobed leaves, leathery, lobes untoothed] Acer opalus - Italian Maple - Tor [As Field Maple but latex absent in ] Acer platanoides - Norway Maple - France [Resembles sycamore, leaves 5-7 lobed and long-pointed lobes] Acer pseudoplatanus - Sycamore - France

Aquifoliaceae Ilex aquifolium - Holly – Rioumajou, Canigou

Buxaceae Buxus sempervirens - Box - locally dominant as at Col de Perbes [Evergreen bush: opposite untoothed leaves; 3-horned fruit]

Rhamnaceae Frangula alnus - Alder Buckthorn [Deciduous: shrub obovate shiny alternate untoothed leaves; 3mm green flowers; red berries turning black] Rhamnus alaternus - Mediterranean Buckthorn - Santa Engracia area and St.Llorenc [Evergreen shrub with glossy thick leaves and reddish berries] Rhamnus alpinus - Alpine Buckthorn - noted on several days in France, e.g. Ossoue and Eyne

34

Rhamnus saxatilis - Rock Buckthorn - Gavarnie and Ossoue

Vitaceae Vitis vinifera - Common Vine [Familiar climber]

Tiliaceae Tilia cordata - Small-leaved Lime [Typical linden: heart-shaped pointed leaves, erect cymes & smooth fruit] Tilia platyphyllos - Large-leaved Lime [From latter by ribbed fruit on pendant cymes]

Malvaceae Althaea cannabina - Montanana road 2011 Althaea hirsuta - Rough Marsh Mallow - Salas Malva moschata - Musk Mallow - dry grass, roadsides, e.g. Val d’Aran [3-6cm pale pink flowers solitary in axil of divided leaves] Malva neglecta - Dwarf Mallow Malva sylvestris - Common Mallow - rough grass, widespread [Familiar pink-purple biennial/perennial: roundish 3- 7 lobed/angled leaves]

Thymelaeaceae Daphne cneorum - Garland-flower - alpine turf, Bonaigua, Vielha, and Aigues Tortes [Evergreen prostrate bush, spoon-shaped leaves, pink fragrant flowers, var. pygmaea ] Daphne laureola - Spurge-laurel - in fruit in France, Rioumajou [Low evergreen rhododendron-like bush with berry fruit. Ssp. philippi ] Daphne mezereum - Mezereon - in fruit in Aigues Tortes and Eyne [Deciduous bush: red short-stalked berries below] Thymelaea dioica - 1 in Collegats gorge 2011 Thymelaea sanamunda - discovered at several Mediterranean influenced sites in Spain, 2008. 2010, one at Salas.

Hypericaceae Hypericum androsaemum - Tutsan - woods, France [Low bush: opposite aromatic leaves; yellow flowers, many stamens and berry-like fruit] Hypericum maculatum - Imperforate St. John’s-wort - moist sites, in leaf [Erect herbaceous St John’s-wort, no translucent dots] Hypericum perforatum - Perforate St John’s-wort - widespread [Similar to latter, but with translucent dots in leaves] Hypericum richeri ssp. burseri - Alpine St John’s-wort - Aigues Tortes in leaf, in flower below Tourmalet [From last 2 spp by having petals evenly covered in black dots. ] Hypericum nummularium - Western St John’s-wort - in leaf in Ossoue valley, wet rock face

Violaceae Viola arvensis -Field Pansy - disturbed ground, e.g. Santa Engracia [Typical mainly white pansy, flowers 1-1.5cm across] Viola cornuta - Horned Pansy - meadows, locally common as at Vielha tunnel [Lilac or violet pansy: flower 20-35mm, spur 10-15mm] Viola riviniana - Common Dog Violet - Piau-Engaly 2010 Viola rupestris - Teesdale Violet - Col de Tentes 35

Viola palustris - Marsh Violet - boggy turf, Troumouse valley, and Aigues Tortes [Stemless violet, leaves kidney-shaped; pale lilac unscented flowers, 3-angled capsule] Viola pyrenaica - Pyrenean Violet - alpine turf, widespread, e.g. Vielha and Aigues Tortes. Numerous at Val d’Eyne. [No runners; shiny leaves] Viola biflora - Yellow Wood Violet - in flower in Val d’Eyne, Tentes, and Troumouse valley Viola tricolor ssp. subalpina - Heartsease - scattered records, e.g. Val d’Eyne [Familiar bi- or tri-coloured pansy.]

Cistaceae Cistus salvifolius - Sage-leaved Cistus - near Santa Engracia 2008 [Low shrub, with sage-like leaves and white flowers 3-5cm wide] Cistus laurifolius - below Coll. Del Canto and Fillols Fumana ericoides - Perbes Fumana procumbens - Canto road 2011 Helianthemum apenninum - White Rockrose - Col de Perbes and Ossoue valley [Low undershrub, opposite leaves woolly beneath and white flowers] Helianthemum canum ssp. piloselloides - Hoary Rockrose - Perbes and Santa Engracia [As last but yellow flowers 8-15mm, lower leaves 0 stipules.] ssp. glabrum - Common Rockrose - dry turf, widespread, yellow flowers, e.g. Tor Helianthemum nummularium ssp. pyrenaicum - pink flowers, e.g. Santa Engracia and Perbes [Oblong leaves white beneath with flowers 12-20mm] Helianthemum oelandicum - noted in Spain

Cucurbitaceae Bryonia cretica - White Bryony - scattered records e.g. Salas [Climber with mottled maple-like leaves opposite tendrils and greenish- white flowers]

Cactaceae Opuntia sp. - St.Llorenc 2010

Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria - Purple Loosestrife - France, roadsides

Onagraceae Epilobium angustifolium - Rosebay Willowherb - verges and margins [Familiar herb: all leaves alternate, spike of pink flowers slightly asymmetric 2-3cm] Epilobium anagallidifolium - Alpine Willowherb - wet gravel, Tor [Creeping, most leaves opposite, regular flowers 6-9mm] Epilobium alsinifolium - Chickweed Willowherb - wet flushes, Ossoue and Troumouse valleys Epilobium hirsutum - Great Hairy Willowherb - en route to Toulouse, in leaf near Pont de Suert [Tall, spreading hairy, flowers 2-3cm but regular, lower leaves opposite] Epilobium montanum - Broad-leaved Willowherb - scattered records, mostly in France, e.g. Gavarnie [As last, but flower 12-20mm and most hairs appressed] Oenothera biennis - Common Evening-primrose - roadsides [Typical evening primrose, large 4-petalled yellow flowers]

Punicaceae Punica granatum - Pomegranate - lower altitudes in Spain

36

Cornaceae Cornus sanguinea - Dogwood - scrub at lower altitudes [Shrub: opposite untoothed leaves, crimson twigs]

Araliaceae Hedera helix - Ivy - Salas [Familiar evergreen climber with lobed leaves]

Apiaceae Angelica razulii - Tor and Vielha. In leaf Val d’Eyne. Angelica sylvestris - Wild Angelica - recorded in France Anthriscus sylvestris - Cow Parsley - Gavarnie major - Great Masterwort - Vielha, Val d’Eyne. [Five-lobed leaves; dense pinkish umbels surrounded by long bracts] Astrantia minor - Lesser Masterwort - Rioumajou 2011 Bupleurum baldense - a hare’s-ear - Perbes 2009, very small plants. 2010 Montanana road. Bupleurum falcatum - Sickle Hare’s-ear - lower altitudes in Spain, e.g. Montanana road Carum carvi - Caraway - Tor etc. Chaerophyllum temulem - Rough Chervil - common in France, also noted in Spain Chaerophyllum aureum - Vielha tunnel (2009), and France Chaerophyllum hirsutum - Hairy Chervil - common in France, also Vielha tunnel Conopodium majus - Pignut - France [2-3 pinnate hairless tuberous perennial, leaflets linear and lower part of stem leafless; delicate white umbels] Conopodium pyrenaicum - Conopodium – Tor and Aigues Tortes, Vielha tunnel [As latter but leafy to stem base and leaflets ovate] Daucus carota - Wild Carrot - Santa Engracia [Familiar coarse herb, divided bracts, bur fruit] Endressia pyrenaica - near Formigueres 2011 Eryngium bourgatii - Pyrenean Eryngo - between Arreau and Tourmalet [As next, but heads 15-25mm, bluish with 10-15 bracts] - Field Eryngo - scattered records [Greenish spiny perennial, heads 10-15mm (5-7 bracts), basal leaves 3- lobed] Foeniculum vulgare - Fennel - lower altitudes [Feathery foliage, yellow umbels, aniseed aroma] Heracleum sphondylium ssp. montanum - Hogweed - common and widespread [Coarse bristly perennial, large dirty white umbels, outer petals longer, medium altitudes] Heracleum sphondylium ssp. pyrenaicum - high altitudes Laserpitium latifolium - Broad-leaved Sermountain - local, in flower below Col du Tourmalet, and Tor Laserpitium siler - Vielha tunnel, Val d’Aran, below Bonaigua Laserpitium nestleri ssp.flabellatum - Baixols and Gaudi’s Inspiration Laserpitium gallicum - Gaudi’s Inspiration Ligusticum lucidum - a lovage, Canigou 2011 Meum athamanticum - Baldmoney - alpine turf, e.g. Aigues Tortes, Bonaigua, and Vielha [Aromatic, white umbels, 3-4 capillary pinnate] Molopospermum peloponnesiacum - this fine umbellifer was in flower at Neouvielle and Tor, and in bud at Aigues Tortes, also Val d’Eyne Myrrhis odorata - Sweet Cicely - picnic site below Col de Tourmalet Orlaya grandiflora - Orlaya - locally common at lower altitudes in Spain

37

[Annual with 2-3 pinnate leaves and white umbels with outer petals 8 times longer than others] Peucedanum ostruthium - Masterwort - Common in leaf Aigues Tortes and Val d’Eyne Pimpinella major - Greater Burnet-saxifrage - Gavarnie, pink flowers [Tall 1-pinnate perennial (3-9 ovate segments), angled hollow stem; white umbels, bracts/bracteoles] Pimpinella saxifraga - Burnet Saxifrage - Gavarnie [Similar but solid stems and 7-15 leaf segments] Sanicula europaea - Sanicle - woods, Rioumajou valley [Palmate-lobed glossy leaves & dense sub-umbels] Scandix pecten-veneris - Shepherd’s-needle - Boixols 2010 Seseli libanotis - Moon Carrot - Ossoue valley [From Daucus by pure white umbels, bracts undivided; stock covered in fibres] Seseli montanum - Col de Perbes Tordylium apulum - recorded 2011 Torilis arvensis - Spreading Hedge-parsley - near Pont de Suert, Canigou Torilis japonica - Upright Hedge Parsley - St.Llorenc Trinia glauca - Honewort - recorded 2011

Pyrolaceae Moneses uniflora - One-flowered Wintergreen - a few in Rioumajou valley, in fruit Pyrola chlorantha - Yellow Wintergreen - a few at Rioumajou 2011 Pyrola media - Intermediate Wintergreen - Val d’Eyne 2011, in bud Pyrola minor - Lesser Wintergreen - local in France, e.g. Val d’Eyne, in bud [Typical Pyrola : rosette of elliptical leaves; unranked raceme of white to pink globose 5-7mm flowers] Pyrola rotundifolia - Round-leaved Wintergreen - Val d’Eyne 2011, in bud

Monotropaceae Monotropa hypopitys - Yellow Bird’s-nest - 2009:- 2 at the lunch site in Spain on day 9. Not seen at our traditional site near Pont de Suert for many years now. 2010 found at a new site in Spain, Ordesa area. 2011:- 1 at Salas.

Ericaceae Arbutus unedo - Strawberry Tree - St.Llorenc 2009 Arctostaphylos uva-ursi - Bearberry - scattered records at higher altitudes, e.g. Aigues Tortes, in flower [Prostrate evergreen mat-forming shrub: untoothed leaves; red berries] vulgaris - Ling - moors & open woods, e.g. lower Tor road [Familiar heather, differing from an Erica by its overlapping scale-like leaves] Erica arborea - Tree Heath - Numerous, gone over, Luz valley Erica tetralix - Cross-leaved Heath - bogs, Vielha tunnel [Grey undershrub, needle leaves in 4s, drooping bells] Loiseleuria procumbens - Creeping Azalea - Envalira 2011 - Alpenrose - alpine slopes, much in leaf but also many in flower [Evergreen shrub to 1m, elliptic shiny leaves (rusty beneath); deep pink bell-like flowers to 15mm] Vaccinium myrtillus - Bilberry - moors and open woods, France, in leaf at Vielha, Aigues Tortes [Deciduous shrub, oval toothed leaves (mid-green); blue-black berries]

Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis - Scarlet Pimpernel - open ground, lower altitudes in Spain, Toulouse Airport etc. [Familiar red-flowered weed, although mostly blue flowered form seen] Anagallis foemina - Blue Pimpernel - definate foemina at lunch site near Pont de Suert Androsace carnea ssp. laggeri - Pink Rock-jasmine - alpine turf, Bonaigua, and Andorra

38

[Low tufted perennial, dense rosettes of linear leaves; leafless stem with of 2-8 pink flowers] Androsace vandellii - Aigues Tortes, a few cushions in good flower Androsace chamaejasme - Ciliate Rock-jasmine Androsace ciliata - a rock-jasmine - Col de Tourmalet 2008 Androsace villosa - a rock-jasmine - Col de Tentes calcareous outcrop, Ossoue Valley etc. Coris monspeliensis - Coris - near Tremp [Linear revolute leaved perennial, woody at base; dense spike of irregular blue or pink flowers] Lysimachia nemorum - Yellow Pimpernel - Neouvielle and Rioumajou [Creeping perennial, opposite lanceolate leaves, saucer-like yellow flowers 6-8.5mm] Primula elatior - Oxlip – in fruit at Rioumajou [Leaves abruptly narrowed to stalk, pale yellow flowers in 1-sided cluster] Primula farinosa - Bird’s-eye Primrose - damp turf, Vielha tunnel and in France at Tentes [Leaves white-mealy beneath; lilac-pink umbel (8-16mm)] Primula hirsuta - Red Alpine Primrose - rocks, a few superb flowering rosettes below Col de Tentes [As last but sticky hairy, not mealy; leaves toothed; 1-15 pink-purple flowers 2-3cm] Primula latifolia - Viscid Primrose - gone over at Eyne Primula integrifolia - Entire-leaved Primrose - wet turf, numerous in Aigues Tortes, Tentes and Andorra [From last by untoothed leaves, 1-3 rosy flowers15-25mm] Primula veris - Cowslip - in flower at Eyne [From Oxlip by fragrant deeper yellow flowers. Ssp. columnae has leaves white beneath] Soldanella alpina - Alpine Snowbell - several in flower in Aigues Tortes and Neouvielle [All leaves basal, heart-shaped; flowers deeply-fringed, violet] Vitaliana primuliflora ssp. canescens - Vitaliana - stony ground, Port de la Bonaigua [Mat-forming or tufted, all leaves basal and linear; 12-18mm yellow flowers.]

Plumbaginaceae Armeria maritima ssp.alpina - Mountain Thrift - rocks and stony turf [Typical thrift: hairless linear leaves. Head 18-30mm.] Armeria alliacea - scattered records, Tor and Aigues Tortes

Oleaceae Fraxinus excelsior - Ash - woods, widespread [Familiar tree with opposite pinnate leaves and black buds] Jasminum fruticans - Wild Jasmine - in fruit at St.Llorenc, and Gaudi’s Inspiration Ligustrum vulgare - Privet - base-rich scrub, scattered records [Familiar semi-evergreen shrub] Olea europaea - Olive - lower sites in Spain

Gentianaceae Blackstonia perfoliata - Yellowwort - near Tremp, and Collegats Centaurium erythraea - Common Centaury - Montanana road and near Tremp Centaurium pulchellum - Lesser Centaury - near Tremp Gentiana lutea - Greater Yellow Gentian - locally common in France [Tall perennial: oval, blue-green ribbed leaves; starry yellow flowers in whorls] Gentiana acaulis - Trumpet Gentian - scattered records, e.g. Puymorens, Bonaigua, Vielha, and Aigues Tortes [Low tufted perennial: grey-green elliptical leaves; blue stalked trumpet flowers 4-7cm (green spotted inside)] Gentiana alpina - Southern Gentian - acid alpine turf, Andorra, a few at Bonaigua, many at Troumouse (2010), and Col de Tentes [As last but round-oval leaves, flowers 4cm and hardly stalked] Gentiana cruciata - Cross Gentian - In leaf along Cirque de Gavarnie track 2010

39

Gentiana pyrenaica - Pyrenean Gentian - a fine addition to the list in 2011, many in Andorra Gentiana verna - Spring Gentian - scattered records, montane turf, numerous above Tor, also Andorra, and Eyne [Bright blue, deeply 5-lobed flowers; bright green lanceolate leaves] Gentiana brachyphylla - Col de Tentes Gentiana pumila delphinensis - growing wild in the Tourmalet botanic garden, 2009 Gentianella campestris - Field Gentian - above Gavarnie

Asclepiadaceae Vincetoxicum hirundinaria ssp. intermedium - Swallow-wort - widespread [Opposite heart-shaped leaves, latex, yellow flower clusters ] Vincetoxicum nigrum - Black Swallow-wort - Collegats Gorge

Rubiaceae Sherardia arvensis - Field Madder - near Tremp Galium album - Hedge Bedstraw - near Pont de Suert etc. [Scrambler, whorls of 6-8 leaves, smooth stem] Galium aparine - Cleavers - lower Tor road Galium pyrenaicum - Neouvielle, Tentes and Tourmalet Galium odoratum - Sweet Woodruff - woods in France [Erect, whorls of 6-9 leaves, forming ruff round white flowers] Galium v. verum - Lady’s Bedstraw - scattered [Whorls of 8-12 dark green linear leaves, terminal yellow inflorescence] Galium caespitosum - Gavarnie Galium cometerhizon - Gavarnie area Galium pumilum - scattered records, e.g. Vielha tunnel Galium maritimum - a bedstraw - hirsute, with small red flowers, a pleasing addition to the list, Collegats, 2011 Galium spp. - others not identified Cruciata glabra - a crosswort - Tor [Like next but no bracts on ] Cruciata laevipes - Crosswort - Tor, this species at Eyne [Leaves in whorls of 4, with yellow flowers at base and 2 bracts on peduncle] Rubia peregrina - Wild Madder - a few records in Spain, e.g. near Pont de Suert [Like coarse evergreen cleavers with berries] aristata scabra - a woodruff - Montanana road Asperula cynanchica - Squinancywort - at the first (wet!) lunch site in France, 2010 Asperula hirta - a woodruff - Gavarnie

Convolvulaceae Cuscuta epithymum - Common Dodder - Fillols Cuscuta europaea - Greater Dodder - probably this species parasitic on Urtica , Montanana road Calystegia sepium - Hedge Bindweed [Typical large white bindweed] Convolvulus arvensis - Field Bindweed - scattered [Familiar pink perennial; arrow-shaped leaves] Convolvulus cantabrica - Pink Bindweed - lower altitudes in Spain, e.g. Montanana road [Typical pink bindweed flower but erect, with linear/elliptic leaves]

Boraginaceae Buglossoides arvensis - Corn Gromwell - Eyne

40

Lithospermum officinale - Common Gromwell - near Pont de Suert [Tall rough hairy perennial: many lanceolate leaves, whitish 4-6mm flowers, shining white very hard nutlets] Lithodora fruticosa - Montanana road Onosma bubanii - a Golden-drop - Baixols road 2010, endemic to central Spanish Pyrenees Echium vulgare -Viper’s Bugloss - widespread and common [Bristly bright blue biennial] affinis - a lungwort - in leaf at Eyne [Typical lungwort: rough, white-spotted leaves ca 2-6x long as broad] Pulmonaria angustifolia - Narrow-leaved Lungwort - noted on Day 1, 2011 Pulmonaria longifolia - Long-leaved Lungwort - Neouvielle, in leaf [from last by narrower leaves ca 6-9 times as long as broad] Pulmonaria montana - Vielha tunnel 2009 Anchusa italica - Italian Bugloss - 1 plant, arable weed in Spanish lowlands 2008 Asperugo procumbens - Madwort - Tor 2011 Myosotis alpestris - Alpine Forget-me-not - locally common in alpine turf, e.g. Tor, Bonaigua, Vielha, and Aigues Tortes [Perennial blue forget-me-not, 9mm flowers] Myosotis arvensis - Common Forget-me-not - widespread [Low 3mm blue-flowered biennial forget-me-not.] Myosotis decumbens - a forget-me-not - noted in 2009 Myosotis scorpioides - Water Forget-me-not - Aigues Tortes Myosotis sylvatica - Wood Forget-me-not - scattered records Cynoglossum creticum - Blue Hound’s-tongue - near Tremp [dark-veined pale blue flowers] Cynoglossum officinale - Common Hound’s-tongue - scattered records, e.g. Tor, Aigues Tortes and France [Grey soft-hairy leaves, smells of mice; maroon flowers]

Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis - Vervain - near Tremp and Tor road [Stiff erect perennial with opposite pinnately-lobed leaves and spikes of pink-lilac flowers]

Lamiaceae Ajuga chamaepitys - Ground Pine - near Salas, and Isona 2010 Ajuga pyramidalis - Pyramidal Bugle - montane turf, Eyne, Bonaigua and Vielha [Creeping perennial: dense spike of pale violet 1-lipped flowers] Ajuga reptans - Bugle - France Teucrium chamaedrys - Wall Germander - Santa Engracia [Low woody-based, with shiny toothed leaves; purple 1-lipped flowers 9-16mm] Teucrium polium - Felty Germander - in leaf, Montanana road and Perbes [Densely felted subshrub: 1-lipped white flowers; leaves wrinkly.] Teucrium aureum – Baixols 2010 Teucrium botrys - Cut-leaved Germander - Gaudi’s Inspiration 2010 Teucrium pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Germander - Perbes and Ossoue [Round-oval (not oblong) leaves; 1-lipped white flowers] Teucrium montanum - Mountain Germander - Montanana road Teucrium scorodonia - Wood-sage - in flower at Collegats [Sage-like leaves, 9mm pale greenish-yellow 1-lipped flowers] Marrubium vulgare - White Horehound - Santa Engracia [White-downy thyme-scented herb with roundish leaves and white flowers] Sideritis hirsuta - Santa Engracia area and Perbes [Low scented perennial; yellow flowers 8-10mm, oblong leaves]

41

Phlomis herba-venti - a Jerusalem-sage - Baixols, in leaf, 2010 Phlomis lychnitis - a Jerusalem-sage - Montanana road [Evergreen linear-leaved white felted bush with yellow flowers] Galeopsis angustifolia - Red Hemp-nettle - near Pont de Suert 2011 Galeopsis tetrahit - Common Hemp-nettle - noted in leaf Lamium album - White Dead-nettle Lamium maculatum - Spotted Dead-nettle - scattered records [Perennial pink dead-nettle: curved corolla tube and white blotch on leaves] Lamium galeobdolon - Yellow Archangel - Rioumajou, Neouvielle Ballota nigra - Black Horehound - near Llavorsi [Foetid; coarse-toothed leaves, small purple flowers. ssp. foetida ] Stachys officinalis - Betony - Between Arreau and Tourmalet [From last by red-purple flowers 12-1-8mm] Stachys alopecuros - Ossoue Stachys recta - Perennial Yellow Woundwort - dry rocky places, e.g. Santa Engracia area, Tor, near Pont de Suert [Differs from S. annua by perennial habit, oblong-oval leaves; pale yellow 15-20mm flowers, purple streaked] Stachys sylvatica - Hedge Woundwort - France and below Bonaigua [Pungent smelling perennial: no rosette, cordate leaves; red-purple flowers 13-18mm] Glechoma hederacea - Ground Ivy [Low creeping perennial smelling of blackcurrants, round bluntly toothed leaves and pale violet flowers 15-22mm] Prunella grandiflora ssp. grandiflora - Large Self-heal - on calcareous soil, France Prunella grandiflora ssp. pyrenaica Large Self-heal - on acid soil, France [Typical scentless self-heal with deep violet flowers 25-30mm] Prunella laciniata - Cut-leaved Self-heal - Perbes and Santa Engracia area [Typical self-heal with pinnately-lobed leaves and cream flowers] Prunella vulgaris - Self Heal - France Satureja montana - Winter Savory - locally common in leaf [Wide-branched aromatic under-shrub with pink flowers] Acinos alpinus - Alpine Calamint - Aigues Tortes, Gavarnie etc. [Decumbent perennial: 10-14mm violet flowers marked white.] Acinos arvensis - Basil Thyme - scattered records, e.g. Tor Clinopodium vulgare - Wild Basil - Gavarnie Origanum vulgare - Marjoram - scattered records in leaf [Aromatic widely branched herb: oval untoothed leaves with purple bracts] Thymus pulegioides - Large Wild-thyme - locally numerous [Typical low creeping aromatic thyme; flowers 6mm] Thymus serpyllum - Wild Thyme - widespread [Similar but flowers 3-6mm] Thymus vulgaris - Thyme - Fillols 2011 Mentha arvensis - Corn Mint - in leaf Mentha aquatica - Water Mint - noted in leaf, Eyne, Salas and Tor [Typical mint with globular terminal flowerhead] Mentha longifolia - Horse Mint - in leaf [Differs from latter in its elongate terminal spike and less pleasant aroma] Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary - Montanana road [Familiar aromatic shrub; linear revolute leaves] Lavandula angustifolia - Common Lavender - sub-Mediterranean sites in Spain [Typical aromatic narrow-leaved lavender] Lavandula stoechas - French Lavender - Fillols 2011

42

Salvia verbenaca - Wild Clary - near Tremp Salvia officinalis - Wild Sage - Tremp Reservoir - Meadow Clary - widespread and common [From S. verbenaca by unlobed leaves and flowers 20-30mm] Salvia sclarea - Clary - near Montanana 2010 [From last by big lilac/white bracts and lilac flowers]

Solanaceae Hyoscyamus niger - Black Henbane - below Perbes, Tor [Irregularly lobed leaves, pale yellow flowers (purple veins)] Solanum dulcamara - Bittersweet - Perbes [Scrambler, often lobed leaves, purple flowers, column of anthers] Solanum nigrum - Black Nightshade

Buddlejaceae Buddleja davidii - Buddleia - Aure valley [Familiar shrub: opposite lanceolate leaves, long lilac flower-panicles]

Scrophulariaceae Verbascum lychnitis - White Mullein - verges, mostly yellow flowered form, some with white flowers in France [Mealy-white mullein: angled stem and flower-stalks 6-11mm; mostly yellow-flowered, white form seen] Verbascum pulverulentum - Hoary Mullein - verges, autoroutes, locally very common [As White Mullein (woolly with yellow candelabra inflorescence) but flower-stalks 2-5mm] Verbascum thapsus - Aaron’s Rod - widespread [Familiar woolly mullein with spike-like inflorescence, winged stem and yellow flowers] Verbascum nigrum - Dark Mullein - scattered records Verbascum blattaria - Moth Mullein - several at Salas and near Pont de Suert Verbascum boerhavii - a mullein - near Arreau Scrophularia canina - French Figwort - Tor and Gavarnie area [Typical figwort flowers, but narrow-pinnate lobed leaves] Scrophularia nodosa - Common Figwort - France [Typical brown figwort: 4-angled stem, 2-serrate, cordate hairless leaves] Scrophularia alpestris - a Figwort - Tor and France Scrophularia pyrenaica - a figwort - Rioumajou and below Portillon Anarrhinum bellidifolium - Tor Antirrhinum latifolium - a Snapdragon - a few in Spain [Yellow flowers] Antirrhinum majus - Common Snapdragon - local in Spain, e.g. near Pont de Suert [Typical pink snapdragon: flowers 33-45mm] Antirrhinum molle - Soft Snapdragon - Gaudi’s Inspiration [Dwarf, shrubby, softly downy, with white flowers 25-35mm] Antirrhinum sempervirens - Rock Snapdragon - Neouvielle 2009 [Differs in all leaves opposite, leathery; flowers white 20-25mm] Chaenorrhinum minus - Small Toadflax - Montanana road, near Pont de Suert, Tor road [Low annual, oblong leaves; lilac toadflax flowers 6-9mm] Chaenorrhinum origanifolium - locally common in Ossoue Valley and Rioumajou Misopates orontium - Weasel’s Snout - near Pont de Suert 2009 Asarina procumbens - Creeping Snapdragon - Formigueres and Tor road Linaria alpina - Alpine Toadflax - local but widespread, e.g. Bonaigua, Puymorens, Aigues Tortes

43

[Low glaucous toadflax, linear-oblong leaves and 13-22mm violet flowers, yellow palate, also pure blue form] Linaria repens - Pale Toadflax - Tor and Aigues Tortes [Erect greyish toadflax: lower leaves whorled, white or pale lilac flowers]

44

Linaria supina - Pyrenean Toadflax - Tor road, Santa Engracia, and France [Decumbent linear-leaved toadflax, yellow flowers with long spur] Linaria sp. - a tall yellow flowered species in the La Seu d’Urgell area Cymbalaria muralis - Ivy-leaved Toadflax Digitalis lutea - Small Yellow Foxglove - locally several in France [Nearly hairless yellow foxglove; dense spikes of pale tubular flowers] Digitalis purpurea - Common Foxglove - France and below Bonaigua [Familiar downy purple foxglove] Erinus alpinus - Fairy Foxglove - locally abundant in France [Low perennial: leaves obovate and toothed, purple flowers (5 notched lobes)] alpina - Alpine Speedwell - Aigues Tortes Veronica anagallis-aquatica - Blue Water Speedwell [Fleshy, opposite long-lanceolate leaves (clasping); opposite stalked spikes of blue flowers] Veronica aphylla - Leafless-stemmed Speedwell - Tentes 2011 Veronica austriaca - Large Speedwell - scattered records, e.g. Tor [Hairy, leaves ovate-oblong.] Veronica prostrata - Gavarnie area, Perbes, Aigues Tortes Veronica beccabunga - Brooklime - Eyne, Tor, Aigues Tortes and Rioumajou [Hairless & fleshy with thick oblong leaves] Veronica bellidioides ssp. lilacina - Violet Speedwell - acid turf, e.g. Bielsa [Erect, tufted, basal rosette; lilac terminal flower-cluster] Veronica chamaedrys - Bird’s-eye Speedwell - widespread [Like Large Speedwell, but smaller with lines of hairs on the stem] Veronica cymbalaria - White Speedwell Veronica fruticans - Rock Speedwell - France and Bonaigua [Woody-based, blue flowers with red eye] Veronica officinalis - Heath Speedwell - dry grass, e.g. Eyne [Hairy, creeping; spikes of lilac-blue flowers] Veronica ponae - Spiked Pyrenean Speedwell - France, e.g. Rioumajou and Gavrnie [Like elegant Bird’s-eye, but single loose terminal spike] Veronica serpyllifolia ssp. humifusa - Thyme-leaved Speedwell - moist alpine turf [creeps, rooting at nodes, often hairless & blue flowers] Veronica serpyllifolia ssp serpyllifolia - Thyme-leaved Speedwell [white flowers veined blue - grew where soil disturbed] Veronica arvensis - Wall Speedwell - scattered records Veronica persica - Common Field-speedwell - scattered records Melampyrum sylvaticum - Wood Cow-wheat - Rioumajou Melampyrum pratense - Common Cow-wheat - woods and peaty ground, France [Annual: leaves untoothed; 1-sided spike, tubular yellow flowers] Euphrasia hirtella - an eyebright [Typical eyebright, white with violet lines] Euphrasia rostkoviana - an eyebright Bartsia alpina - Alpine Bartsia - Vielha tunnel, Andorra [Opposite-leaved perennial: downy, dark-purple 2-lipped flowers (15-20mm)] Pedicularis comosa - Crested Lousewort - numerous near Formigueres 2011 Pedicularis foliosa - Leafy Lousewort - Vielha tunnel [Very hairy flower heads. Differs in having leaf-like bracts, 25mm yellow flowers with upper lip rounded] Pedicularis mixta - a lousewort - several at Vielha tunnel [Pink lousewort, flowers =18mm (crimson beak and calyx woolly)]

45

Pedicularis pyrenaica - Pyrenean Lousewort - Tor, Andorra, Aigues Tortes [Very like dull pinkish-purple P. mixta , but glabrous calyx] Pedicularis verticillata - Whorled Lousewort - near Eyne, and above Tor, damp pastures [From other pink louseworts by leaves in whorls of 3-4 and upper lip rounded (not beaked/toothed)] Pedicularis sylvatica - Common Lousewort - Vielha tunnel, Aigues Tortes, Rioumajou Rhinanthus angustifolius - a Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor -Yellow Rattle - e.g. Tor [Typical yellow rattle: yellow with violet tip, inflated fruit] Rhinanthus mediterraneus - a Yellow Rattle = Rhinanthus pumilus

Globulariaceae Globularia cordifolia - Matted Globularia - scattered records, e.g. Perbes where locally common [Mat-forming, creeping under-shrub, leaves basal, spathulate and notched; heads globular 1-2cm and lilac- or grey-blue] Globularia nudicaulis - Leafless-stemmed Globularia - Aigues Tortes, below Bonaigua, and Ossoue, over [Herb: leaves all basal, oblanceolate, blunt; blue heads 15-30mm] Globularia repens - a globularia - scattered records, e.g. Gaudi’s Inspiration, near Pont de Suert, Tor [From G. cordifolia by pointed leaves] Globularia vulgaris - Common Globularia - Perbes

Gesneriaceae Ramonda myconi - Ramonda - rock crevices, locally common in Spain and especially in France, in very fine flower [Flat rosettes of toothed oval corrugated leaves, rusty-hairy beneath; blue-violet 2-3cm 5- lobed flowers]

Orobanchaceae Orobanche alba - Thyme Broomrape - Canto road 2011 Orobanche amethystea - on Eryngium campestre , Montanana road, over Orobanche artemisiae-campestris - a broomrape - 2+ on Santolina chamaecyparissus at Baixols, 2010 Orobanche gracilis - Slender Broomrape - on legumes, scattered records, e.g. Ossoue valley [Yellow/red broomrape, flowers shining dark red inside and 15-25mm] Orobanche caryophyllacea - Bedstraw Broomrape - 1 below Tor Orobanche minor - Common Broomrape - Gaudi’s Inspiration Orobanche haenseleri - parasitic on Helleborus near Pineta section of Ordesa, several in fine flower 2010 Orobanche hederae - Ivy Broomrape - 2009 and 2010:- many parasitic on Hedera helix at St.Llorenc, but not recorded for Lerida province in Flora Iberica. Also Santa Engracia in 2008. Collegats in 2011. Orobanche rapum-genistae - Greater Broomrape - on Cytisus purgans below Coll. Del Canto, gone over, 2009. Noted in France, 2011.

Lentibuliaraceae Pinguicula grandiflora - Large-flowered Butterwort - wet rocks, e.g. Eyne, Tor and Vielha [Rosette like (edges inrolled); stem with 2-lipped violet flowers 25-35mm (10-12mm spur)] Pinguicula vulgaris - Common Butterwort - wet rocks/bogs, widespread but local, e.g. Andorra, Tor, Vielha [As last but flowers 15-22mm with 6-8mm spur]

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata - Ribwort Plantain [Familiar lanceolate plantain; anthers yellowish] Plantago major - Rat’s-tail Plantain [Cosmopolitan broad-leaved weed, long spikes]

46

Plantago maritima ssp.serpentina - Sea Plantain - e.g. Salas Plantago alpina - Alpine Plantain - Bonaigua Plantago media - Hoary Plantain - meadows [Downy grey oval leaves; anthers lilac] Plantago holosteum - Canigou 2011 Plantago coronopus - Buck’s-horn Plantain - lunch on the arrival day 2011 Plantago sempervirens - Montanana road, Perbes Plantago afra - lower altitudes in Spain

Caprifoliaceae Lonicera etrusca - Etruscan Honeysuckle - Fillols [Climbing deciduous honeysuckle with leaf-pairs fused below stalked flower-heads] Lonicera periclymenum - Common Honeysuckle - Perbes road [Familiar deciduous climber, leaves not fused in pairs] Lonicera pyrenaica - Pyrenean Honeysuckle - below Perbes, and common in Ossoue valley [Hairless bush, blue-green leaves quite leathery; pairs of regular white flowers and red berries] Lonicera nigra - Black-bellied Honeysuckle - Eyne 2011 Lonicera alpigena - Alpine Honeysuckle - Eyne 2011 Lonicera xylosteum - Fly Honeysuckle - scattered records, e.g. Eyne [Shrub to 3m, opposite hairy leaves, white 2-lipped tubular flowers] Sambucus ebulus - Dwarf Elder - scattered, e.g Salas, several in flower this year [Erect herb, opposite pinnate leaves; white flowers, purple anthers] Sambucus nigra - Elder - widespread, e.g. Alins [Familiar shrub; yellowish-white anthers and black fruit] Sambucus racemosa - Red-berried Elder - e.g. Aigues Tortes, Eyne [From last by pyramidal clusters of yellowish-white flowers; berries shiny red] Viburnum lantana -Wayfaring Tree - scattered records, e.g. Ossoue [Like opposite-leaved white beam, heads of black berries (red at first)] Viburnum tinus - Laurustinus - St.Llorenc 2010

Valerianceae Centranthus lecoqii - a red valerian - lower altitudes in Spain [Similar to next but leaves only 4-6mm wide; stem unbranched] Centranthus ruber - Red Valerian - scattered records in Spain, roadsides [Familiar garden plant, with undivided leaves (1-5cm wide) spurred red flowers] Valeriana montana - a valerian - Aigues Tortes and montane woods in France [As other Valeriana spp. but all leaves undivided] Valeriana officinalis - Common Valerian - verges, shade and meadows [Opposite pinnate leaves and dense heads of pale pink flowers.] Valeriana pyrenaica - Pyrenean Valerian - damp meadows/shade, local in France [From last by basal leaves oval and heart-shaped] Valeriana tripteris - Three-leaved Valerian - Eyne [Short valerian, basal leaves undivided; trefoil on stem] Valeriana tuberosa - a valerian - gone over at Perbes Valerianella rimosa - Broad-fruited Corn-salad - Tor = Valerianella dentata [Regular-forking lilac-pink annual, narrow leaves, globose heads; fruit ovoid]

Dipsacaceae Dipsacus fullonum - Common Teasel - verges [Familiar tall biennial: spiny lilac heads and opposite leaves prickly on the lower midrib] Cephalaria leucantha - in bud near Pont de Suert 47

Knautia arvensis - Field Scabious - widespread [Typical scabious: 4-lobed flowers; upper leaves pinnate-lobed] Knautia nevadensis - a wood scabious - Tor and Vielha Knautia spp. - one or two other species possibly in France Lomelosia pulsatilloides macropoda - a scabious - Tremp reservoir shore, 2010, endemic Lomelosia stellata - a scabious - Montanana road, inflated papery fruits columbaria - Small Scabious - Pineta and Gavarnie areas Scabiosa atropurpurea - Mournful Widow - St-Llorenc 2010

Campanulaceae Campanula glomerata - Clustered Bellflower - Tor road [Lance-leaved perennial with tight heads of violet bells, each 15-25mm] Campanula hispanica ssp. catalanica - Spanish Bellflower - Gaudi’s Inspiration [Graceful perennial, lance-leaved (crowded below), blue bells 10-14mm in loose clusters.] Campanula patula - Spreading Bellflower - meadows & wood edges, locally common in France, Tor [Wide-branched slender perennial; violet-blue 20-25mm flowers in spreading open clusters] Campanula persicifolia - Peach-leaved Bellflower - meadows/scrub, e.g. Perbes and near Pont de Suert [As last but peach-like unstalked leaves; half-nodding flowers 3-4cm] Campanula rapunculus - Rampion Bellflower - near Esteri d’Aneu, and France Campanula rapunculoides - Creeping Bellflower - Santa Engracia area, below Perbes [Creeping perennial: cordate leaves; long spikes of deep purple 2-3cm drooping flowers] Campanula scheuchzeri - a bellflower - e.g. Gaudi’s Inspiration [Like Harebell but all leaves linear-lanceolate at flowering; 1 or few blue bells] Campanula speciosa - Pyrenean Bellflower - below Perbes, in good flower this year [Perennial with erect bells 28-32mm in pyramidal cluster; linear leaves] Campanula trachelium - Nettle-leaved Bellflower - woods and roadsides [Large bristly perennial with jagged heart-shaped leaves and 3-4cm violet bell flowers] Campanula erinus - Boixols area 2008 Jasione laevis - a sheep’s-bit - Bonaigua and Aigues Tortes [Like tiny blue scabious but all flowers regular (also not curved in bud); leaves not wavy] Jasione montana - Sheep’s-bit - Peyresourde and Fillols [Differs from last by wavy leaves; annual] Phyteuma hemisphaericum - Globe-headed Rampion - acid rocks Aigues Tortes [Like scabious but regular flowers curved in bud; globular-headed and basal leaves with short or no stalk] Phyteuma charmelii - a rampion - Ossoue Phyteuma orbiculare - Round-headed Rampion - base-rich turf, a few in Gavarnie area [Similar to P.hemisphaericum but basal leaves long-stalked] Phyteuma ovatum - Dark Rampion - montane meadows, in leaf, e.g. Eyne [Differs from last two rampions by ovoid/cylindrical spikes of blackish-violet flowers] Phyteuma pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Rampion - Vielha and Peyresourde [Very similar to last but bluish flowers] Phyteuma spicatum - Spiked Rampion - wood edges, locally common, e.g. Tor and Gavarnie [Like last two rampions, but spikes whitish]

Asteraceae Achillea chamaemelifolia - Andorran Sneezewort - rocks along the Tor road [Heads white, 7-9mm; leaves 1-pinnate, linear lobes] - Yarrow - dry grass, scattered [Familiar, aromatic: 2-3 pinnate feathery leaves; white or pink heads 4-6mm in large flat-topped clusters] Achillea odorata - Locally common along Tor road and Canto road

48

Adenostyles alliariae - Adenostyles - damp rocky scrub, noted in France, leaves at Aigues Tortes [Big basal leaves (triangular/heart shaped); leafy stem bears dense clusters of red-purple rayless heads] Antennaria dioica - Mountain Everlasting - acid turf, Bonaigua, Vielha, and Andorra [Mat-forming, leaves spoon-shaped, white beneath and white or pink rayless heads on low stem] Anthemis arvensis - Corn Chamomile - Spain Anthemis cotula - Stinking Chamomile - St.Llorenc 2010 Anthemis triumfetti - Southern Dog-Daisy - noted in France 2011 Arctium lappa - Greater Burdock - Neouvielle etc. Arctium minus - Lesser Burdock - Salas [Typical burdock: large cordate leaves; branched stems and bur heads] Arnica montana - Mountain Arnica - meadows, in flower at Vielha tunnel [Single 4.5-8cm yellow daisy-like heads; elliptical basal leaves and stem-leaves opposite and -like] Artemisia alba - Fillols etc. Artemisia vulgaris - Mugwort [Familiar faintly scented perennial] Artemisia absinthium - Wormwood - scattered Spanish records Artemisia campestris - Field Wormwood - Tremp 2010 Aster alpinus - Alpine Aster - stony turf and rocks, Gavarnie area and Perbes [Low perennial: elliptical leaves, single daisy-like heads 35-45mm, with violet-blue rays] Bellis perennis - Daisy - Rioumajou Carduncellus monspeliensis - several at Baixols, and in leaf near Tremp, 2010 Carduus carlinifolius - Carline-leaved Thistle - Tor and scattered in France [Heads 2-3cm, spines to 1cm; thick leaves] Carduus carlinoides - Pyrenean Thistle - Bonaigua and Andorra [White-downy Carduus : winged stems, very spiny; rose-red heads 18-25mm in tight clusters] Carduus defloratus - Alpine Thistle - Canigou 2011 Carduus nutans - Musk Thistle - Baixols 2010 Carduus pycnocephalus - St.Llorenc 2010 Carlina acanthifolia - Acanthus-leaved Carline Thistle - previous year’s seed heads, Vielha Carlina acaulis - Stemless Carline Thistle - Tor etc. Carlina vulgaris - Carline Thistle - old seed heads Perbes Catananche caerulea - Cupidone - Mediterranean influenced sites in Spain, e.g. Salas [Rather like graceful perennial blue cornflower; involucral bracts papery and silvery] Carthamus lanatus - Salas Centaurea alpestris - Knapweed - noted in Spain? [From C. scabiosa by bigger heads and brown pappus] Centaurea calcitrapa - Red Star-thistle - scattered records, e.g. near Pont de Suert, Salas, St.Llorenc [Softly-leafy below (pinnately cut) but purple knapweed heads with straw-coloured 10-18mm spines] Centaurea cyanus - Cornflower - arable weed in France, locally abundant Centaurea montana - Mountain Cornflower - wild at Tourmalet botanic garden Centaurea jacea - Brown Knapweed - lower altitudes in Spain Centaurea aspera - Spain Centaurea paniculata - recorded in Spain Centuarea pectinata - roadsides between Tremp and St.Llorenc, Fillols Centaurea scabiosa - Greater Knapweed [Perennial: leaves 1(-2) pinnatisect; big (± rayed) purple heads, black fringed involucre] Centaurea solstitialis - Yellow Star-thistle - near Tremp Centaurea nigra - Common Knapweed - France Cicerbita alpina - Alpine Sow-thistle - lunch site below Tourmalet Cichorium intybus - Chicory - rough verges [Like branched Cicerbita , but bright blue 2-4cm heads]

49

Cirsium arvense - Creeping Thistle - Salas, Collegats, etc. [Familiar creeping Cirsium with lilac-purple heads and glossy crisped very prickly leaves] Cirsium palustre - Marsh Thistle - damp grass, scattered records, France [Tall slender Cirsium , spiny leaves purple edged; winged stems; crowded narrow purple heads] Cirsium rivulare - Brook Thistle - damp acid sites, e.g. Vielha [Like Melancholy Thistle ± spineless & unwinged stems, but pinnate leaves green beneath and heads 25- 30mm] Cirsium vulgare - Spear Thistle - France Crepis paludosa - Marsh Hawk’s-beard - France Crepis albida - Ossoue valley, Perbes Cynara cardunculus - Cardoon - noted in leaf Dittrichia viscosa - a stink aster - Tremp reservoir Doronicum pardalianches - Leopard’s Bane - in flower at Vielha tunnel Echinops sphaerocephalus - a globe thistle - 1 at St.Llorenc 2009 Erigeron alpinus - Alpine Fleabane - Neouvielle Erigeron annuus - French roadsides, also in Spain Erigeron acer - Blue Fleabane - Tor Erigeron uniflorus - One-flowered Fleabane - several at Envalira 2011 Eupatorium cannabinum - Hemp-agrimony - damp sites [Tall perennial: opposite 3-5 lobed leaves, numerous small pinkish-purple heads in broad corymbs] Filago minima - Small Cudweed - Fillols Filago pyramidata - Broad-leaved Cudweed - Baixols 2010 Filago vulgaris - Common Cudweed - Fillols Galactites tomentosa - Galactites - autoroute verges [Thistle-like, white veined leaves, purple-lilac rayed heads] Helichrysum stoechas - an everlasting - scattered at lower altitudes in France and Spain [Tufted, woody-based; whitish stems, linear leaves, clustered small golden globular heads] candidum - a hawkweed - Tor Hieracium lactucella - a hawkweed - Tor Hieracium pilosella - Mouse-ear Hawkweed - Tor road and in France Hieracium spp .- Hawkweeds [Very variable group of perennials: yellow dandelion-like heads, may be leafy or black hairy. Sections Alpina and Subalpina at Aigües Tortes] Homogyne alpina - Alpine Colt’s-foot - damp alpine turf/woods, in flower at Bonaigua and Aigues Tortes, and Puymorens [Short creeping perennial, shiny kidney-shaped leaves; single rayless purple heads 10-15mm] Hypochoeris maculata - Spotted Cat’s-ear Hypochoeris radicata - Cat’s-ear - Santa Engracia area etc., Tor Inula montana - a fleabane - Montanana road Inula salicina - Irish Fleabane - Salas 2009 Lactuca perennis - Blue Lettuce - local but widespread, e.g. Tor [Like hairless pinnately-lobed Cicerbita , but achenes beaked] Lactuca serriola - Prickly Lettuce - in leaf Lapsana communis - Nipplewort [branched with ovate leaves; many 15-20mm yellow dandelion-type heads but no pappus] Leontodon pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Hawkbit - Aigues Tortes Leucanthemopsis alpina - Alpine Moon Daisy - Aigues Tortes, Val d’Eyne [Tufted perennial: single white-rayed daisies 2-4cm (often turning pink) and oval to pinnatisect, mostly basal, leaves] Leucanthemum atratum - recorded?

50

Leucanthemum vulgare - Moon Daisy - dry grass, common and widespread [As Alpine Moon Daisy but leafier, upper stem leaves clasping stem; heads 25-50mm] Leuzea conifera - Leuzea - Montanana road, Baixols, near Pont de Suert, Collegats, Santa Engracia, St.Llorenc. Remarkably not seen in 2011. [Like low knapweed but involucral bracts papery forming shiny cone-like structure] Matricaria discoidea - Pineapple Weed - Tor etc. Mycelis muralis - Wall Lettuce [Widely branched slender yellow lettuce: pinnately lobed leaves (large hastate terminal lobe)] Onopordum acanthium - Scotch Thistle - lower altitudes in Spain, e.g. Santa Engracia, and France [Stout branched cobwebby biennial thistle: winged stems and purplish heads 35-50mm] Pallenis spinosa - Pallenis - lower alttitudes in Spain Picris echioides - Bristly Oxtongue - Gaudi’s Inspiration Petasites hybridus - Butterbur Prenanthes purpurea - Purple Lettuce - shade in France, in bud at Rioumajou [From Cicerbita etc. by drooping purplish heads of 3-6 florets; hairless; oblong leaves] Santolina chamaecyparissus - Lavender-cotton - locally very common at lower altitudes in Spain [As next but teeth/lobes crowded] Santolina rosmarinifolia - a lavender cotton - Santa Engracia area [Aromatic whitish subshrub, linear remote-toothed leaves, flowers yellow rayless buttons] Scorzonera hirsuta - a viper’s-grass - lower altitudes in Spain, e.g. Tremp Reservoir [Linear cobwebby leaves, pure yellow dandelion heads and densely hairy fruit] Senecio adonidifolius – Vielha, Aigues Tortes in bud Senecio jacobaea - Common Ragwort - autoroute verges [Many yellow daisy-like heads and pinnate-lobed leaves (segments oblong)] Senecio vulgaris - Common Groundsel [Familiar weed] Senecio sylvaticus - Wood Groundsel - France Senecio pyrenaicus - Tournefort’s Ragwort Silybum marianum - Milk Thistle - Santa Engracia area [Robust weakly spiny thistle with white veins, and long-spined involucre] Sonchus arvensis - Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus asper - Spiny Sow-thistle - Salas [Thistle-like annual: milky sap, and many yellow dandelion-like heads] Sonchus oleraceus - Smooth Sow-thistle [Similar to latter, but almost without prickles] Staehelina dubia - Staehelina - matorral, Montanana road, Gaudi’s Inspiration and St.Llorenc [Subshrub: stem & narrow toothed leaves felted; narrow purple thistle-like heads] Tanacetum corymbosum - a tansy – Gavarnie Tanacetum vulgare - Tansy - in leaf Taraxacum officinale s.l .- Dandelion - grassland, widespread [Typical dandelion: hollow stalk, milky sap] Taraxacum sp. - Aigues Tortes, small with finely divided leaves, elsewhere too Tephroseris helenitis - locally common at Formigueres 2011 Tragopogon crocifolius - a salsify - Collegats [Like next, but yellow centre to violet head] Tragopogon dubius - a salsify - Tor Tragopogon pratensis - Goat’s-beard - scattered records [Like a leek with yellow dandelion-like heads (ca 8 long bracts)] Tussilago farfara - Colt’s-foot - damp rocky sites [In June usually just large cordate leaves, cobwebby beneath] Urospermum dalechampii - near Fillols

51

Volutaria lippii - Montanana road Xanthium spinosum - Spiny Cocklebur - Salas Xeranthemum inapterum - Montanana road

52

MONOCOTYLEDONS

Liliaceae Allium ampeloprasum - Wild Leek - St.Llorenc and autoroute verges [Tall stout leek with dense terminal pink head; leaves 5-40mm wide, flat/V-shaped in section] Allium schoenoprasum - Chives - several in Aigues Tortes and Ossoue [Tufted: all leaves basal & tubular; dense heads of purple or violet-pink flowers; stem <50cm] Allium sphaerocephalon - Round-headed Leek - Montanana road [Like Wild Leek, but leaves semi-cylindrical; globose dense head of dark purple-red flowers] Allium moly - many fine examples at Plata Verde, Santa Engracia, 2009 Allium ursinum - Ramsons - France, in fruit, day 10 Allium victorialis - Alpine Leek - in bud at Val d’Eyne and Aigues Tortes 2011 Allium vineale - Crow Garlic - in bud at Gavarnie and Ossoue Anthericum liliago - St Bernard’s Lily – Tor, Neouvielle [Starry white flowers (loose raceme); basal leaves] Aphyllanthes monspeliensis - Blue Aphyllanthes - locally very common at lower altitudes in Spain [Like tough rush tuft with starry blue flowers] Asparagus acutifolius - Collegats and near Tremp Asphodelus albus - Asphodel - widespread and common [Stout dense spike of white starry flowers; strap-leaves] Brimeura amethystina - Pyrenean Hyacinth - 1 at Perbes, several in Ossoue valley, and Vielha Dipcadi serotinum - Dipcadi - scattered in Spain, in bud at Aigues Tortes [Resembles a bluebell but with 1-sided raceme of brownish flowers] Erythronium dens-canis - Dog’s-tooth Violet - alpine turf, abundant at Port de la Bonaigua, in fruit this year [leaves elliptical and dark-mottled] Fritillaria pyrenaica - several wild in the Tourmalet botanic garden, gone over this year, although 1 more or less still in bloom Gagea fistulosa - 4+ in flower at Aigues Tortes 2008. 2009 several in flower by one snow patch. 2010 a few in flower at Bonaigua. Lilium martagon - Martagon Lily - scattered records in leaf and bud. [Whorls of elliptical leaves; dark-spotted pinkish nodding Turk’s-caps] Lilium pyrenaicum - Pyrenean Lily- a few in the Gavarnie area in good flower, in bud at Eyne [Numerous alternate lanceolate leaves; yellow nodding Turk’s-caps (brown-spotted)] Merendera pyrenaica - in seed at Perbes Muscari comosum - Tassel Hyacinth - Canto road Muscari neglectum - Common Grape Hyacinth - common at Plata Verde 2008. Perbes, in fruit. Narthecium ossifragum - Bog Asphodel - in bud at Vielha tunnel Ornithogalum collinum - a Star of Bethlehem - Perbes Ornithogalum narbonense - Montanana road 2010 Ornithogalum pyrenaicum - Bath Asparagus - a few in Santa Engracia area and Boixols, 2008 Paradisea liliastrum - St Bruno’s Lily – Val d’Eyne, below Puymorens, Vielha [Loose 1-sided racemes of fragrant white 4-5cm trumpet-like flowers] Paris quadrifolia - Herb Paris - noted in France on day 8, 2010 [Whorl of 4(-5) oval leaves; single green starry flower & black berry] Polygonatum multiflorum - Common Solomon’s-seal - seen on day 8, 2010 [Arching stem: ovate leaves, scentless flowers 2-6 on a stalk] Polygonatum odoratum - Angular Solomon’s-seal - Val d’Eyne and below Portillon [As latter but scented flowers 1-2 on a stalk; angled stem] Polygonatum verticillatum - Whorled Solomon’s-seal - 2008 [Erect: whorls of 3-6 lanceolate leaves; 1-2 unscented flowers on stalk] Ruscus aculeatus - Butcher’s Broom - Santa Engracia, St.Llorenc

53

Scilla lilio-hyacinthus - Pyrenean Squill - in fruit at Rioumajou and Vielha [15-30cm strap-like leaves; 5-15 capsules] Scilla verna - Spring Squill - several at Peyresourde Tofieldia calyculata - Tofield’s Asphodel - damp places, Vielha tunnel and Rioumajou [From Narthecium by spike of 5-7mm yellowish-green flowers] Veratrum album -White False Helleborine - locally common in leaf, e.g. Vielha and Val d’Eyne [Robust, hairy, leafy: pleated ovate leaves; branched spike of white & green flowers]

Amaryllidaceae Narcissus poeticus - Poet’s Narcissus - locally common, as at Vielha tunnel, a few at Tor. Abundant in France. [Short yellow corona, surrounded by long white segments - various forms seen] Narcissus requienii - Rush-leaved Narcissus - a few in flower in Ossoue valley was a great find, 2008 Narcissus pseudonarcissus pallidiflorus - Aigues Tortes and Ossoue Valley 2010 Narcissus sp. - in fruit at Perbes, short, single flowers

Dioscoreaceae Tamus communis - Black Bryony - scattered records, e.g. Gaudi’s Inspiration [Unarmed climber: glossy cordate leaves; green spikes, red berries]

Iridaceae Crocus vernus ssp. albiflorus - White Crocus - 2009:- still in flower in Aigues Tortes where snow had recently lain. In fruit at Bonaigua. [typical crocus, leaves with wide white midrib] Gladiolus illyricus - Wild Gladiolus - several sites in Spain 2010 [Typical slender pink-purple gladiolus] Iris latifolia - Pyrenean Iris - many in leaf, and with last years fruiting heads, in France. 1 superb plant in flower in Spain, near Pineta, Ordesa, 2009, this plant in bud 2010. 2 in fine flower in Ossoue Valley 2011.

Juncaceae Luzula campestris - Field Wood-rush - noted in France Luzula nivea - Snowy Wood-rush - Tor [From all other Luzula spp. by whitish clustered flowers] Luzula multiflora - Heath Wood-rush - Tor Luzula nutans - Bonaigua and numerous at Aigues Tortes, also Puymorens Luzula pilosa - Hairy Wood-rush - scattered records Luzula alpinopilosa - Alpine Wood-rush - scattered records Luzula spicata - Val d’Eyne Luzula sudetica - Bonaigua Luzula sylvatica - Great Wood-rush - scattered records Juncus acutiflorus - Sharp-flowered Rush - Portillon Juncus bufonius - Toad Rush - near Pont de Suert 2011 Juncus effusus - Soft Rush - Portillon Juncus filiformis - Perbes Juncus inflexus - Hard Rush - Perbes and Salas Juncus subnodulosus - Blunt-flowered Rush - Salas Juncus tenuis - Slender Rush - lunch day 8, France, 2009

Poaceae Aegilops geniculata - locally very common, Montanana road etc. Agrostis stolonifera - Creeping Bent

54

Agrostis sp. - acid rocks, Troumouse, 2010 Alopecuros pratensis - Meadow Foxtail Anthoxanthum odoratum - Sweet Vernal Grass - e.g. Tor Arrhenatherum elatius - False Oat-grass - e.g. Tor Arundo donax - Giant Reed - roadsides at lower altitudes in Spain Avena fatua - Wild-oat [Typical wild oat, spikelet 18-25mm, with long geniculate awn] Brachypodium pinnatum - Tor-grass [Broad leaves, yellow-green beneath, glaucous above: “pinnate” head of stalkless long spikelets] Brachypodium sylvaticum - False Brome Briza media - Common Quaking-grass - meadows, e.g. Tor [Hairless perennial: grey green; open panicle of round unawned spikelets] Briza minor - Lesser Quaking Grass - Perbes Bromus erectus - Upright Brome - widespread Bromus rigidus - Stiff Brome Bromus squarrosus - Rough Brome - e.g. Santa Engracia [Annual with oval spikelets with widely spreading awns] Bromus hordeaceus - Soft Brome - e.g Tor Bromus sterilis - Barren Brome - e.g. Tor Bromus tectorum - Drooping Brome - e.g. Tor Calamagrostis spp. - at least 2 species, roadsides, France Cynodon dactylon - Bermuda Grass - St.Llorenc Cynosurus cristatus - Crested Dog’s-tail - e.g. Vielha [Perennial: dense 1-sided toothbrush-like spike; zigzag rhachis visible] Cynosurus echinatus - Rough Dog’s-tail - e.g. Fillols, Gaudi’s Inspiration and Tor Dactylis glomerata ssp. hispanica - Cock’s-foot [Branched 1-sided flower-head of oval spikelets, flat shoots] - Tufted Hair-grass - St.Llorenc Deschampsia flexuosa - Wavy Hair-grass - acid swards [Tufted perennial: leaves setaceous; branched panicle with wavy stalks] Dezmazenia rigida - Fern Grass - Gaudi’s Inspiration Digitaria sp. - Montanana road Elymus caninus - Bearded Couch Elymus repens - Common Couch Festuca ovina - Sheep’s Fescue [Densely tufted perennial: hairless thread-like leaves; awns <1mm] Festuca rubra - Red Fescue [Thread-leaved perennial: hairy sheaths; awns ca 2mm+] Festuca paniculata - some fine examples at Vielha tunnel, Val d’Eyne, Aigues Tortes etc. Festuca pratensis Meadow Fescue - Salas Festuca gautieri - locally dominant on calcareous soils Festuca eskia - La Fetuque Gispet - dominant on acid soils Festuca spp. - other species not identified G;yceria fluitans - Floating Sweet-grass - Perbes pond Hordeum murinum - Wall Barley - Alins etc. Holcus lanatus - Yorkshire Fog [Softly hairy, tufted perennial, lower sheaths striped in purple] Koeleria pyramidata - Pyramidal Hair-grass - Fillols 2011 Lolium perenne - Perennial Rye-grass [Familiar grass with shiny leaves and spike-like flower-head] Lolium temulentum - Darnel - France 2011

55

Lygeum spartum - Albardine - Ager road 2010 Melica nutans - Mountain Melick Melica uniflora - Wood Melick - woods, e.g. Rioumajou [Delicate perennial: branched head of 1-flowered spikelets each 4-7mm] Melica ciliata - Ciliate Melick - e.g. Tor and Perbes, and near Pont de Suert Milium effusum - Wood Millet - France [Big perennial: broad leaves; many small pale awnless spikelets] Molinia caerulea - Purple Moor-grass - boggy meadows [Tufted perennial: ligule a ring of hairs; branched panicle of purplish spikelets] Nardus stricta - Mat-grass - acid turf, e.g. Vielha, Aigues Tortes [Densely tufted perennial: 1-sided comb-like spike] Phleum alpinum - in France Phleum pratense - Timothy [Grey-green hairless perennial: long sausage-like spike] Phleum phleoides - Purple-stem Cat’s-tail - e.g. Tor Phragmites australis - Common Reed [Familiar tall broad-leaved grass with persistent canes] Poa alpina - Alpine Meadow-grass - rocky alpine turf, e.g. Aigues Tortes [Poa spp. have branched panicles of unawned 2-10 flowered spikelets and keeled leaves: P. alpina often viviparous] Poa annua - Annual Meadow-grass [As other Poa spp but annual, crinkly leaves] Poa bulbosa - Bulbous Meadow-grass - e.g. Tor [Viviparous grass] Poa nemoralis - Wood Meadow-grass - e.g. Rioumajou [Typical perennial Poa : spikelets <4mm, and 1.5-2mm wide leaves] Poa pratensis - Smooth Meadow-grass Poa trivialis - Rough Meadow-grass - e.g. Salas [Perennial Poa: ligule 4-10mm, rough stems; leaves 2-4.5mm wide] Sesleria albicans - Blue Moor Grass - Gavarnie area Setaria viridis - Green Bristle-grass Stipa pennata - Needle-grass - Santa Engracia and Montanana areas Trisetum flavescens - Yellow Oat-grass Vulpia ciliata - Bearded Fescue - Santa Engracia

Cyperaceae Scirpoides holoschoenus - Round-headed Club-rush - Salas, Montanana road Eleocharis quinqueflora - Few-flowered Spike-rush - Vielha tunnel and France Eleocharis palustris - Common Spike-rush - Perbes Trichophorum caespitosum - Deer Grass - Aigues Tortes, Ratera, and Vielha Eriophorum angustifolium - Common Cotton-grass - bog pools, Vielha tunnel [Creeping perennial: stained wine-red: 3-7 drooping spikelets becoming white-cottony in fruit] Eriophorum latifolium - Broad-leaved Cotton-grass - near Eyne 2011 Schoenus nigricans - Black Bog Rush - Salas Kobresia simpliciuscula - False Sedge - Puymorens 2011 Carex paniculata - Greater Tussock Sedge - above Tor Carex vulpina - Fox Sedge Carex spicata - Spiked Sedge - Tor and St.Llorenc Carex leporina - Oval Sedge - Vielha, Tor etc. Carex echinata - Star Sedge - Tor, Vielha, France Carex davalliana - Vielha tunnel and Gavarnie

56

Carex curvula – Troumousse 2010 Carex hirta - Hairy Sedge - Neouvielle Carex sylvatica - Wood Sedge - Rioumajou Carex remota - Remote Sedge - lunch day 8, France, 2009 Carex flava - Large Yellow Sedge - Salas Carex lepidocarpa - Long-stalked Yellow Sedge - Vielha Carex demissa - Common Yellow Sedge - Vielha etc. Carex viridula Carex pallescens - Pale Sedge - Tor, Vielha etc. Carex rostrata - Bottle Sedge - Aigues Tortes Carex hallerana - Perbes, Vielha, Tor Carex digitata - Fingered Sedge - Neouvielle, Rioumajou Carex ornithopoda - Bird’s-foot Sedge - Rioumajou and Neouvielle Carex montana - Soft-leaved Sedge - Tor, Vielha, Aigues Tortes, widespread Carex sempervirens - Bonaigua, Vielha Carex caryophyllea - Spring Sedge - Bonaigua and France Carex panicea - Carnation Sedge - Vielha and France Carex flacca - Glaucous Sedge - widespread Carex pilulifera - Pill Sedge - Vielha etc. Carex liparocarpos - Glossy-fruited Sedge Carex nigra - Common Sedge ‘ widespread Carex pyrenaica - Pyrenean Sedge - Tentes 2011 Carex pulicaris - Flea Sedge - 1 at Vielha 2011

Orchidaceae Aceras anthropophorum - Man Orchid - St.Paul, and below Col d’Aspin 2010 Anacamptis pyramidalis - Pyramidal Orchid - scarce, a few at Gavarnie, autoroute verges in France, and very good examples at St.Paul (2010), also below Bonaigua [Dense pink pyramidal spike, long curved spurs (foxy smelling); narrow leaves 7-20mm wide] Cephalanthera damasonium - White Helleborine - gone over at Salas, 2010 [As next but 3-12 flowers and lower leaves ovate] Cephalanthera longifolia - Sword-leaved Helleborine - a few on verges near Vielha, 1 above Alins, Gavarnie, and very good at Rioumajou. A few in Neouvielle [Several lance-like leaves and 8-20 pure white egg-shaped flowers] Cephalanthera rubra - Red Helleborine - 20+ near Salas in fine flower. [From last by 3-10 pink-purple flowers] Coeloglossum viride - Frog Orchid - several at Vielha tunnel [Short; oblong blue-green leaves; spike of 5-15 yellow-green flowers, tinged red-brown] Dactylorhiza majalis alpestris - a marsh orchid - locally numerous as at Ossoue. Tor, Vielha, Aigues Tortes [Dactylorhiza spp. look like slim hyacinths, differing from Orchis spp. in have some bracts in the spike leaflike. This has hollow stems to 25cm, ovate leaves and purple flowers with lip hardly lobed] Dactylorhiza caramulensis - a spotted orchid - scattered records, e.g. Vielha [As last but solid stems, spotted leaves; lip of pale lilac flowers not 3-lobed, spur base >2mm wide] Dactylorhiza elata - a marsh orchid - a few near Salas [As D. alpestris but 30-110cm tall; lance-leaved] Dactylorhiza fuchsii - Common Spotted-orchid - scattered, several in France, also Salas [From other spotted-orchids by clearly 3-lobed lip] Dactylorhiza maculata - Heath Spotted-orchid - scattered records, e.g. Tor, Peyresourde [Very like D. caramulensis but spur-base narrower; usually shorter and less robust]

57

Dactylorhiza sambucina - Elder-flowered Orchid - Vielha tunnel, several, most still in flower, a few in Aigues Tortes, some very robust. 2011 numerous at Puymorens, a few at Eyne. [Pale lemon yellow, or purple, spikes, leafy bracts and descending spur] Epipactis helleborine - Broad-leaved Helleborine - Fillols and Salas Epipactis palustris - Marsh Helleborine - several near Salas 2010 Epipactis tremolsii - a helleborine - Salas [From E. helleborine by erect stiff leaves wrapped into a cone at this time (before flowering)] Epipactis microphylla - near Salas, in fruit Gymnadenia conopsea - Fragrant Orchid - scattered records, very common at Vielha [Similar to Pyramidal Orchid, but spikes cylindrical, fragrant. ] Limodorum abortivum - Violet Limodore - 1 in seed near Pont de Suert 2009. 2010 c.5 at Salas. 2011 in seed at Salas. Listera ovata - Common Twayblade - 3 at Salas, 4 at Vielha [Opposite pair of oval ribbed leaves; green flower spike, lip forked] Neottia nidus-avis - Bird’s-nest Orchid - Tor lunch site Nigritella austriaca - a vanilla orchid - numerous at Vielha tunnel, 2011 also Andorra [Short: dense rounded head of deep red-brown, vanilla-scented flowers (all perianth segments spreading) lip 7-10mm] Ophrys apifera - Bee Orchid - 2 near Salas, 2 at St.Paul 2010 [A familiar orchid: few large spurless flowers with 3 spreading pink 10-15mm sepals & brown furry lip] Ophrys insectifera - Fly Orchid - 1 near Pont de Suert, several at St.Paul, 2010 Ophrys scolopax - Woodcock Orchid - 1 at Salas [Similar to O. apifera but sepals 8-10mm and lip usually more ovate-lanceolate] Orchis coriophora - Bug Orchid - 100’s at one site near Tor [Unlike Dactylorhiza , Orchis spp. have membranous bracts. Bug Orchid is small: dense brownish red spike (foetid smell)] Orchis mascula - Early Purple Orchid - scattered, mainly in France Orchis ustulata - Burnt-tip Orchid – Tor, several and Canto road [Purple-brown helmet and white to pale pink manikin lip] Platanthera bifolia - Lesser Butterfly-orchid - 2 below Col d’Aspin 2010 [Two elliptic shiny basal leaves; loose spikes of greenish-white flowers with long spurs and anther-lobes parallel] Platanthera chlorantha - Greater Butterfly-orchid - widespread and reasonably common [Very similar but usually bigger, with anther-lobes diverging] Pseudorchis albida - Small White Orchid - Vielha tunnel [Short - dense spike of 2-3mm greenish-white flowers]

58

Systematic List Number 2 Butterflies

The taxonomy and systematic order have been taken from Tolman and Lewington’s ‘Butterflies of Britain and Europe’ published by Harper Collins (1997). An AGS tour, somewhat less attention was given to butterflies than usual.

Papilionidae Swallowtail Papilio machaon Scarce this year, noted on only 2 days. [Scarce Swallowtail Iphiclides podalirius Scattered Spanish records.] [Spanish Festoon Zerynthia rumina 1 near Alins.] Apollo Parnassius apollo Larva in Val d’Eyne, several at Tor. Clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne Val d’Eyne and Neouvielle.

Pieridae Large White Pieris brassicae Widespread and common. Black-veined White Widespread and reasonably common. Small White Artogeia rapae Widespread in small numbers. Green-veined White Artogeia napi Val d’Eyne. Bath White Pontia daplidice Lower altitudes in Spain. [Peak White Pontia callidice 1 at Troumouse.] Western Dappled White Euchloe simplonia Tor road. Orange-Tip Anthocharis cardamines Widespread in small numbers. Moroccan Orange-Tip Anthocharis belia A few at lower altitudes in Spain. Pale Clouded Yellow Colias hyale A few records. Berger’s Clouded Yellow Colias alfacariensis Scattered records. Clouded Yellow Colias crocea Widespread and common. Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni Scattered records. [Cleopatra Gonepteryx cleopatra A male in Tremp area.] Wood White Leptidea sinapsis Widespread in small numbers.

Lycaenidae Spanish Purple Hairstreak Laeosopis roboris 2 in Santa Engracia area. Sloe Hairstreak Satyrium acaciae Lower altitudes in Spain. Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium ilicis Lower altitudes in Spain. False Ilex Hairstreak Satyrium esculi Montanana road. Blue-spot Hairstreak Satyrium spini Santa Engracia area. [Green Hairstreak Callophrys rubi Scattered records, mostly in France.] Small Copper Lycaena phlaeas c.5 in Santa Engracia area. [Scarce Copper Lycaena virgaureae Alins only.] Sooty Copper Lycaena tityrus Scattered records. Purple-shot Copper Lycaena alciphron Tor road. Purple-edged Copper Lycaena hippothoe Seen on three days. [Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus 1 at Alins.] Short-tailed Blue Everes argiades 2 near Santa Engracia. [Provencal Short-tailed Blue Everes alcetas Several at Alins.] Little Blue Cupido minimus Widespread and locally very common. Osiris Blue Cupido osiris Perbes. Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus Only on two days. [Green-underside Blue Glaucopsyche alexis Alins, Piau-Engaly etc.] [Baton Blue Pseudophilotes baton Tor road, transfer day, and Gavarnie area.] Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Widespread and reasonably common.

59

Idas Blue Plebejus idas Scattered records. Brown Argus Aricia agestis Scattered records. Mountain Argus Aricia artaxerxes Scattered records. Mazarine Blue Cyaniris semiargus Widespread and reasonably common. [Chapman’s Blue Agrodiaetus thersites 1 at Gavarnie.] Escher’s Blue Agrodiaetus escheri A male on day 6. Amanda’s Blue Agrodiaetus amanda Scattered records. Turquoise Blue Plebicula dorylas Tor road. Chalk-hill Blue Lysandra coridon Scattered records. Adonis Blue Lysandra bellargus Canigou. Common Blue Polyommatus icarus Widespread and reasonably common.

Riodinidae Duke of Burgundy Hamaeris lucina Val d’Eyne. Fritillary

Libytheidae Nettle-tree Butterfly Libythea celtis 3 at Salas.

Nymphalidae [Southern White Admiral Limenitis reducta A few in Spain.] [Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros 2 in Spain.] Camberwell Beauty 1 above Alins. [Peacock Inachis io A few records.] Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta A few records. Painted Lady Cynthia cardui Only 2 seen. Small Tortoiseshell Aglais urticae Widespread, common at altitude. [Comma Polygonia c-album Montanana road, Tremp area, Gavarnie.] Dark Green Fritillary Argynnis aglaja Tor road. High Brown Fritillary Argynnis adippe Near Pont de Suert. Queen of Spain Fritillary Issoria lathonia Scattered records. Marbled Fritillary Brenthis daphne Near Pont de Suert and Salas. [Twin-spot Fritillary Brenthis hecate Near Salas.] [Shepherd’s Fritillary Boloria pales 1 in Aigues Tortes.] Pearl-bordered Fritillary Clossiana euphrosyne Scattered records. [Weaver’s Fritillary Clossiana dia 1 at Alins.] Glanville Fritillary Melitaea cinxia Several along Tor road. Knapweed Fritillary Melitaea phoebe Tor road and Tremp area. Spotted Fritillary Melitaea didyma Noted on two days in Spain. Lesser Spotted Fritillary Melitaea trivia 1 near Tremp. False Heath Fritillary Melitaea diamina Seen on 2 days. Heath Fritillary Mellicta athalia Widespread in small numbers. Provencal Fritillary Mellicta deione Seen on day 6. Meadow Fritillary Mellicta parthenoides Day 6 and Tor road. [Spanish Fritillary Euphydryas desfontainii Montanana road and Tremp area.]

Satyridae Marbled White Melanargia galathea Noted in France. Iberian Marbled White Melanargia lachesis Scattered Spanish records. 3/14 Common Grayling Hipparchia semele Day 6. Great Banded Grayling Kanetisa circe Lower altitudes in Spain. 60

[Large Ringlet Erebia euryale Alins.] Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Vielha. de Prunner's Ringlet Erebia triaria Scattered records. Bright-eyed Ringlet Erebia oeme Several in France. Piedmont Ringlet Erebia meolans Widespread in small numbers. Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina Noted on 2 days. [Ringlet Aphantopus hyperantus Noted in France.] Southern Gatekeeper cecilia 1 near Tremp. [Spanish Gatekeeper Santa Engracia area, and St.Llorenc.] Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus A few records. Dusky Heath Coenonympha dorus Lower altitudes in Spain. Pearly Heath Coenonympha arcania Scattered records. [Chestnut Heath Coenonympha glycerion Noted on day 3.] Speckled Wood Pararge aegeria 1 at Collegats. Wall Brown Lasiommata megera Scattered records. [Large Wall Brown Lasiommata maera A few records.]

Hesperiidae Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus malvae Tor and Tremp areas. Large Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus alveus Scattered records. [Carline Skipper Pyrgus carlinae cirsii Tor and Gavarnie.] [Oberthur’s Grizzled Pyrgus armoricanus Santa Engracia. Skipper] Olive Skipkper Pyrgus serratulae Tor. Safflower Skipper Pyrgus carthami Lower altitudes in Spain. [Alpine Grizzled Skipper Pyrgus andromedae 1 at Salas was a surprising low altitude record.] Red-underwing Skipper Spialia sertorius 2 at Canigou. [Mallow Skipper Carcharodus alceae St.Llorenc and area.] [Marbled Skipper Carcharodus lavatherae Lower altitudes in Spain.] Southern Marbled Skipper Carcharodus boeticus 1 in Tremp area. [Tufted Marbled Skipper Carcharodus flocciferus 4 + along Tor road, and Alins.] Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages Scattered records. [Chequered Skipper Carterocephalus palaemon 1 at Luz St.Sauveur, and Troumouse road.] Essex Skipper Thymelicus lineola A few records. Small Skipper Thymelicus sylvestris Scattered records. Large Skipper Ochlodes venatus Tor road. Mediterranean Skipper Gegenes nostrodamus 1 in Tremp area.

61

Systematic List Number 3 Moths

This is a composite list of moths mostly observed casually during recent tours.

Zygaenidae Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae Zygaena fausta junceae Zygaena sarpedon carmencita

Tortricidae Green Oak Tortrix Totrix viridana Epiblemma cynosbatella Codling Moth Cydia pomonella

Pyralidae Chrysocrambus craterellus Chrysoteuchia culmella Rush Veneer Nomophila noctuella

Thyrididae Thyris fenestrella

Lasiocampidae Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi

Thyatiridae Poplar Lutestring Tethea or

Geometridae Orange Underwing Archiearis parthenias Pseudoterpna coronillaria Essex Emerald smaragdaria Blood-vein Timandra griseata aureolaria Lewes Wave Scopula immorata Lace Border Scopula ornata calabra cruentaria Silver-ground Carpet Xanthorhoe montanata Small Argent and Sable Epirrhoe tristata Grass Rivulet albulata Perizoma hydrata Green Pug Chloroclystis rectangulata Mottled Pug Eupithecia exiguata White-spotted Pug Eupithecia tripunctaria Common Pug Eupithecia vulgata Chimney Sweeper Odezia atrata Drab Looper Minoa murinata Barred Umber Plagodis pulveraria Brimstone Moth Opisthograptis luteolata Clouded Border Lomaspilis marginata

62

Latticed Heath Semiothisa clathrata Frosted Yellow limbaria Speckled Yellow Pseudopanthera macularia Early Thorn Selenia dentaria Scalloped Hazel Odontoptera bidentata Peppered Moth Biston betularia Bordered White Bupalus piniaria Common Heath Ematurga atomaria black mountain moth spp. Glacies spp. Black-veined Moth Siona lineata

Sphingidae Small Elephant Hawk Deilephila porcellus Humming-bird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum

Notodontidae Iberian Puss Moth Cerura iberica Swallow Prominent Pheosia tremula Lesser Swallow Pheosia gnoma Prominent

Arctiidae Setina irrorella Feathered Footman striata Rhyparia purpurata Clouded Buff Diacrisio sannio Cream-spot Tiger Arctia villica Ruby Tiger

Noctuidae Large Yellow Underwing Noctua pronuba Grey Arches Polia nebulosa Shears Plebeja nana Light Brocade Lacanobia w-latinum Beautiful Brocade Lacanobia contigua Varied Coronet compta Hadena filograna Shoulder-striped Wainscot Mythimna comma Minor Shoulder-knot Brachylomia viminalis Alder Moth Acronicta alni Brown Rustic Rusina ferruginea Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha Reddish Light Arches Apamea sublustris Dusky Brocade Apamea remissa Marbled Minor Oligia strigilis Tawny Marbled Minor Oligia latruncula Uncertain Hoplodrina alsines Small Yellow Underwing Panemeria tenebrata Bordered Straw Heliothis peltigera Burnet Companion Euclidia glyphica Mother Shipton Callistege mi

63

Silver-Y Autographa gamma Four-spotted Tyta luctuosa Systematic List Number 4 Birds

The taxonomic nomenclature and systematic order loosely follows both that of Voous (1977) and that found in Lars Jonsson’s Birds of Europe . The emphasis in 2011 was on plants, so fewer birds than usual were recorded, with some of the lower sites such as St.Llorenc not visited.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis St.Llorenc 2010. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis From the motorway in France. Little Egret Egretta garzetta From the motorway in France. Great Egret Egretta alba France on the departure day 2010. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Noted on day 6. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea 2 at St.Llorenc 2010. White Stork Ciconia ciconia France on arrival day, and on day 6 in Spain. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Noted on two days. Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Montanana road on 2 days, 2010. Black Kite Milvus migrans Widespread, seen on 5 days. Red Kite Milvus milvus Widespread, locally common, e.g. Arreau. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 1 Aigues Tortes. 1 near Gavarnie 2010. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus A few near Tremp. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Widespread and locally very common. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus Near La Seu d’Urgell. Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Tor, 2010. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Scattered records. Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Val d’Eyne, Aigues Tortes, and Ossoue. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 2 on Day 6. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Widespread in small numbers. Hobby Falco subbuteo On 2 days, 2010. Peregrine Falco peregrinus Scattered records, e.g. Alins. Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Col de Perbes? Quail Coturnix coturnix Heard at Ossoue. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Rioumajou valley, 2010. Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Lower altitudes. Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Widespread in small numbers. Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Scattered records, towns. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur On 3 days in Spain, 2010. Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Often heard. Barn Owl Tyto alba A road casualty on the first day, 2010. Common Swift Apus apus Widespread and common. Alpine Swift Apus melba Near Santa Engracia, 2010. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis St.Llorenc, 2010. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Tremp area. Hoopoe Upupa epops On 3 days in Spain, 2010. Wryneck Jynx torquilla Heard below Col d’Aspin. Green Woodpecker Picus viridis Scattered records. Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius Heard in Aigues Tortes. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major Widespread. Crested Lark Galerida cristata Lower altitudes in Spain. Woodlark Lullula arborea Scattered records.

64

Skylark Alauda arvensis Perbes etc. Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Widespread and common. Swallow Hirundo rustica Widespread and common. House Martin Delichon urbica Widespread and common. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Col de Perbes. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Scattered records. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Much in evidence above the tree line. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Widespread near streams. White Wagtail Motacilla alba Widespread in small numbers. Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Scattered records. Dipper Cinclus cinclus Scattered records along streams and rivers. Dunnock Prunella modularis Scattered records at higher altitudes, e.g. Aigues Tortes. Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris 1 at Col de Tentes. Robin Erithacus rubecula Widespread. Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Very commonly heard in Spain, also often seen. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Seen almost daily. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Canigou etc. Stonechat Saxicola torquata Col de Perbes. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Scattered high altitude records. Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis A male at Bonaigua. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Collegats Gorge, 2010. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus A female below Bonaigua, 2010. Blackbird Turdus merula Widespread. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Scattered records. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Scattered records. Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Heard occasionally, 2010. Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus St.Llorenc, 2010. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Near Tremp. Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Col de Perbes. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Scattered records. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala Tremp area. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Tor road. Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Scattered records. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Commonly heard or seen. Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Scattered records. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Scattered records. Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonellii Scattered records in Spain. Goldcrest Regulus regulus Scattered records. Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus Heard at Salas, 2010. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Scattered records. Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus Seen on four days, 2010. Crested Tit Parus cristatus Val d’Eyne and Aigues Tortes. Coal Tit Parus ater Val d’Eyne and Aigues Tortes. Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Scattered records. Great Tit Parus major Widespread. Nuthatch Sitta europaea Near Pont de Suert, Alins, etc, 2010. Common Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Val d’Eyne. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus St.Llorenc (PGC), 2010. Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Santa Engracia area, La Guingeta, etc. Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Widespread in small numbers.

65

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator 2 near Tremp. Jay Garrulus glandarius Widespread and common. Magpie Pica pica Widespread and common. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus Quite common at high altitudes. Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Locally common on both sides of the border. Carrion Crow Corvus corone corone Widespread and common. Raven Corvus corax Widespread in small numbers. Starling Sturnus vulgaris Scattered records in France. Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor Lower altitudes in Spain. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Widespread and common. Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Scattered records. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia St.Llorenc, 2010. Snow Finch Montifringilla nivalis Col du Tourmalet, Gavarnie area. Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Widespread and common. Serin Serinus serinus Scattered records. Citril Finch Serinus citrinella Tor, Aigues Tortes, Neouvielle, etc. Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Scattered records. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Scattered records. Linnet Carduelis cannabina Widespread in small numbers. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula A male on day 5. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Scattered at higher altitudes. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus Lower altitudes in Spain. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia Scattered records. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana 4+ at Col de Perbes. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Scattered records at lower altitudes in Spain.

66

Systematic List Number 5 Mammals

European Mole Talpa europaea Hills noted Red Fox Vulpes vulpes One watched for some time above Tor, sign at Aigues Tortes. Wolf Canis lupus Could the carnivore droppings we saw at Perbes possibly have been from this species? Badger Meles meles A road casualty, 2010 Beech Marten Martes foina One road casualty, 2010 Pyrenean Chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica Several in Aigues Tortes, a total of 13, cavourting on snow patches Mouflon Ovis orientalis A small group on a snow patch at Piau-Engaly, 2008 Fallow Deer Dama dama Aigues Tortes Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus Near Llavorsi, 2010 Alpine Marmot Marmota marmota (introduced). Numerous around Gavarnie. Heard below Tourmalet. Wild Boar Sus scropha Much evidence of rooting activity seen. One dead at the Vielha tunnel entrance, 2010. Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris Aigues Tortes Snow Vole Microtus nivalis One at Troumouse, 2010 Garden Dormouse Eliomys quercinus One of these beautiful dead in TroumouseValley, 2008 Pipistrelle spp. Pipistrellus spp. Alins, echolocation calls 45 to 55 kHz, 2010. Lesser Horseshoe Bat? Rhinolophus hipposideros Possibly this species in Alins, 2010

67

Systematic List Number 6 Reptiles and Amphibians

Fire Salamander Salamandra salamandra Larvae in roadside streamlet at Rioumajou, 2010 Pyrenean Brook Newt Euproctus asper 3 adults near Gavarnie Common Frog Rana temporaria Scattered records Iberian Water Frog Rana perezi Ponds at Col de Perbes, Collegats etc. Midwife Toad Alytes obstetricans Heard near Tremp, 2010 Spiny-footed Lizard Acanthodactylus erythrurus St.Llorenc, 2010 Green Lizard Lacerta viridis Gavarnie 2009 Viviparous Lizard Lacerta vivipara Recorded 2010 Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis France Iberian Wall Lizard Podarcis hispanica Scattered records Montpellier Snake Malpolon monspessulanus Alins 2009 Aesculapian Snake Elaphe longissima Perbes 2009 Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca One at Gavarnie, 2010 Asp Viper Vipera aspis 2 in Gavarnie 2009

Systematic List Number 7 Dragonflies

Ischnura elegans Blue-tailed Damselfly Ischnura graellsii Iberian Bluetail Pyrrhososma nymphula Large Red Damselfly Gomphus simillimus Yellow Clubtail Gomphus pulchellus Western Clubtail Cordulegaster boltonii Golden-ringed Dragonfly Libellula quadrimaculata Four-spotted Chaser Libellula depressa Broad-bodied Chaser Orthetrum coerulescens Keeled Skimmer Leucorrhinia dubia White-faced Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii Red-veined Darter

68