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Species |
Early gentian,
Gentianella anglica, plant |
| Habitat |
SAND DUNES, SEA
CLIFF AND SLOPE, CALCAREOUS GRASSLAND |
| Background
and status |
This plant is
often no more than ten centimetres tall and is found in short chalk grassland.
Very similar to the larger species of gentian with the same delicate lipstick-like
buds and stiff, sharp-petalled flowers. Flowers May-June. Early gentian
is endemic to the UK and is recorded from only 49 10km squares from Cornwall
to Lincolnshire. There are two sub-species, one of which is confined to
three sites in Cornwall and the other which is declining in central England
and the Midlands and has become extinct at one site in north Devon. |
| Main
Threats |
Loss of suitable habitats on dunes, cliffs
and limestone or chalk grassland.
Inappropriate management, particularly reduction
in grazing.
|
| Conservation
and targets |
Safeguard all surviving populations.
Where extinction has occured recently, restore
10 populations to former sites by 2004.
Maintain population at any new or re-discovered
sites.
Promote research on the ecological requirements
of both sub species to ensure appropriate conservation management.
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