Many years ago Zoë Devlin was shown a wild orchid by a relative, the late Dr Kathleen Lynn, and this sparked a lifelong interest in wildflowers. Here is Zoë's personal record of the wildflowers that adorn Ireland's countryside, presented so those without botanical knowledge can gain a greater understanding of the subject. Passionate about this often-overlooked part of our natural heritage, Zoë embellishes descriptions and photographs of the plants with herbal and literary references and related Irish folklore. This book creates a new awareness and wider picture of the world of wildflowers in Ireland.
Notes on using this book
Part One
Introduction 1
1. The history of the wildflowers of Ireland 3
2. Importance of our wildflowers 3
3. The flowering plant 6
4. Life cycles of plants 13
5. Classification of plants 15
6. Habitats 19
7. How to identify wildflowers 27
8. Extinction... the final threat to the wildflowers of Ireland 29
Glossary of botanical terms 31
Part Two
The wildflowers 37
References 406
Acknowledgments 410
Further reading 412
Index of common and Latin names 413
Index of Irish names 421
General index 424
Born in Dublin, Zoe Devlin has been interested in wildflowers and the environment since childhood. After retirement, she fulfilled an ambition to bring together her twin interests of botany and photography. By developing her own website, www.wildflowersofireland.net, Zoe has created a forum for others interested in seeking out, identifying and sharing wildflowers in Ireland.