Something to Look At

These are Mountain Avens (Dryas octopetala, Rosaceae family) photographed in June, at Inchnadamph, in the Scottish Highlands. The rocks at Inchnadamph are famous for their role in the development of modern geology. They also contain a large exposed stratum of limestone, which produces a rich mountain flora. The flower on the right has a dipteran fly, attracted to the flower. Such insects are important pollinators.

These are fairly easy to identify when found in their natural habitat, with their 7 to 10 brightly white petals and mass of yellow stamens. If seen for the first time then how to give a name to it? Some guides provide paintings accompanied by written descriptions in plain language. Other guides provide a descending key of written descriptions of essential diagnostic features in botanical language, with or without illustrations.

What role do photographs play in such guides? They can be clearer than paintings, but paintings can show the plants to best advantage by combining varied characters into a typical plant. The main advantage of photography is that it is accessible. In contrast floral illustration is a highly skilled talent and there are few people who will attempt it for an entire guide.