Primula elatior (L.) Hill (Primulaceae) at the end of flowering in a moist, springy rich wood (Finland, Lammi, Biological Station, 2003). – Photo: Harri Harmaja. – This locality by a little brook, situated not far from the head building, has been visited yearly by many people since decades but it was not earlier than May 20, 1996, that I detected this primrose stand. Also some staff members of the Biological Station were astonished by the occurrence some time in the 1990's. The stand comprises 20-30 individuals, many of which are fertile being in full blossom in May. The habitat resembles in a bluffing way the natural habitats of P. elatior but here no doubt an escape is concerned. The nearest localities of natural occurrence of the species are situated in southernmost Sweden. The species is known in Finland as an ornamental and has escaped in some places, mostly to the immediate neighbourhood of the garden where originally cultivated. This Lammi stand may even have been planted by some thoughtless people on purpose.
Created February 12, 2004.