Vermont’s state botanist was in for a surprise when she came across the rare false mermaid-weed last month. This unassuming plant blooms from late April to early June and had not been seen in Vermont for over a century.
For those not familiar with the world of botany, the life of a botanist may seem like a romantic adventure, searching for elusive plants with whimsical names in picturesque landscapes. In this case, the discovery of false mermaid-weed was like something out of a fairy tale.
The chain of events that led to the rediscovery of false mermaid-weed began with turtle biologist Molly Parren, who spotted some wild meadow garlic while surveying wood turtle habitats in Addison County. A photo she took of the garlic caught the attention of her colleague, Grace Glynn, the state botanist.
When Ms. Glynn saw the photo, she immediately recognized false mermaid-weed in the foreground. This rare herb had eluded her for years and was believed to be locally extinct. She wasted no time in contacting her colleagues to share the exciting news.
The discovery of false mermaid-weed in Vermont is a significant event for botanists and conservationists. This plant plays a vital role in the ecosystem and its presence indicates the health of the local environment. The rediscovery of this rare species highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to protect and preserve native plant species.
Moving forward, botanists and researchers will continue to monitor the false mermaid-weed population in Vermont to better understand its habitat requirements and conservation needs. This rediscovery serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in the natural world, waiting to be uncovered by those willing to explore and investigate.