DUNGENESS (61/0916) 



Grim and windswept Dungeness has a unique flora extending over 

 shingle ridges and marshy ground. The prostrate Blackthorns {Prunus 

 spinosa) and Brooms {Cytisus scoparius, var. : prostrata) are very 

 noticeable. The most abundant plants of the shingle beds. are Notting- 

 ham Catchfly, Sea Pink or Thrift (Armeria vulgaris). Hare's Foot 

 Clover (Trifolium arvense). Sea Campion {Silene maritima), powder- 

 blue Jasione {Jasione montana), and yellow, pink and white Stonecrops 

 {Sedum acre, S. anglicum, S. album). During June, these plants, 

 together with the Brooms and Foxgloves, provide mats of colour; later 

 in the summer much of the vegetation becomes smothered with the 

 tangled red threads of the parasitic Dodder {Cuscata epithymum). 



Close to the coast grow many seaside plants, Seakale (Crambe 

 maritima). Scurvy Grass (Cochlearia danica). Sea Pea {Lathyrus mariti- 

 mus) and Sea Convolvulus {Convolvulus maritimus). 



The freshwater pits are a peculiar feature of Dungeness, and 

 around them several rare marsh plants may be found, notably Marsh 

 Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris). Greater Spearwort {Ranunculus 

 lingua), and Buck Bean {Menyanthes trifoliata). Marsh Shield Fern 

 {Aspidium thelypteris) and Adder's Tongue {Ophioglossum vulgatum) 

 are unusual ferns, and it is strange to find Bog Cotton {Eriophorum 

 polystachion) in this locality, as it is usually confined to peat bogs on 

 high moorland. 



Dungeness is best reached by car, but the Light Railway runs direct 

 to the lighthouse in summer. 



Shingle flora is also found at Littlestone-on-Sea; and patches occur 

 at Hythe Ranges, but only part of this area is accessible to the public. 

 Marsh plants may be readily studied along the dykes between the coast 

 line and the hills; and there is much of botanical interest along the 

 banks of the Royal Military Canal. 



VERA F. P. DAY, n.d.h., f.r.h.s. 

 Hon. Secretary. 

 1952. 



