Primula scotica (Scottish Primrose)

Primula scotica Hook.

Scottish primrose

Status: scarce

P. scotica occurs in a characteristic and species-rich short sward. This may occur in the transitional zone between the Armeria/Plantago sward and maritime heath, as a mosaic with maritime heath, as a mosaic with coarse machair, or with rock outcrops. It is accompanied by Agrostis capillaris, Carex flacca, Danthonia decumbens, Euphrasia spp., Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Plantago lanceolata, P. maritima and Thymus polytrichus, and is rarely found more than 5 km from the sea or above 100 metres.

Although often behaving as a biennial in cultivation, it is perennial in the wild. It reproduces entirely from seed and is heavily dependent on good seed-bed conditions, both edaphic and climatic. Although it is fully self-fertile in the absence of insects, it is visited by syrphids and cross-pollination may result in more vigorous plants with greater longevity. Mature plants persist long after a site has become unsuitable for germination. There is high mortality among young plants after severe winters.

Many of its major habitats are amenable to cultivation and almost all are grazed. Both over-grazing and under-grazing can be harmful, according to the exposure of the site, and most site losses, which continue, are due to one of these causes.

P. scotica is endemic. Its closest relative, P. scandinavica, is found in Norway and north-western Sweden.

For a more detailed discussion of the ecology and conservation of this species, see Bullard (1987).

E. R. Bullard