News

The beauty and scent of almond blossom at this time of year is legendary. We thank Lesley Jones, manager of MPG’s Facebook page, for the image, taken in the Jalon Valley, Alicante, Spain, this month. Lesley reports that many almond trees have been cut down there in recent years because of infestation by the destructive bacterial disease Xylella fastidiosa which also attacks olives, citruses, grapevines, herbs and ornamental plants. BeXyl Project is working to improve the situation. See bexylproject.org/about-bexyl-project

The main ferry port on the island of Elba, the destination for MPG’s next expedition in the Mediterranean, suffered devastating floods last night after 65mm of rain fell in just one hour. Dozens of people were stranded in Portoferraio, cars were swept off course and some stranded in mud, and the Italian Civil Protection Unit and firefighters were mobilised from the mainland.

The third edition of Aroids – Plants of the Arum Family is the work of long-standing MPG member Deni Bown who lives in Spain. The definitive feature of the family is that its members have compound inflorescences, formed of a fleshy central column (a spadix) of many tightly packed flowers. The spadix is usually surrounded by a brightly coloured spathe (a highly modified leaf). Not all aroid species have spathes, but all have spadixes. Various examples are often seen on MPG trips, A. italicum for example, often in olive groves. Deni’s book is available on pre-order from Kew Books, Amazon and other outlets.

One of MPG’s earliest members, greatly respected for her knowledge and love of plants, Jorun Tharaldsen, died suddenly and unexpectedly on 18 December. Jorun was known by members around the world and will be greatly missed. A Norwegian, but remarkable for fluency in English, Greek and German, her professional life was in vet parasitology. She leaves a son, Anders, and husband, Sverre. The picture shows her on a windy day during an MPG trip on Tenerife, photographing plants.

Gill Robinson, who currently chairs MPG’s management committee, introduces today the first of this winter’s series of five presentations on Zoom. Bookings for the December, January, February and March events must be made at least 24 hours in advance using the form on the website in the Upcoming Events section. There is no charge for members to attend. The illustrated talks, usually delivered live by speakers, were described this month as “wonderful lifesavers” by a previously very active member who is less able to go on walking expeditions than she used to be.