Tvärminne Wildflowers

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Wildflowers photographed at Tvärminnen eläintieteellinen asema
(Tvärminne Zoological field research station) in southwestern Finland.
[read more about it: English Suomeksi PÃ¥ Svenska]

Image: GrrlScientist, 16 July 2009 [larger view]. (raw image)

Can you name the species?

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Pilosella (formerly Hieracium) aurantiaca, I believe.

I wouldn't be sure it is "wild".

Finnish flora is a mix of several things. After the Ice Age there was a tundra phase, and some plants still reflect it, especially in the outer archipelago. Then there was steppe, and finally taiga, which is still evolving. For example, spruce is still gaining ground from birch. Add human influence, e.g. dirt used for ballast in sail ships, and horticulture. Manor houses used to compete with their gardens.

As an Alpine flower, P. aurantiaca could be either a remnant from the early tundra phase (Tvärminne is close to the archipelago), or a later garden plant (Tvärminne is an old homestead, and has a history of botanical research).

By Lassi Hippeläinen (not verified) on 16 Jul 2009 #permalink