Project prevents Guernsey extinction of rare flower

A rare flower has been brought back from potential extinction in Guernsey.

The dwarf pansy (viola kitaibeliana) is found throughout southern Europe, but in the British Isles is only found in Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly.

First documented in Guernsey in 1871, the flower used to grow along the island's west coast and Lihou Island, but now only a small wild population remains at Pleinmont.

The joint initiative from La Société Guernesiaise and charity Grow involved collecting seeds from the tiny lilac flowers and propagating them with the plan for them to go on sale in the future to support the work of both groups.

Helen Litchfield, secretary of the botany section at La Société Guernesiaise, said the team's efforts in propagating the dwarf pansy meant it was no longer at risk.

"Dwarf pansies are definitely one of our very rarest plants, that will not be going extinct anytime soon," she said.

Guernsey has 167 plant species rare in the British Isles and 34 species are found in fewer than 25 locations.

Though the dwarf pansies are not yet available to purchase, Litchfield encouraged islanders to consider planting other native and naturalised species to contribute to their conservation.

"You can't argue with a primrose, they're absolutely glorious... red campions will flower all year round, and they are just so beneficial to all sorts of insects and wildlife," she said.

"We don't want to lose anymore plants, so our rarest plants are being preserved in this way."

Litchfield said residents could also contribute to Guernsey's biodiversity by helping to get rid of invasive non-native species, like stinking onions and wild leek.

She said these species spread fast in the garden, and quickly out-compete native species in the wild, overtaking important habitats like the Bluebell Woods and coastal turf.