Here are a couple of interesting plants from the weekend the first Roseroot. I found this on the cliff face whilst descending to the foot of the Old man of Hoy. I got an ID from a member on bird forum as I had no idea what it was and its not in my wee Collins field guide. Turns out its quite an interesting plant with lots of medical and practical uses Here is a bit of blurb I found….

A medicinal herb first studied by the Russians decades ago. Roseroot is only the second North American herb after Ginseng to be recognized as an Adaptogen, an herb with the ability to restore the body and mind after physical and mental exertion and stress. Its rose-scented roots contain unique compounds that are thought to account for the adaptogenic properties. Research also shows the roots improve learning and memory and act as a tonic. In folkloric medicine, the leaves were used like aloe to treat cuts and burns. and the Eskimos used a decoction of the flowers for stomach and intestinal discomfort and for TB. Traditionally used in Tibetan medicine for nourishing the lung and treating lung conditions such as hemoptysis, coughs, pneumonia. For chronic stress, depression, immune depletion from overwork or excessive exercise, altitude sickness, and fatigue. For muscle spasms, and sciatica, muscle strains, and sprains, as liniment or in bath. Internally moves blood, emmenagogue. Not pleasant tasting. Herb of Grace. Can cause photosensitivity.

The second is a nice example of a Sundew this is one of two types of carnivorous plants that occur over the isles. These Sundews are often found in sphagnum moss bogs. The insects are trapped on the sticky globules where they rot away and are digested….lovely..