The descriptive text, below the map, is from the Cornish Red Data Book (2009). The map on this web page depicts the organisms distribution and shows the records made pre-2000 and those made since.
Range & Status
Native; an annual plant that grows along the Atlantic coasts, extending from north-west Africa, through the Mediterranean region into France and Spain and north into the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly.
Regional Distribution
Unknown in Cornwall, it is widespread in the Isles of Scilly where it is found on all the
inhabited islands except St. Mary' s, as well as the larger uninhabited islands of Samson (SV81), Te\'e4n (SV91), Great Ganilly (SV91) and Gugh (SV80).
Habitat & Ecology
It grows in shallow soil, on sandy tracks and heaths, but also around granite outcrops. The population is subject to seasonal fluctuation.
Threats
Lack of heathland management, but also uncontrolled burning.
Conservation
Many sites are within SSSI.
I.J. Bennallick, S. Board, C.N. French, P.A. Gainey, C. Neil, R. Parslow, A. Spalding and P.E. Tompsett. eds. 2009. Red Data Book for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. 2nd Edition.Croceago Press.
The Cornish Red Data Book Project was led by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Federation for Biological Recorders (CISFBR). The full text and species accounts (minus the maps) are available on the CISFBR website.