Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)

Family: Aceraceae / Sapindaceae (APG)

Common name: Sycamore

Scientific name: Acer pseudoplatanus

Date taken: 28/8/2022

Notes: Introduced to the country in the 16th century and has since established itself as one of the most common tree species in the UK. As the scientific name Acer pseudoplatanus suggests, this maple has leaves that resembles Planes (Platanus sp.) trees. Like other maples, fruits of Sycamore are winged for wind dispersal. Also note how the petiole attaches the leaves to the branches and the domatia (structures to house mutualistic arthropods such as mites) at the bases of secondary veins. 

Dewberry (Rubus caesius)

Family: Rosaceae

Common name: Dewberry

Scientific name: Rubus caesius

Date taken: 3/9/2022

Notes: Superficially resembles a smaller version of the more common Bramble (R. fruticosus). Leaves trifoliate. Stems weak, prickly. Berries distinctive and looks like dew droplets. Changes from green to dark purple with waxy coating when ripe.

Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium)

Family: Convolvulaceae

Common name: Hedge Bindweed

Scientific name: Calystegia sepium

Date taken: 3/9/2022

Notes: Compared with Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), it is larger, with papery instead of leathery leaves, and has two epicalyx of 2 bracteoles. Compared with Large Bindweed (Calystegia sepium), the two epicalyx barely overlaps. Flowers are snow white. Very common in wastelands and scrubs.