Endangered flower reappears at nature reserve after seven years

London: A rare flower species named the Tubular Water Dropwort has appeared once again for the first time in seven years at Rye Meads Nature Reserve near Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire in London. This plant belongs to the carrot family and was thought to be on the brink of extinction.

The team at Middlesex Wildlife Trust discovered around 130 of such unique plants. The flower used to grow in the dense vegetation of a wetland meadow, which had been cut back last year to help improve plant growth.

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The nature reserves manager at the trust called the discovery “an incredible find, given its rarity". He said the unusual mix of a wet spring followed by a dry spell may have created the perfect conditions for the flower to return.

The Tubular Water Dropwort is famous across the world for its white and pink flower heads. Since 2018 it hasn’t appeared at the reserve. The manager said that it is easier to spot plants when they are in bloom. Therefore, the team anticipates their bloom during this season.

Credit goes to habitat management and conducive weather, which also supported the rare bloom. The discovery has made it clear that nature reserves can play a big role in protecting endangered species.