Plants
Portland Spurge
First found on Portland over 300 years ago (in 1715 this perennial plant is not confined to the Island but is a local species of coastal cliffs and sand dunes in western Britain north to Argyll.
On Portland it is found in open rocky habitats around the abandoned quarries and on the undercliffs (Weares) where it can be found in flower for much of the year. The small yellow flowers are attractive to bees and it is the food-plant of the scarce Spurge-bug which can also be found on the Island.
Horseshoe Vetch
First found on Portland over 300 years ago (in 1715 this perennial plant is not confined to the Island but is a local species of coastal cliffs and sand dunes in western Britain north to Argyll.
On Portland it is found in open rocky habitats around the abandoned quarries and on the undercliffs (Weares) where it can be found in flower for much of the year. The small yellow flowers are attractive to bees and it is the food-plant of the scarce Spurge-bug which can also be found on the Island.
Birds-foot Trefoil
Birds-foot Trefoil is the food plant of the Common Blue caterpillar.
Kidney Vetch with Small Blue
Kidney Vetch is the food plant of small blue caterpillar.
Carline Thistle
