Back from extinction

This plant is Stinking Hellebore.  It does not really stink - its leaves when crushed have a strong pungent odour.  Its flowers are drooping and green with a delicate pink fringe to the petals.

It was very nearly extinct at Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve in Silverdale - down to one plant!  

Seeds were collected and grown on at home, before the small but established plants were transplanted back into Gait Barrows.  This fine plant is the second generation of that replanting in a now flourishing colony.

The last remaining old plant died three years ago, but its offspring are doing well and the future of the species at Gait Barrows are now bright.