Undoubtedly the find of the month has been Juncus compressus, Round-fruited Rush, found on the River Usk by Harry Elliott - a botanist new to the area. He found it near the waterfalls below Llangynidr Bridge growing on rocks and in a subsequent visit three of us found the population to be quite extensive.
The rare plant (for Wales) had been recorded "above Brecon" on rocks by Augustin Ley, an eminent Victorian botanist, back in 1883 but never seen again on the river since. (We do have a well known population of the plant at Llangors Lake.)
Juncus compressus, Round-fruited Rush on the Usk
It sems likely it has been there since Ley's time.
Plants on the other, inaccessible, bank looked greener as in more shade.
One more picture!
We also found this - never before seen on the Usk and quite a county rarity. Spotted by Julian Woodman.
Persicaria minor, Small Water-pepper
