The history of Erica erigena R. Ross, an Irish plant with a disjunct European distribution
Peter Foss|Gerard Doyle
Scanning electron microscopy combined with pollen, spore, rhizopod and fungal analyses of two peat profiles at Claggan Mountain, Co. Mayo, sheds new light on the Holocene history Erica erigena in western Ireland. This heather is referred to Mediterranean-Atlantic group Irish flora, remarkable for its disjunct distribution Europe, where it occurs Ireland, Bordeaux France, Spain Portugal. has proved a powerful tool, allowing unambiguous identification ericoid pollens species level used identify first occurrence pollen profiles. Radiocarbon dating shows that relatively recent arrival appearing time historic period 1431 AD. The details vegetational changes associated expansion E. have been explored by conventional analyses. Drying surface replacement bog vegetation ericaceous heathland during marked agricultural activity region was spread. suggests introduction might explain presence here, Europe. Documented trade pilgrimage routes between Ireland those areas Europe may allowed into Further analysis work, using SEM techniques, will be required if an earlier proved. combination techniques described here prove useful study other plants difficult microscopy.
Journal of Quaternary Science