Silene dioica (L. Clairv), family Caryophyllaceae, Vernacular name Red campion.
Watercolour on board, 320mm x 210mm.
Medium to tall biennial or perennial commonly found in deciduous woodland, hedgerows and on rocky slopes, from May to November. Plants are dioecious, (having separate male and female flowers on different plants).This painting illustrates a male plant which can be distinguished from the female by the calyces, which in the male are 10 veined and in the female 20 veined.
The flower is a strong reflector of UV light.Pollination is by bees and flies.
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