Hypochaeris glabra L., Smooth Cat's-ear

Introduction, a probable mis-identification. European southern-temperate, but very widely naturalised.

1 June 1995; EHS Habitat Survey Team; Moneendogue ASSI.

As with the Carex flava (Large Yellow-sedge) record made on the same occasion, the current author (RSF) and RHN are convinced that this solitary record is a mis-identification. The habitat does not 'fit' and without a voucher it has to remain an unacceptable record. The only definite Irish sites for Smooth Cat's-ear are on sand-dunes on the N coast of Co Antrim (H39) and Co Londonderry (H40) (FNEI 3).

As with H. radicata (Cat's-ear), the earliest B & I fossil of H. glabra is from the Roman period (Godwin 1975, p. 351). Since it spreads so very readily with man worldwide (Hultén & Fries 1986, Map 1880), the species is not assumed native in Britain. In the opinion of the current author, it is certainly an introduction in Ireland and is probably an archaeophyte (ie an ancient accidental introduction).