Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis, RBGE 10 July 2014. Photo Robert Mill.

Early this morning on my way in to my office I had a look at some of the annual plants that are appearing near the north boundary of the Botanics Cottage site, nearest Inverleith Place. I was amazed to find a plant of the orange-flowered form of Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis, a plant I cannot remember ever seeing anywhere in the Botanics previously. Of course I immediately photographed it! Indeed I can’t remember when I last saw any of this lovely little plant. It used to be quite common on waste ground but I can’t remember when I last saw any, anywhere. The plant is known as the ‘Poor Man’s Weather Glass’ because the flowers only open in good weather and close when the pressure falls, and after about 4 p.m. regardless of weather.