Successful Bryophyte Expedition

Successful Bryophyte Expedition

Yesterday I investigated Dá Fhiacail Mhóra, South Armagh

Dá Fhiacail Mhóra is a small hill that makes up the volcanic ring dyke of the Ring of Gullion. It is the most southern of the hills and its geological make-up is granophyre, a subvolcanic acidic ingenious rock similar to granite. In the summit of the hill are two egg-shaped rock outcrops which the hill’s name takes its name from, the Two Large Teeth (Dá Fhiacail Mhóra). In times gone by, people congregated for dances on the flat land between the two ‘teeth’.

I first visited the hill in September 2023 and recorded some interesting flora, namely, Heath Groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus) and Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia). At this time I was not involved in bryology, so I decided to re-visit the hill to have a look at the bryophyte diversity.

The acidic granophyre was something I had in mind so I was expecting calcifuges (plants that shun calcium carbonate). I first noticed the lovely moss Bartramia pomiformis, a calcifuge moss found in upland habitats. It is widespread but not that common in Ireland, so it is nice to fill in a gap. Secondly, I found a species of liverwort which I was researching a few days ago and had remarked on its odd rarity in Ireland. It was particularly curious to then find the liverwort Ptilidium ciliare here, and plenty of it too. This is a first for southeast Ulster and for co. Armagh. I was very happy with this one.

On the more sheltered east-facing side of the hills bore the most bryophyte diversity and abundance. Other small liverworts included Scapania gracilis, Marsupella emarginata and possibly Lophozia sudetica. Plus a potential Andrea rothii. I struggled to ID some of the species and I still need to look into getting specimens verified.

Overall, a very goof bryophyte day and it is testament to another site that is severely under-recorded. Beyond that, the hill is very scarred from forestry. Sitka spruce is regenerating prolifically and there are very few mature trees. Many of the rowans are strangely dead too. Again, another hill in South Armagh that is ecologically damaged, with no apparent drive to restore these places. What a shame.

I will continue to record flora and fauna here and the other hills in the district, and maybe someday people will dance here again in rejoice for nature’s recovery on the two large teeth of South Armagh.

Image: Ptilidium ciliare growing among the crevices of rock with other bryophytes.