Hawk's Beard PotentialCrepis spp.

Crepis spp.

This is Hawk’s Beard, a species of Crepis.

In Chinese folklore and medicine a plant of the same Tribe (Cichorieae) as the Crepis called theYoungia japonica was used to cure illnesses such as diarrhoea and colds. Recently, the antiviral compounds of Y. japonica have been proven (Ooi et al. 2006).

I feel with every advancement in technology we take a step further away from the nature around us, isolating ourselves from what we depend on. Hopefully discoveries like this will lead to the realisation of the importance and potential uses of what is around us.

Crepis, now that I know what it looks like, litters the ground of the UEA campus. It too could possibly hold antiviral compounds that can be utilised through as simple methods as home brews of tea. Next time you are feeling under the weather, do a simple internet search about what is in your garden. It could save you a hefty prescription fee!

Also, notice how diverse the species are in this picture; hawk’s beard, fungus, moss even a beetle of sorts!

Owl You Need is Love!

In late July 2012 I went for a short road trip through central Kenya. I started in Samburu National Reserve and went through Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Aberdare National Park and Lake Naivasha before returning home. The wildlife was unbelievable! From African wild dogs to Verreaux eagle-owls, African elephants to chimpanzee – I was spoilt for choice! 

In Naivasha I was lucky enough to get up close to a young African wood owl. Barely bigger than a bag of flour, it perched motionless, beautiful big brown eyes endlessly staring. 

African wood owl - Strix woodfordii 

The colour of their iris is a tell-tale sign to when they prefer to hunt; black/brown are nocturnal, orange are crepuscular and yellow are diurnal but, like in most areas of life, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

I learnt this cool fact on Wednesday evening as I embarked on a bat walk around the lake at the University of East Anglia. I also learnt that there are three species of owl that frequent the University campus; the Tawny owl, the Little owl, and the more elusive Barn owl. I hope I am lucky enough to get as close to these three species in the years I spend here.


A whole new world of animals and plants to discover – how exciting!