Fragaria vesca 'Muricata'

This weird variant of the Alpine Strawberry was discovered by John Tradescant in 1627 near Plymouth in Devon and is often called the Plymouth Strawberry. The white petals of the normal flower have been replaced by green leafy bracts and the fruit follows suit cloaking itself in spiky green appendages. Not a treat for the table but a historical and fun treat for the garden. This was thought to have gone extinct but was found again in a few gardens a few years ago. It was reintroduced recently and repatriated to the woodlands around Plymouth. A great example of how gardeners and gardens can conserve rare plants.