This is an Asian introduction which sometimes germinates from discarded birdseed. This is almost definitely what had happened to this specimen because it was growing not too far from houses and actually amongst the rocks at the top of the shoreline within splashing distance of the sea - a most unlikely habitat.

It is fairly common in the south of England and the north west has a fair few sites but it isn't so common in Wales or Scotland. There are very few sites in Ireland and none so far registered in the area where plant was found.

Cushendun Northern Ireland 19th August 2006

Added on 16th October 2006, updated February 7th 2011, updated 4th July 2023