Ruby Smith

The Isles of Scilly is situated where the Atlantic Ocean splits into the Celtic Sea and the English Channel. Southwest England's Conchs coast is home to the archipelago. The extremely productive oceanic fronts created by the mixing currents serve as a foundation for plant plankton, the first link in a food chain that attracts species like puffins, basking sharks, and blue sharks.

Depending on the underlying geology, depth, and degree of exposure to the waves, many islands have distinctive local ecosystems. A few species have been singled out as "conservation characteristics" due to their rarity, vulnerability, or important ecological function. This piece focuses on the botanical gardens on the Tresco island. The plants are specific and rare to the island.