For many, searching for misplaced keys or phones is the extent of their explorations. However, botanists, like Molly Parren and Grace Glynn, dive into fields and riverbanks in pursuit of elusive plants. This poetic life was exemplified when Vermont announced the rediscovery of false mermaid-weed, thought to be locally extinct.

The discovery began on May 7 when Parren, a turtle biologist, spotted rare wild meadow garlic and sent a photo to Glynn, Vermont’s state botanist. Glynn, however, noticed another plant in the photo: Floerkea proserpinacoides, or false mermaid-weed, not seen in Vermont for over a century.

Excitedly, Glynn and her colleague Matt Charpentier, who had long sought this plant, celebrated the find. Glynn rushed to confirm the presence of the plant and found a dense carpet of it.

Rediscoveries like this are common in botany, where experts constantly seek and document rare plants to protect them. Glynn, relying on reports from enthusiasts, maintains a list of rare species, continually updated based on field findings.

The false mermaid-weed’s reappearance might be linked to recent flooding, which possibly created a more hospitable habitat. To preserve this rare species, Glynn will send seeds to a Massachusetts seed bank.

The rediscovery of false mermaid-weed is a beacon of hope amid environmental challenges, reflecting the perseverance and dedication of botanists.

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