Walk: in Search of the Parnassia

On Sunday, August 9, we will go in search of the Parnassia at the Refugium near Den Helder. The Parnassia is perhaps the most beautiful plant that blooms in the dunes. The beautiful creamy white flowers, the stamens that tell us how many days the flower has been open... The tiny, golden nectar spheres are also beautiful. In the center of the flower sits a kind of small bomb from which the minuscule seeds flutter away after ripening.

For centuries, people used plants as medicine for all kinds of ailments. For instance, they made tea from the plant to treat stomach flu and used the leaves as plasters. They even rinsed their eyes with the sap to improve their vision! At one time, Parnassia was common in the dunes, but due to desiccation, it has now become rare. However, Parnassia still blooms in the Refugium nature reserve.

Of course, there are more species in the Refugium worth seeing. Along the way, we also look out for other plants, insects, and birds.