This week it’s: World Animal day

THIS Sunday, 4 October, is World Animal Day. It’s the day set aside each year for raising the global status of wild and domesticated animals. It’s the day when people, communities, organisations and countries all come together to help put an end to animal suffering and improve animal welfare. And it’s a very worthy aim, with an increasing supporter base. As far as these pages are concerned, it also gives us an opportunity to look at how animals feature in our plant choices, and at those plants possessing animal names, or other animal connections.

Incidentally, what do grapes and raspberries, as well as camellias, elaeagnus and Rhododendron yakushimanum, all have in common? Answer on page 43.