Voting Announced for 'Plant of the Year 2027'

The contenders are:

1) Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) — an orchid with the largest flower in Belarus, listed in the Red Book as a vulnerable species. It blooms for the first time only after 8-17 years. Populations are fragmented, and the species suffers from collection and habitat disturbance (logging, drainage amelioration, overgrowth by shrubs). It requires the search for and protection of new locations and monitoring of known sites.

2) Common Oak (Quercus robur) — a powerful tree that supports many plant and animal species. The oak is easily recognizable and suitable for a campaign emphasizing the preservation of old-growth forests. Mass planting of oaks across the country with the involvement of schoolchildren will draw attention to this native species and give children practical experience in planting and caring for trees. Oaks could be made more common in our cities.

3) Common Nettle (Urtica dioica) — currently a common plant perceived as a weed. It is systematically combated (including with herbicides), while its ecological role is ignored. A campaign could help break this pattern and motivate people to preserve nettle patches as "mini-reserves" for butterflies and birds. After all, the inconspicuous nettle is a food plant for the caterpillars of beautiful butterflies: the small tortoiseshell, peacock butterfly, red admiral, painted lady, and comma. Reed warblers, finches, and nightingales nest in it.

4) Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) — a beautiful relict evergreen creeping shrub, a witness of the glacial period. It was named in honor of the botanist Carl Linnaeus, whose 320th birth anniversary will be celebrated in 2027. Due to climate change, fires, and logging of old forests, this vulnerable species is included in the national Red Book. It requires the search for and protection of new growing sites and monitoring of known locations.

5) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) — a recognizable and much-loved annual. In Belarus, it is found mainly on the edges of fields and disturbed areas, while the main cultivated areas are occupied by crops.

6) Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — a low perennial semi-shrub with a strong, pungent aroma. One of the most recognizable plants in Belarus. An important source of nectar for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.

You can cast your vote for one of the candidates until November 4 inclusive on the following platforms of the campaign organizers (votes from all platforms will be summed up):

• Telegram channel «Wild Nature Nearby».
• Google Form of PO «Botanical Society».
• Telegram channel «Smartpress.by / News».
• Viber channel «Smartpress Nature».
• Website Smartpress.by.

More information about the candidates — here.

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