The ghost of golden daffodils

The flower remains the national emblem of Wales, but how many today are aware of the true Welsh or Tenby daffodil

- David Jones

IT is springtime and roadsides, fields and gardens are spectacularly carpeted in solid yellow drifts of golden daffodils. It is particularly so in Wales, where the bloom is the nation's emblematic flower. For generations, Welshmen and women all over the world have proudly sported the flower in their lapel to celebrate St David's Day on March 1. Yet, for all their patriotic pride in the daffodil, most will be unaware that there is, in fact, a separate species of the flower, unique to Wales, which can lay claim to the title of the real Welsh daffodil.

The Tenby daffodil (Narcissus obvallaris) is a distinct dwarf, early-flowering member of the narcissus family. It has a medium, smooth-textured and uniformly brilliant-yellow flower. Its beauty has long been recognisedindeed, E. A. Bowles, once reputed to be the foremost daffodil expert, declared it to be 'the most perfect in proportion and texture of any deep yellow trumpet, and for close-up observation unlikely to be improved upon'.

A flower of some mystery, the exact origins of the Tenby daffodil are uncertain. Down the years, scientific theory and colourful legend have vied with each other to account for the flower's inexplicable appearance and limited range within west Wales.

The least likely, but perhaps the most charming explanation, dates back to the time of the Phoenicians. It tells how a ship from the fleet of the ancient seafaring race following a regular trade route was blown off course and sought shelter at Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire. There, the Phoenician captain was intrigued to see natives cooking over fires fuelled by anthracite coal. Realising the potential of the fossil fuel, he returned the following year to barter a cargo of daffodil bulbs for it.