One of the UK\u2019s rarest wildflowers is thriving in the historic ruins of Hastings Castle.
\nThe plant, known as lesser calamint, is extremely rare and found in only a few sites throughout the country.
\nIt is thought the fact the castle grounds have remained virtually undeveloped for centuries has allowed the flower to survive.
\nHastings Castle\u2019s Leanna Lawson said: \u201cA member of our staff decided to find out more about this mysterious flowering shrub which appeared to be growing out of the side of one of the castle\u2019s remaining walls.
\n\u201cShe sent a description and image of it to a local expert who confirmed it was lesser calamint and went on to say the castle was the only known site in the town where it grew.
\n\u201cThe plant is also only found at a few isolated sites across the country and is increasingly threatened by development and building works.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re delighted the castle has been able to protect such a rare species for such a long time and we are doing our best to look after it and to encourage it to grow and spread within the castle grounds,\u201d she added.
\nAs its name suggests, the plant\u2019s leaves smell of a mix of mint and oregano when touched. In Italy the leaves are ground up and used as a culinary spice.
\nThe perennial shrub forms compact mounds of shiny, green oregano-like leaves with lavender pink flowers which attract bees and butterflies.
\nThe plant reaches a height of 18 inches and will self-seed.
\nWith its stunning views across the town and out to sea Hastings Castle is forever linked with the most famous date in English history 1066.
\nVisitors can walk around the ruins of Hastings Castle and explore the cloistered chapel, the East Gate and the Chapter House.
\nThey can also discover the dungeons carved out of the rock beneath the North Gate and find out all about the fascinating history of Britain\u2019s first Norman castle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"