*Species for which the Scottish Highlands represent the majority, or all, of their UK range
**Species whose UK survival depends on habitat in the Cairngorms National Park
Species: Common broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Where and when encountered: Rothiemurchus Estate on 2 June 2021
About: Common broom grows on sandy acidic soils, on heaths, in open woodland, on railway banks, and along stony riversides. The plant can be found in most parts of the UK and is host to a number of different species of invertebrate.
Editor's note: The flowers of most plants are pure-yellow in colour, but red-tinted aberrations are occasionally seen, as in the example photographed.