BBC apologises for 'offensive' Gardeners' Question Time debate about plant called 'black man's willy'

But for others, it was deeply offensive racial stereotyping.

Yesterday the BBC apologised after a debate about a plant known as a "black man's willy" was broadcast on Gardeners' Question Time.

A caller to the Radio 4 show asked for advice on the Rhodochiton volubilis, which he said was "commonly known as the BMW, the black man's willy".

Panellists were heard giggling their way through a discussion about the plant. Gardening author Bob Flowerdew admitted he had "only ever seen one close up - and not that colour".

Horticulturalist Anne Swithinbank added: "I've never seen one in my life. They don't really like the cold, as you can imagine. They shrivel up and look very unhappy."

But some listeners failed to see the funny side, complaining of racist stereotyping and vulgarity by the broadcaster.

The BBC made great play of not offending racial sensitivities in its apology. But it seemed less bothered about broadcasting vulgarity early in the afternoon.

And it rejected complaints that the show was unsuitable for children, because they form only a "very small proportion" of its audience.

The show's producer Trevor Taylor defended the discussion, which featured on the show recorded at Chilcompton Gardening Club in Somerset in October.

He insisted innuendo had "been a part of Radio 4 for decades". But Radio 4 management said yesterday the segment should not have been broadcast.

It said: "Potential for racial offence is not always an easy thing to gauge. In this case, there was nothing derogatory of black people in the language used.

"Nevertheless, it is clear that some listeners did infer a derogatory intention in the words used, and did feel offended. We regret this."

The view was backed by the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit which said the show was potentially offensive.

However, Tory MP Philip Davies, who sits on the culture, media and sport select committee, said: "If we carry on like this, people will be scared of saying anything in case some zealot finds it offensive.

"I don't think the BBC should have apologised - they are far too easily influenced by the PC brigade."