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Martagon lily

Round-leaved penny cress on scree

Purple orchid

The alpine environment is extremely hostile to life in general and the season for high-altitude vegetation can be as short as 60 to 70 days, including growth and reproduction. Each species has developed survival techniques, ranging from thick hairy layers as protection from cold winds and evaporation (edelweiss), antifreeze in its leaves (glacier crowfoot), as well as ground-hugging forms that minimise exposure, allow the plant to exploit the heat from the earth and ensure protective snow cover (cushions of rock jasmine). In addition to the beating they get from the elements, many also risk being nibbled by chamois (especially attracted to large-flowered leopard's-bane for its sugar content) and marmots (who go for forget-me-nots) and even thought-less picking by humans.

To end on a ‘spiritual’ note, a quick mention is in order for the insignificant-looking but strongly aromatic flower of the yellow genipi, found on stony grassland. Although it is rather rare and protected, local inhabitants are permitted to gather a limited number to prepare their beloved Genepì – a perfect after-dinner drink with guaranteed digestive properties to boot.