Flora

Wonders of nature in the Italian Alps  

Wonders of nature in the Italian Alps  The woodland in the sections of the Peio and Rabbi valleys that form part of the Stelvio National Park are largely coniferous, made up of spruce and larch. The stone pine can be more commonly found in the Val di Peio, whilst the white fir grows in small patches of the Val di Rabbi valley floor.

Above the forest, there are high altitude pastures interspersed by a belt of shrubs as the forest transitions into the open areas of the Alpine pastures. The main species of shrub are alpenrose, juniper, particularly on south-facing slopes, and locally the mountain pine.

The broad Alpine plains which lie above the tree line, where conditions are still harsh, are different from areas higher up because of the more diverse environment. The specific properties of the different habitats are linked to the type of rock, the climate and aspect.

Lastly, the upper levels sit on the highest extremities of the mountains and represent the most inhospitable environments. They are a land of scree, rocks and deep bowls where the snow cover remains for a long time, places where favourable conditions for life may be restricted to just a few weeks a year.

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