Flora

Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a rare plant, protected throughout Europe, and is a symbol of mountain regions. Its small greenish-white flowers are clustered in star-shaped groups, while horizontal leaves are located on the outer part. The flat and upright stem grows up to 20 cm in height. The basal leaves are spear-shaped, alternate, and elongated, with more hairs for protection against cold weather and water loss. It reproduces through seeds but can also regenerate from its roots. It grows on inaccessible mountain cliffs.

Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina) is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). Its upright, hairy stem grows to a height of 10 to 15 cm. The leaves are oval with serrated edges, and the hermaphroditic flowers are clustered in inflorescences and grow in the axils of the upper leaves. They are hairy, and the calyx is tubular-bell-shaped, with shorter divisions into 4 dark purple lobes. The fruit, in the form of a hairy quiver, is approximately 1 cm in length. It grows in grassy habitats ranging from meadows to clearings.

(Željka Šaravanja)