La Gardiole de l'Alp - Molines

7 points of interest

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  Flora

  Sorbus aucuparia

  This small tree was once planted to attract thrushes. Its name comes from the fact that birds disseminate its seeds. In the spring, it produces umbels of white flowers that become red berries in July. Its fruit is edible when it is overripe but very acid. The berries can be used to make compotes or jellies. Be careful though: the seeds are toxic. Its small size, rapid growth and elegance mean it is now used as an ornamental tree.

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  Flora

  Carlina

  In olden days, Carlina was hung on doors to ward off evil spirits. Its heart was eaten and its roots were used in different medicines. Once endangered, it is now protected. This Asteraceae has the specificity of closing in case of bad weather and humidity.

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  Flora

  Goosefoot

  The regular and frequent presence of herds in a small area leads to overgrazing. It has resulted in the disappearance of some species and the development of others. The goosefoot or wild spinach is one of those species. It is present around sheep pens or where sheep spend a lot of time. Edible, its leaves are eaten like spinach. Consume in moderation: they contain oxalates.

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  Fauna

  Black-veined White butterfly

  The black-veined white butterfly is a relatively large butterfly (65mm). Its wings are white. Over time, those of the female become transparent. It loves open areas, with thistle and other Asteraceae. It has the distinction of having an irregular distribution. Indeed it may disappear where it was very present and then reappear where it had disappeared. However, like many insects, its population tends to decline.

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  Geology

  Permafrost, mollisol, frost weathering and thufurs

  The succession of freezing and thawing sometimes creates strange shapes. Rocks fractured by frost weathering hurtle down the slopes by the action of water, which, when freezing, makes fissured rocks explode. Deep down, the soil, when permanently frozen, is called permafrost. The top layer, called mollisol, thaws in the spring. The softened mollisol slides over the permafrost and forms visible ripples on the surface. Around lakes, bumpy areas called thufurs often appear.

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  Fauna

  Eresus Kollari

  This little spider lives in dry, hot areas. The male is about 1cm in length. It is black with white rings at the joints of the legs and its abdomen is covered with orangey red bristles, with 2 or 3 pairs of black dots. The female, twice as large, is black with grey bristles. It digs a burrow that she won’t leave. She lays her eggs in it and returns to the surface during the day to warm them up, only going back into the burrow at night. After several moults, the males leave the burrow in search of a female.

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  Fauna

  Oedipode rouge

  Ce criquet, expert en camouflage, possède une couleur en symbiose à celle de son environnement. En effet, sa teinte dépendra du substrat dans lequel il a grandi. En vol, ses ailes postérieures dépliées deviennent orange et très visibles, mais une fois au sol, se fondant dans le décor, l’insecte redevient quasi invisible.