Rather than by region, we separate the illustrations for the Alps by geology - into calcareous and siliceous mountains. The height of the treeline varies between 1800 m (front ranges) to 2300 m (central ranges). Situated in the temperate zone the climate is very seasonal with the alpine winter lasting 8-10 months, depending on exposure and altitude. The calcareous flora tends to be richer in species and colours than the siliceous flora.

1 - Scree slope with Hutchinsonia alpina.

2 - Highly diverse calcareous grassland at 2100 m in the northern calcareous Lechtal Alps, Tyrol.

3 - Dryas octopetala (Rosaceae) forming sturdy mats on scree slopes, always indicating the presence of calcareous influence.

4 - Ranunculus alpestris (Ranunculaceae), replacing R. glacialis whenever calcareous rock comes into play (here in the Hohe Tauern region, 2600 m).

5 - Cerastium latifolium (Caryphyllaceae), a scree specialist.

6, 7 - Globularia cordifolia (left, Plantaginaceae) and Draba aizoides (right, Brassicaceae), two typical species from warm, S-exposed calcareous scree.

8 - Gentiana kochiana (Gentianaceae)

9, 10 - The characteristic short stature sedge on calcareous rock: Carex firma (Karwendel Mts., Tyrol, 2500 m).

11 - Lilium martagon (Liliaceae) (Brenta Mts., S-Tyrol, 2300 m)

12 - Papaver rhaeticum (Papaveraceae)

29 August 2011
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