Bernese Oberland

[Lvandelft]

I usually identify the plants with the help of "The Alpine Plants of Britain and Europe" by Ch. Grey-Wilson and also using the excellent site: http://flora.nhm-wien.ac.at/ (with a little help of dictionary

Kathrine, this 'flora-site'is really excellent! Very good pictures!
Thank you very much.

[Katherine J]

Graag gedaan. 

[alistairsmac]

Dear All,

I have come across another photo from the same trip but in a rather lower location (approx 1800Metres) which plant has a look of Saxifraga sedoides about it as it has very definitely succulent type leaves.  Could this be correct?  If so I think the other one in the original post is not the same plant.

Regards.

Alistair

[Katherine J]

I think this is Sax. aizoides.

[hadacekf]

Kathrine, you are right it is Saxifraga aizoides.

[alistairsmac]

Thanks Franz and Katherine,  Saxifraga azoides it is!  Is it the consensus opinion that the original Saxifraga is S. Sedoides with modified leaves or is it another as yet unidentified?

I have another photo, this time of a campanula - I'd like to know its name if someone could tell me.

Thanks.

Alistair.

[ranunculus]

Sorry Alistair, but I am still convinced that S. sedoides doesn't grow in the Bernese Oberland!

Working on your Campanula....

Kind regards.

[hadacekf]

Cliff, you are right Saxifraga sedoides grow not in the Bernese Oberland.
It is confined to the southern calcareous mountains. In the north it is found only in the calcareous Austrian Alps.

[tonyg]

Assuming the leaves belong to the campanula it is not C cochlearifolia so how about Campanula scheuzeri?  Rocky places are not typical for it perhaps, but I'm assuming this site was not barren scree.

[Katherine J]

how about Campanula scheuzeri?

I thought it was too short for that... but now I see that C. scheuchzeri can be 5(!)-30 cm tall.

[tonyg]

Yes, Kathrine, it is usually taller but this plant is only just opening its flowers and seems to be growing in a rocky place which might lead to a more compact habit.

[alistairsmac]

Thanks to all for comments and suggestions.

I am returning to Grindelwald this September to show my wife, Janette, the delights of the area both botanic and scenic.  I am a novice as far as Rock Gardening is concerned but, having obained Jim Jermyns book for Christmas, am intent on trying a few troughs.

It seems likely that in September there might be seeds to be found from plants which flowered earlier in the season.  Could anyone suggest what I might look out for and where. 

As far as identifying plants from foliage and habit alone is concerned I think I should struggle and if there are any tips I should be grateful.

Regards to all.

Alistair.