Lila's PlantArea CH by Lila Siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb Medicinal Plants from the Jura mountains, Switzerland en-us 2019-02-18 11:21:48 UTC 2024-06-07 17:47:11 UTC hello@padlet.com Theme 1: Plant diversity lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332340115 2019-02-18 13:54:19 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332340115 1.1: Three rich plant habitats lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332340871 The Jura is a mountain range mainly in Switzerland and France. Its highest point is at an altitude of 1720 m. The climate is semi-continental to mountainous. The Jura is composed of limestone rocks. The result is a complex karst system where the alternation of limestone and marl determines the presence or absence on the surface, and therefore the vegetation of the environment. The Jura gave its name to the Jurassic geological period. ]]> 2019-02-18 13:57:02 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332340871 Mesobromion - Middle-European semi-dry lawn lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332343125 Mesobromion is a low-growing herbaceous mat dominated by drought-resistant Poaceae and Fabaceae. The substrate is often calcareous, draining and low in nitrogen. Its floral richness is very high. It can reach 75 vascular species per 100m2. And among them, many rare species, like Himantoglossum hircinum, Ophrys apifera and Ophrys sphegodes.

References: Guide des milieux naturels de Suisse, Delarze & al., 2015. ]]> 2019-02-18 14:05:15 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332343125 Abieti Piceion - Spruce-fir forest lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332343542 It is a mixed forest of Picea abies and Abies alba, at an altitude between 1100 and 1600 meters. It is found on neutral, fresh and deep soils.

References: Guide des milieux naturels de Suisse, Delarze & al., 2015. ]]> 2019-02-18 14:06:55 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332343542 Sphagnion magellanici - Sphagnum peat bog lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332344678 The environment of bogs (or high marshes) is composed of sphagnum moss mats dotted with Ericaceae and Cyperaceae. There is very little nitrogen, favouring carnivorous plants and mycorrhizal species. It is a refuge for boreo-artic species, a relic of the last glaciations. The floral richness is not particularly high, but shelters species adapted to an extreme trophic environment.

References: Guide des milieux naturels de Suisse, Delarze & al., 2015. ]]> 2019-02-18 14:10:57 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332344678 1.2 : Two medicinal plant lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332345603 2019-02-18 14:14:00 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332345603 Achillea millefolium - Asteraceae Family lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332387536 Description: Common perennial plant, 20 to 70 cm high. It is found in meadows, pastures and rubble. Its straight stem has many leaves cut into very fine segments (millefolium = thousand leaves). The flowers are white and gathered into corymbs. By crumpling them, a pleasant camphor fragrance emerges, powerful and sweet at the same time.
Vernacular name: common yarrow
Medicinal traits: This astringent plant is used as a healing agent for wounds of all kinds, but also to calm and reduce excessively heavy and painful menstruations. This plant is also indicated as an analgesic, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, antiseptic and hemorrhoid medication.
Papers who discuss about medicinal traits:
References:
- Le petit larousse des plantes qui guérissent, G. Debuigne & F.Couplan. Edition Larousse 2016.
- https://www.infoflora.ch/fr/flore/achillea-millefolium.html

]]> 2019-02-18 16:25:40 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332387536 Plantago major - Plantaginaceae family lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332403151 Description: Perennial plant height from 10 to 40 cm. It is common on the paths. These leaves are oval, with a long stalk, tough and gathered into a rosette. The inflorescence is a cylinder formed by tiny whitish flowers with long stamens.
Vernacular name: broadleaf plantain, white man's foot, or greater plantain
Medicinal traits:  Scientific studies have shown that plantain extract has a wide range of biological effects, including "wound healing activity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immuno modulating and antiulcerogenic activity". In addition, the crushed leaves instantly soothe the pain of nettle or insect bites.
Paper who discuss about medicinal traits:

References:
- Le petit larousse des plantes qui guérissent, G. Debuigne & F.Couplan. Edition Larousse 2016.
- https://www.infoflora.ch/fr/flore/plantago-major.html
]]> 2019-02-18 17:15:58 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332403151 Theme 2: Complexity of plant biogeography lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332755370 2019-02-19 15:59:29 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332755370 2.1: Biogeography lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332756460 The Jura Mountain is at the boundary of Alpine and Continental regions. It is possible to fine both alpine and continental plants. 
(For more information, see 1.1)]]> 2019-02-19 16:00:52 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332756460 2.2: Environmental adaptation and tolerance lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332757042 Cold
Temperature variations are very important between summer and winter in the Jura massif. It can be around -30 to -35 degrees in winter in some valleys, like La Brévine which has the coldest temperature record for Switzerland (-41.8°C the 12 January 1987).

There are several physiological mechanisms that allow the plant to resist cold and frost. To give some examples, coniferous with needle-shaped leaves reduce water loss and protect it from freezing. Hardwoods lose their leaves and become dormant during the unfavourable period.

Drought
The Jura mountains form a karst system.  More info here: http://sourcerocks.blogspot.com/2010/04/karst.html

]]> 2019-02-19 16:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332757042 2.3: Comment about "Cosmos" frome Alexander von Humbolt lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332757376 The idea of assembling scientific concepts and more subjective concepts in the same work is very interesting. Today, scientific, literary and artistic disciplines are increasingly separated. It would be better to bring together different disciplines more often to better understand certain events, phenomena and emotions.

It was his explorations in South America and Asia that allowed Humbolt to make the observations that he describes in cosmos. ]]> 2019-02-19 16:02:22 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/332757376 Theme 3: Plants and climate change lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333619553 Step 1:  the second answer.
In the Andes, the longest continental mountain range in the world, located in south America, tree species are ‘on the run’, trying to move to ground of higher altitude. They are shifting roughly 2.5 to 3.5 vertical meters a year on average, but in fact they need to migrate more than 20 vertical feet a year!

Tropical Andean trees migrate to higher altitudes where the air is cool enough to support their existence. Due to the fast climatic change they have to move faster in order to remain in equilibrium with their preferred temperatures.

]]> 2019-02-21 13:51:49 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333619553 Theme 4: Plants as source for the futur lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333627677 Step 1: The third answer.
The threat of climate change and the knowledge that it is related to CO2 emissions from fossil fuels has led scientists to look for alternatives for our energy needs, that is in the cultivation of biofuel crops.

Replacing fossil fuels with biofuels is highly controversial since it solves one problem but creates new ones. ]]> 2019-02-21 14:08:31 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333627677 3.1: Records showing sign of climatic change lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333671806 The year 2018 was particularly hot and dry. 10 of the 12 monthly temperatures were significantly above the norm. Summer 2018 was the warmest summer since measurements began in 1864. In addition, this summer heat was accompanied by an unusual lack of rain over several months.

Since the 2000s, there has also been an accumulation of very hot summers (2003, 2015, 2017 and 2018). This is one of the clear signs of ongoing climate change.

Climate report year 2018 (in French):
https://www.meteosuisse.admin.ch/content/dam/meteoswiss/fr/service-und-publikationen/publikationen/doc/2018_ANN_f.pdf

A nice video on climate change scenarios in Switzerland:
https://www.nccs.admin.ch/nccs/en/home/climate-change-and-impacts/swiss-climate-change-scenarios.html]]> 2019-02-21 15:22:03 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/333671806 4.1: Floral resources in Jura mountains lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334051733 2019-02-22 09:00:32 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334051733 Two alcoholic drinks lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334051983 Absinthe or la fée verte (Green fairy)
Absinthe is a strong alcohol (between 45-74%) made from Artemisia absinthium. This drink comes from the Val-de-Travers region, where 90% of Swiss production is still produced. It was banned in Switzerland from 1910 to 2005. It was accused of making people violent and crazy.
Absinthe is traditionally prepared from a distillation of neutral alcohol, herbs (Artemisia absinthium,  Pimpinella anisum and Foeniculum vulage)  and water. 

Picture: Artemisis absinthium, Glass of absinthe and an absinthe spoon, Poster criticising the ban on absinthe in Switzerland at the beginning of the 20th century.(wikipedia.com)]]> 2019-02-22 09:01:54 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334051983 Christmas tree lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052094 Between 1.2 and 1.4 million trees are sold each year for the Christmas period. More than half of them come from abroad. Nordmann is the most popular Christmas tree in Switzerland: it represents one in three trees sold. We also grow them here, but the most widespread species locally is spruce or red fir (Picea abies) (20%). It is advantageous to buy, but its conservation is relatively limited.

https://www.arcinfo.ch/articles/suisse/les-suisses-aiment-leur-sapin-de-noel-pres-de-15-million-d-arbres-vendus-807718

Picture: A field of Nordmann ]]> 2019-02-22 09:02:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052094 Two groups of food plants lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052166 Brassicaceae family:
Some of plante of this family is use for oil, like Brassica napus, and for humain food like Brassica oleacea, Brassica rapa, Raphanus sativus and Eruca sativa. 

Most Brassicaceae, even wild ones, are edible: leaf, stem and flower. They contain glucosinolates (sulphur compounds) which give a more or less pungent flavour and give a particular taste to their culinary preparations.]]> 2019-02-22 09:03:01 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052166 Two common spices lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052218 Pepper (Piper nigrum):
Pepper is widely used in Switzerland, especially in some traditional dishes such as  Fondu or Raclette. 

Pepper is obtained from pepper berries, which originate from India. It has been used in Europe (more precisely in Greece) since Alexander the Great's trip to Asia. ]]> 2019-02-22 09:03:20 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052218 4.2 : Comment about "Enquiry into Plants"and "On the Causes of Plants", by Theophrastus lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052361 Personally, I am really impressed by the knowledge he describes in these books. He had already understood that there was a link between climate, soil and plants in antiquity. This work must have had a great influence on all botanists after him. ]]> 2019-02-22 09:04:05 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334052361 lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334069998 La Suze
It is a liqueur based on roots of Gentiana lutea, of Swiss origin and with a bitter taste. 
(https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suze)]]> 2019-02-22 10:23:50 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/334069998 lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340299134 Rosaceae family:
A large part of the fruit grown in temperate regions is produced by Rosaceae species. 
Like: 
Prunus (apricot, almond, cherry, plum, peach, ...), Malus domestica (apple), Fragaria (Strawberry), Rubus (raspberry and blackberry) and many other. ]]> 2019-03-12 08:57:30 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340299134 5.1: Endangered plant species in Jura mountain (CH) lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340313113 Switzerland has developed a priority list with the 40 species of Switzerland that are threatened and rare at the European level. 

The main reason for the decrease in these species is due to the disappearance or degradation of their habitat. The most threatened ecosystems are wetlands, often dry and eutrophic.]]> 2019-03-12 09:50:05 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340313113 lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340329651 Cumin (Cuminum cyminum):
Cumin seeds are also used in Switzerland, especially in cheeses. 

Cumin belongs to the Apiaceae family and originates from the Middle East. It was already used in Egypt 5,000 years ago. ]]> 2019-03-12 10:39:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340329651 Theme 5: Threatening factors of plant diversity lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340337083 2019-03-12 11:06:31 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340337083 5.2: Examples of endangered species and the reasons for their extinction lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340337992 Knautia godetii, Caprifoliacaea family
This plant grows in wet meadows with deep soils, with little grazing on limestone substrate. 

The destruction of its habitat is the main threat by drying up wetlands and intensifying agriculture. 

The measures put in place to safeguard this species are: 
  • maintenance of extensive agriculture and late mowing (July).
  • no obstacles to the rise of the groundwater table
  • prohibition of fertilizer application 

https://www.infoflora.ch/fr/assets/content/documents/fiches_pratiques_fr/knau_gode_f.pdf
]]> 2019-03-12 11:10:05 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340337992 lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340342330 Liparis loeselii, Orchidaceae family
This plant grows on wet limestone soils. The destruction of its biotope and eutrophication have greatly reduced the population of Liparis. 

The safeguard measure for this species are: 
  • Hydrological correction for the species
  • Prohibition of fertilizer application 
  • Mowing from the end of September
  • Upgrade trails to avoid trampling by walkers

https://www.infoflora.ch/fr/assets/content/documents/fiches_pratiques_fr/lipa_loes_f.pdf
]]> 2019-03-12 11:25:02 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340342330 5.3: Local plant conservation organization lila_siegfried https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340374548 The best way to conserve flora is to protect its natural environment, by creating nature reserves. Some voluntary associations such as Pro Natura create, maintain and revitalize this natural reserve (in situ measurements). Sometimes simple protection and maintenance measures favour the species (e. g. reaping, brushing, water level regulation) and are sufficient to restore populations to a satisfactory level.

If in situ measures are not sufficient and the species remains threatened, then ex situ measures (cultivation and propagation in a botanical garden) should be considered. The plants or seeds thus obtained may be used to strengthen the original populations or to carry out reintroductions.
For example, a reintroduction programme was created for Cypripedium calceolus.
https://www.jura.ch/CHA/SIC/Centre-medias/Communiques-2018/Suivi-et-reintroduction-du-sabot-de-Venus.html

Whatever the measure, it is necessary to know the species in question well: its biology, ecology, current distribution and threats.
https://www.infoflora.ch/fr/flore/conservation-des-especes/projets.html

Picture: Brush clearing work in the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve (Switzerland's largest reedbed at the foot of the Jura). https://grande-caricaie.ch/fr/travaux-dentretien/travaux-dans-les-marais/]]> 2019-03-12 12:45:07 UTC https://padlet.com/lila_siegfried/8kcul0y7ltwb/wish/340374548