Varied flora grows on the 160 square kilometers of the territory
of the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is also the basis for rich fauna. There are three landscape
types: the Rhine Valley, the Rhine Valley slopes, and the Alpine area. In the Rhine Valley, alluvial
soil of the Rhine can be found, as well as marshy ground in the north. The Rhine has been dammed since
the middle of the 19th century. The Rhine Valley slopes are preferred settlement areas. About 40% of
the slopes are forested. The north-south ridges and valleys of the Alpine area take up about 1/3 of
the area of the country. The Föhn (warm south wind) provides a relatively favorable climate in Liechtenstein
for warmth-loving plants from the Mediterranean region, which reach their northernmost extension here.
The conjunction of three geological layers is of particular interest with respect to the distribution
of species: the submerging Helvetikum in the Rhine Valley, the Upper East Alpine layer in the east,
and the Pennine Arosa Zone in the south. In short: Liechtenstein – a geographical powerhouse for flora
in Europe - is rich in botanical treasures! Of the 1600
plant species, about 800 species are mountain flora, the rest are valley and slope flora. There are
only few typical silicate plants, since the mountains are rich in limestone. Silicate can only be found
in a few localized spots. In contrast to silicate flora, limestone flora offers more species and is
more colorful and varied for the hiker. The botany of the Principality of Liechtenstein has been studied
very extensively. Almost all of the 1600 species are documented in the Liechtenstein herbarium (dry
plant collection). 383 species have been registered in the Red List of vascular plants in the Principality
of Liechtenstein, or about 24% of the flora. 68 species are extinct or missing, 102 species severely
endangered, 91 endangered, and 122 rare. The Ruggeller Riet is the richest natural space in Liechtenstein. |
Tiny Liechtenstein is home
to diverse flora with over 1,600
species of plants
|
