Another geocache placement, this time on the west side of the val d’Anniviers above the village of St-Jean. The cache is near a track that run along the hill side giving great views of the whole valley. It’s also opposite the cache GCJYJG (Gillou) although GCJYJG is about 200m higher up the hillside, you do get a clear a view of GCJYJG from here though.

More details in the cache listing

Tags: GC26CZ9 | geocache | geocaches | my anniviers geocaches | St Jean

Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) perennial, March-May, 10-25 high

This plant is only visible for a short while, after it’s flowered and the fruits have ripened the plant withdraws its upper parts staying below ground until spring. There’s a variation in the number of petals between 6 and 8.

The plant can spread using seeds but it also uses an extensive root system shooting stems up over an area. If you see a group of these flowers it’s highly likely it’s a single individual

Tags: Alpine Flowers | Anemone nemorosa | St Jean | Swiss Mountain Leader | Val d'Anniviers | Wood Anemone

Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) perennial, March-April, 5-10cm high

The sweet smelling oil from the leaves has been used for perfumes and scents (although no longer). The flowers are edible and used to colour salads and dried to make a herbal tea. It’s also used for a cough syrup.

The flower is distinctive but the serrated leave is easily identified as well along with the drooping stem.

Tags: St Jean | Sweet Violet | Swiss Mountain Leader | Val d'Anniviers | Viola odorata