The Larch

The larch, which can be seen throughout the walk, is a very special tree. Although a member of the Pinaceae family, like Cedar, Fir, Pine and Spruce, it is the only conifer whose needles change colour and fall off in autumn. A mountain tree par excellence, it grows at altitudes of between 1200 and 2400m, where it is generally accompanied only by the Swiss Pine. Its light green, airy foliage lets the sun's rays through and its undergrowth is often rich in geraniums or orchids. It has a straight, smooth trunk that splits into plates as it gets higher. Its bark tends towards grey and reddish brown and its branches lean downwards like those of the Epicea. Its needles are grouped in clusters of 20 or 40 on short branches and measure about 3cm.