A special tree: the mountain pine

The mountain pine (Pinus uncinata Miller) deserves a special mention. It is the only spontaneous, upright-growing representative of the mountain pine group in the Aosta Valley.

It is a microthermal species, meaning it is adapted to cold climates, like the Swiss pine, but it can descend to lower elevations — even into the montane belt.

In contact with Scots pine, it can hybridise, forming unique genetic hybrid populations — as found in the Champorcher Valley and Chalamy area.

Above the villages of Petit and Grand Rosier, lies one of the most fascinating hybridisation zones, where the two pines blend their characteristics. A true ecological rarity.