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An unforgeTtable population of

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia

(By Eric Partrat, March 2004)

This page is dedicated to Jeff, my friendly guide to this population.

Location : Valle de Pineta, national park of Ordesa and Monte Pedido, in Spain.

 

The famous mountain range of the Pyrenees, a moutain range shared by Spain, Andorra and France. 

Map : www.calle.com

Map showing the location of the national park of Ordesa and Monte perdido, with other well known locations like Gavarnie in France.

 

The National Park can be divided into four areas : Valle de Pineta, Valle de Escuain , Canon de Anisclo, and Valle de Ordesa. The beautiful and big Pineta Valley is one of the most well known and visited places in the Aragon Pyrenees. The valley V form is because its glaciar origin. Its 14 kilometers in length through the Sucas and Espierba mountain ranges. 

 

At the beginning of the valley you can find Monte Perdido (Lost Mount), one of the most emblematic Aragon Pyrenees peak. 


At the end of Pineta Valley you will find Lalarri falls, a group of different heights and dimensions that makes an impressive joint.

 

Did you know that the Pineta Valley is surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Monte Perdido range, the highest limestone range in Western Europe.

 

 

The Pineta Valley surrounded by an impressive limestone range. 

View from the back of the valley. 

Photo : E. Partrat

 

The circus ending the Valley with some of the impressive peaks of the Monte Perdido range.

Photo : E. Partrat

 

The valley of Pineta hide a long water dripping calcareous cliff, the habitat of a very nice population of Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia. I had the chance to visit this population in full flowering period.  Here are some pictures I would like to share with you of this red leaves population.

 

A spectacular colourfull show I will never forgotten.

 

 

Another view along the same dripping cliff. Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hangs everywhere. Note the water falling all along.

Photo : E. Partrat

Another view along the same dripping cliff. Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hangs everywhere.

Photo : E. Partrat

Another view along the same dripping cliff. Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hangs everywhere.

Photo : E. Partrat

Another view along the same dripping cliff. Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hangs everywhere.

Photo : E. Partrat

A cold fall with all around Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hanging everywhere.

Photo : E. Partrat

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia hanging everywhere from the cliff with endless flowers !

Photo : E. Partrat

Note the young red long leaves hanging from the cliff and the numerous flowers.

Photo : E. Partrat

Note the young red long leaves hanging from the cliff and the numerous flowers.

Photo : E. Partrat

I took this photo from the bottom of the cliff showing the young long leaves, despite the water dripping from the top.

Photo : E. Partrat

Note the young red long leaves and numerous flowers.

Photo : E. Partrat

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia flowers exhibit endless variations.

Photo : E. Partrat

Note the young red long leaves. Later in the season, the leaves may reach 20 cm !

Photo : E. Partrat

 

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia flowers exhibit endless variations.

Photo : E. Partrat

 

I took this photo from the bootm of the cliff showing the young long leaves. Later in the season, the leaves may reach 20 cm !

Photo : E. Partrat

 

I took also this photo from the bottom of the cliff showing the young long leaves, despite the water dripping from the top.

Later in the season, the red leaves may reach 20 cm !

Photo : E. Partrat

 

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia flowers exhibit endless variations.

Photo : E. Partrat

 

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia flowers exhibit endless variations.

Photo : E. Partrat

more on Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia.

 

 

Pinguicula longifolia subsp. longifolia :

Some of the flowers patterns remind me the flowers of Pinguicula poldinii.

 

Photo:  E. Partrat

Pinguicula poldinii in nature.

Photo:  E. Partrat

At the bottom of the cliff, you can also find a small population of Pinguicula grandiflora subsp. grandiflora.

Many plants fall down from the cliff and try to survive at the bottom under heavy water flow. Some can also follow the numerous rivulets and arrive in the bog but no plants seems to survive there ! 

Photo : E. Partrat

Despite a population of P. grandiflora subsp. grandiflora in the bog, the presency not far of P. longifolia subsp. longifolia and the arrival of fallen plant (but no survival), we didn't note any hybridation.  

Photo : E. Partrat