A rare alpine flower, the Smallest Ice or Alpine Luckflower (Soldanella minima), has been discovered in a new location in the Estergebirge mountains of Germany. The discovery was made by Benedikt Faas, a young botanist, during his bachelor's thesis research.
The Smallest Ice or Alpine Luckflower is typically found in the Southern Alps, but in the 1940s, it was also found in the Ammergebirge mountains. Its presence in the Estergebirge, which is separated from the Ammergebirge by the Loisach Valley, is considered a significant finding.
Faas discovered the flower growing on several dolomite sites in the Estergebirge. He was particularly surprised to find it on a steep slope, as the two mountain ranges are geographically distinct. This discovery highlights the resilience and adaptability of alpine flora, as well as the importance of ongoing research and monitoring.
The discovery of the Smallest Ice or Alpine Luckflower is just one example of the valuable information contained in the recently published four-volume work, "Flora in Bayern." This comprehensive work documents all 6,000 plant species found in Bavaria, both historically and currently. The work is a result of years of collaboration between hundreds of amateur botanists and four scientists, including Faas.
The "Flora in Bayern" project aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant life in Bavaria and to promote conservation efforts. The project's success relies on the continued participation of amateur botanists and scientists, who are encouraged to report any interesting plant discoveries. The project's long-term goal is to develop a mobile app that will make the information accessible to anyone in the field.