Alta Badia – adüm
Italy
Among the consequences of Storm Vaia, one of the most catastrophic is the spread of the bark beetle. This insect has reproduced on the windthrown, so much so that it is able to attack even those forests spared by the storm, multiplying the damage. In this situation, it is crucial to act promptly by skitting and cleaning the plants attacked by the bark beetle to protect the forest around the core attacked by the parasite.
Learn about the species in our Food Forest!
It is a majestic conifer that is a member of the pine family. It has an upright, slender trunk with reddish thin bark. The leaves are dark green needles that remain evergreen. The flowers are yellow or red cones that turn into woody fruits. This plant is very useful for the food forest because:
– It improves air quality because of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
– It provides a valuable and durable wood used to build houses, furniture and musical instruments.
– It has balsamic, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic properties useful for treating coughs, colds, joint pain and fatigue.
– It is a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as squirrels, birds, deer and wild boar.
Spruce is well adapted to cold, continental climates, but it does not tolerate drought and pollution.
It’s an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. It has palmate, toothed leaves with a dew-collecting down. The flowers are small and greenish, grouped in terminal inflorescences. This plant is very useful for our food forest because:
– It improves soil biodiversity because of its ability to host many insects and microorganisms.
– It provides medicinal food for humans, who can use the leaves in infusions, decoctions, tinctures and poultices.
– It has astringent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-diarrheal properties, useful for treating wounds, infections, cramps, indigestion and diarrhea.
– It is a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as lepidopterans, beetles, birds and rodents.
Alchemil is well adapted to temperate and humid climates, but it does not tolerate intense heat and dry soils.
Perennial Goosefoot is a fascinating plant that you can find in our food forest. This herbaceous plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves, which can be used in cooking as a vegetable with a slightly tart flavor. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your recipes. In addition to its culinary value, it is also known for its medicinal properties, including its diuretic and anti-inflammatory action.
It is a herbaceous, hairy plant that is part of the coffee family. It has white star-shaped flowers that cluster in terminal inflorescences. It grows in meadows, forests and wet places, where it forms green mats. This plant is very useful for food forestry because:
– It improves soil fertility because of its ability to live in symbiosis with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen.
– It provides nutritious and palatable forage for domestic and wild animals.
– It has balsamic, expectorant, analgesic and antibacterial properties, useful for treating coughs, bronchitis, headaches and infections .
– It is a food source for some insects, such as bees, which contribute to pollination.
Hedge bedstraw is well adapted to temperate and humid climates, but it does not tolerate excessive heat and dry soils.
These little red fruits, besides being sweet and irresistible, harbor secret powers. Rich in antioxidants, they fight free radicals and protect our cells. With a vitamin C boost to make an orange envious, they strengthen our immune system and make our skin glow like a ray of sunshine. Wild strawberries, with their anti-inflammatory effect, are ready to put out the fires of inflammation in our bodies.
Among the wonderful plants you can discover here is the Swiss Stone Pine, a truly fascinating tree. This lovely tree is known for its thick, scaly bark, which seems to create a kind of winter dress to protect it from the cold. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but the Swiss Stone Pine is also famous for its soothing scent that fills the surrounding air.
Another extraordinary plant you may encounter here is Horsetail. This plant has a very unique appearance, with its hollow stems that look like bamboo canes and its small, tapered leaves. Horsetail is also known as “horsetail” because of its resemblance to a horse’s mane. But don’t let its modest size fool you, because Horsetail has many hidden talents! It is rich in health-beneficial minerals, and its leaves can be used to make an invigorating tea.
It is a protected plant in some regions of Italy. It is a member of the carnation family. It has pink or purple flowers with fringed petals that look like lace. It is very useful for the food forest because:
– It has anti-inflammatory, healing and tonic properties, useful for healing wounds, inflammation and fatigue.
– It is a food source for some insects, such as butterflies, which contribute to pollination.
Woodland carnation does well in cool, moist climates, but it does not tolerate trampling and competition from other plants.
This remarkable plant not only catches the eye with its glistening fruit, but it is also a treasure trove of health benefits. Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, boosting the immune system like little superheroes. They also contain antioxidants that help fight free radical damage and preserve the youthfulness of cells. With their valuable nutrients, raspberries give you a touch of magic and vitality. Enjoy your exploration!
It is a deciduous conifer that is a member of the pine family. It has an erect, slender trunk with reddish thin bark. The leaves are dark green needles that fall in autumn. The flowers are yellow or red cones that turn into woody fruits. This plant is very useful for the food forest because:
– It improves air quality because of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
– It provides a valuable and durable wood used to build houses, furniture.
– It has balsamic, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic and stimulating properties, useful for treating coughs, colds, joint pain and fatigue.
– It is a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as squirrels, birds, deer and wild boar.
The common larch is well adapted to cold, continental climates, but it does not tolerate drought and pollution.
It is an herbaceous, woolly plant that is a member of the daisy family. It has two- to three-pinnate leaves with deeply divided, linear segments. The flowers are white or pinkish grouping in terminal flower heads. It grows in meadows, pastures, woods and stony places, where it forms flowery cushions. This plant is very useful for our food forest because:
– It improves soil biodiversity because of its ability to host many insects and microorganisms.
– It provides aromatic and medicinal food for humans, who can use the leaves and flowers in infusions, decoctions, tinctures and poultices.
– It has healing, antiseptic, antispasmodic and digestive properties, useful for treating wounds, infections, cramps, indigestion, irregular menstruation and fatigue.
– It is a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as lepidopterans, beetles, birds and rodents.
Yarrow is well adapted to temperate and cold climates, but it does not tolerate intense heat and moist soils.
These small berries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals beneficial to health. With their delicious flavor, they help fight oxidative stress, protect cells and can help prevent urinary infections. In addition, cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber, which contribute to a balanced diet and boost overall health.
These small dark berries are a treasure trove of sweetness. Bilberry is famous for its anthocyanin content, powerful antioxidants that promote heart and immune health. In forests, it is one of the pioneer species that helps prepare the ground for other plants, promoting ecological succession.
This fascinating plant, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, may seem a bit grumpy, but it hides a number of nutritional secrets.
Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that give our bodies strength and vitality. Its leaves can be used to prepare beneficial herbal teas and nutrient-rich soups.
But beware of its “pinchers!” Its stinging hairs can make us jump in surprise, but some say it can have stimulating and relaxing properties on the skin.
Be surprised by the unique personality of the Nettle in our forest. Enjoy your exploration!
It is a hardy, hollow plant that is part of the carrot family. It has large, pinnate leaves that resemble those of parsley. The flowers are white or pinkish grouping in terminal umbels. The fruits are oblong achenes with prominent ribs. This plant is very useful for food forestry because:
– It improves soil biodiversity because of its ability to host many microorganisms.
– It provides a tasty and nutritious food for humans, who can consume the young leaves as a vegetable.
– It has digestive, expectorant, antispasmodic and sedative properties, useful for treating indigestion, coughs, cramps and nervousness.
– It is a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as lepidopterans, beetles, birds and rodents.
Hogweed is well adapted to temperate and humid climates, but it does not tolerate severe cold and dry soils.
This small flower, scientifically known as Primula veris, is a joy to behold.
Its leaves and flowers are used in traditional herbal teas to soothe coughs and relieve sore throats. In addition, it is considered a powerful natural anti-inflammatory.
But it is not only useful, it is also a sight for sore eyes! Its bright yellow petals light up meadows and invite bees to dance around them, helping to pollinate them and promote biodiversity.
This hardy plant, scientifically known as Rheum rhaponticum, is a gastronomic treasure and a health resource.
Alpine Rhubarb is known for its fleshy, juicy stems, which are widely used in cakes, jams and desserts. Its sweet and sour flavor is a real treat for the palate.
But it is not just a matter of taste. Alpine Rhubarb is also a source of valuable nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. In addition, it contains phytochemical compounds that may offer health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
With its majestic presence, Alpine Rhubarb adds a touch of character to our forest.
It is an herbaceous, striated plant that belongs to the polygonaceae family. It has lanceolate, toothed leaves with a long petiole those basal and sessile those cauline. The flowers are greenish or reddish grouping in terminal panicles. The fruits are red-brown triangular achenes. This plant is very useful to our food forest because:
– It improves soil quality because of its ability to absorb heavy metals in the soil.
– It provides tasty and nutritious food for humans, who can use the leaves in salads, soups and sauces.
– It has depurative, diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful in treating water retention, kidney stones, constipation and skin inflammation.
– It is a food source for some insects, such as butterflies, which contribute to pollination.
Red sorrel is well adapted to temperate and humid climates, but it does not tolerate severe cold and dry soils.
It is an erect, hairy plant that is a member of the carnation family. It has white or pinkish flowers with a swollen, membranous calyx enveloping the corolla. It grows in dry meadows, cultivated fields and stony places, where it withstands adverse conditions. This plant is very useful for food forestry because:
– It improves soil quality because of its ability to absorb heavy metals in the soil.
– It provides a tasty and nutritious food for humans, who can eat the leaves raw or cooked.
– It has purifying, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are useful in treating water retention, kidney stones and skin inflammation.
– It is a food source for some insects, such as butterflies, which contribute to pollination.
Bladder campion is well adapted to hot, dry climates, but it does not tolerate severe cold and wet soils.
This tiny yellow flower, scientifically known as Taraxacum officinale, is an extraordinary plant with many surprises.
The Dandelion is famous for its ability to grow anywhere, defying the most hostile terrain. It is a symbol of resilience and determination, teaching us to stay rooted and face challenges with courage.
But there’s more! Dandelion is also a mine of health benefits. Its leaves are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C and K, as well as being a good source of antioxidants. Its roots have purifying properties and can support liver function.
And let’s not forget its playful side! Who hasn’t blown the tiny seeds of the Dandelion and made a wish as they scatter in the wind The Dandelion reminds us to find beauty even in the simple things in life.
It is an herbaceous perennial plant in the Fabaceae family, native to Eurasia and North Africa. It is very useful for food forestry because:
– It improves soil fertility due to its ability to live in symbiosis with bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen
– It provides nutritious and palatable forage for domestic and wild animals.
– It has medicinal properties beneficial to human health, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, estrogenic and anticarcinogenic.
– It is a source of nectar and pollen for pollinating insects.
This majestic tree, scientifically known as Sorbus aucuparia, is a valuable resource for wildlife and a treat for our eyes.
The Birds’ Rowan is known for its clusters of red and orange berries that attract a variety of birds, hence its charming name. Its berries are a vital food source for birds during the colder months, contributing to their survival and biodiversity.
But the Birds’ Rowan offers so much more! Its leaves are used in traditional medicine to make refreshing herbal teas, while its wood is prized for craftsmanship.
Explore the elegance of the Birders’ Rowan in our forest, admire its bright berries, and pay attention to the songs of the birds that gather around this special tree. The Birders’ Rowan is a symbol of nourishment and connection with nature. Enjoy your exploration!
Creating new forests and accelerating their recovery by planting native species or introducing new ones to increase resilience and biodiversity is essential. But it is equally important to take care and above all protect the existing forests, because they guard a heritage of all and are very important for the absorption of CO2 that allows to mitigate the onset of extreme weather phenomena. Finding the food forest – first intervention realized to value the natural area of Passo Campolongo (Corvara, Alta Badia) – is straightforward: click here and follow the directions that will take you directly to the car park.
In a few minutes, by following the well-marked path, you will get to the hearth of the food forest. Other projects to improve and protect new forests will follow shortly. These projects will be focused mainly on the restoration of the damages caused by the storm Vaia and its consequences (in primis, the spread of bark beetle) or by other adverse climate events.
Partner of the forest
