Summer Flowers of the High Alps

The plant here photographed derives its English name from the evergreen character of its leaves. It is in fact a British plant, being found somewhat rarely in Scotland and in the North, but is much more common in Switzerland. It grows among the moss in shady woods, from the plains right up to the tree-limit and may even reach 8000 feet or higher, where protected by shrubs and bushes. The plant is widely distributed in Switzerland and is also found in Vosges, Pyrenees, and Jura. It flowers in July.

The Lesser Winter-Green will be recognised by its short, straight style, which does not project beyond the flower and which is closely surrounded by the stamens which converge toward it. Of the four other Swiss Pyrolas which resemble the above, two only are at all common, and these two will alone be mentioned. Pyrola secunda will be recognised by its longer straight style, which projects beyond the petals and by its greenish white flowers, which are all turned in the same direction. Its leaves are more pointed and have deeper notches than those of our plant. Pyrola rotundifolia has also a style that projects beyond the petals, but it is curved so that the stigmatic surface at its extremity is far below the centre of the flower.