Das Galmei-Veilchen – die Königin der kargen Böden

Small, delicate and yet surprisingly strong: the galmei violet is the emblem of the galmei flora.

It thrives where almost nothing else grows - on stony, nutrient-poor soils that are rich in zinc and other metals. While other plants die here, the galmei violet defies drought and nutrient deficiency.

It is a close relative of the yellow pansy from the Vosges and the Sudeten pansy - and can be found almost exclusively in the Aachen border triangle worldwide. It flowers in spring, usually between April and May.

Wherever the galmei violet grows, it shows how resilient life can be: At Schlangenberg, it tells of the transformation of a mining area into a natural refuge - and of how nature can heal itself.