Le Puy de la Colline, Chinon

The Puys du Chinonais, a group of sand covered limestone ridges, are, thanks to an exceptional microclimate, home to a Mediterranean type of flora. The Association de botanique et de mycologie de Sainte Maure de Touraine visited the Puy de la Colline (from the Latin podium, which means a low hill) on 15 April 2023. The views are terrific and the habitat full of interesting species. To help protect the environment, visitors are asked not to pick the flowers.

A vineyard in the Chinon AOC on the lower slopes, taking advantage of the sandy soil, which helps control diseases such as phylloxera. In the background, just visible, is the nuclear power station at Avoine.

Green-winged Orchid Anacamptis morio (Fr. Orchis buffon).

Field Dog Lichen Peltigera rufescens.

A sweat bee Halictidae, probably Lasioglossum sp, in a Grassy-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus gramineus (Fr. Renoncule graminée).

Corinne, checking out a sand catchfly.

Prostrate Speedwell Veronica prostrata (Fr. Véronique prostrate).

Green Tiger Beetle Cicindela campestris (Fr. La Cicindèle champêtre), mating. The way he has his jaws clamped around her 'waist' is alarming.

Cladonia foliacea lichen.

Pasque Flower Pulsatilla vulgaris (Fr. l'Anemone pulsatille), with a Cowslip Primula veris (Fr. coucou).

A former quarry.

Common Juniper Juniperus communis (Fr. Le Genévrier commun).