As part of the NETTLE project, the two researchers Anja and Sabrina had the opportunity to collect Alchemilla alpina on 30th of July in collaboration with the TEH (Traditional European Medicine) naturwerke in Unken in Salzburg's Pinzgau region. The aim of the project is to analyse the collected plant together with other Alpine plants in the laboratory for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
When they arrived at TEH naturwerke, Anja and Sabrina were greeted by chairwoman Theresia and member Simon. Shortly afterwards, the hike started in Reith near Unken in Pinzgau. From there, Simon led the researchers along the Alpersteig trail through a picturesque alpine pasture area up to the high plateau of the Reiteralpe at an altitude of almost 1600 metres. Once at the top, the plant was soon discovered and the collection could begin.
Alpine lady's mantle (Alchemilla alpina) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the rose family and flowers from June to August. It is characterised by its silvery, hairy, palmate leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers, which make it easy to recognise. Alchemilla alpina is also often referred to as Alpine silver mantle, mountain lady's mantle or silverweed.
Once enough material of the plant has been collected, the return hike in the afternoon could start. Once back down in the valley, the material was weighed and laid out to dry. A good two kilograms of Alchemilla alpina were collected, of which around 700 grams remained after a week of drying for further processing in the laboratory.
We would like to thank Simon for his expert guidance and look forward to further plant collection hikes together with TEH naturwerke Unken.
