Artemisia genipi

A small, highly aromatic wormwood; thanks to its bitter compounds, it is used in the production of Genepì, a famous liqueur with tonic and digestive properties. This species, commonly known as ‘male Genepì’ or ‘black Genepì’, is widespread throughout the Alps and it is endemic to this mountain range. Within the National Park, it is common in all the valleys and grows on rocky slopes and scree at altitudes between 2,300 and 3,500 metres. 

It is a perennial plant, 5–15 cm tall, with a greyish, tomentose appearance due to its dense downy covering. It has simple stems and basal leaves arranged in rosettes that form dense cushions. The inflorescence is an elongated raceme, the flower heads of which are in turn composed of inconspicuous yellow flowers. 

Its medicinal properties are known primarily to mountain communities, as this species is associated with high-altitude environments. It is an excellent appetite stimulant, aids digestion, and has soothing, fever-reducing and expectorant properties. In some valleys of the Aosta Valley, this plant was also known as ‘aspirine des montagnards’ – the mountaineers’ aspirin.