Ernesto Schick devoted a decade of his life (1969-1978) to observing, classifying and illustrating the wild vegetation that infests the grounds of the international railway marshalling yard in Chiasso.

Schick was among the first to develop the concept of Railway Flora, that is, that particular type of plant that grows spontaneously in the immediate vicinity of structures used for railway transport. The particular conditions of the extremely anthropized soil (presence of stones, frequent passage of vehicles, massive use of herbicide) combined with the presence of non-native seeds transported parasitically by trains and travellers, create a singular habitat in which it is possible to find great biodiversity.

First published in 1980, Flora ferroviaria (Railway Flora) has maintained all its original charm. Its bond with the territory and with the history of one of the symbols of its economic development, the painstaking research of an all but common man and his scrutiny of the complex relationship between human beings and their environment offer a testimony which remains as intriguing as it ever was.

The new edition features writings and original illustrations by the author, as well as scientific updates by Nicola Schoenenberger and a literary contribution by the poet Fabio Pusterla.