Tundra Plants
A Quick Guide To Tundra Plants
Not surprisingly, there are quite a small number of tundra plants, which is to say that there are less than 2,000 species indigenes to these harsh, cold regions of the world. This is a considerably miniscule number in comparison with the hundreds of thousands of plant species known to the world. Tundra plants must be able to take root nearly anywhere, and are also made to survive huge amounts of soil erosion and relocation. The tundra rose is one of the most surprising tundra plants, and closely resembles a mix between the milk weed plant and the native wild rose of the western hemisphere. There are many tundra plants which survive the cliffs and mountains of Alaska, and most of these are hardy flowering bushes and stalks.
The artic willow is found in a few forms within the tundra regions, both the rock willow and the artic willow being the most prominent types. They grow dense here, appearing as shrubbery more than as the tree forms that we are used to seeing. They make the long hike up the foothills of the mountains a bit more difficult to negotiate, while at the same time offering many grips and footholds whenever you should need them. Mosses are the most prominent tundra plants, and tend to survive where no other species would dare attempt. Even through the constant soil erosion of the tundra, these species of plant life will take root and prosper.
Tundra plants must also withstand temperatures which frequently remain below -25 degrees Fahrenheit, whilst holding strong against blistering 100 mile per hour winds. The consistent lack of sunlight is also an issue for mosses and shrubs. The summer lasts a mere 8 weeks if the living organisms are lucky, which means that winter is a ten month ordeal. During this blustery and frigid time period it remains dark for approximately 21 hours per day. Most of the plants that we are familiar with could not withstand these conditions for one week, yet the tundra plants have found a way to acclimate and to adjust, bringing a touch of color and texture to an otherwise stark and vast ice land.
Calliergon giganteum is a species of arctic moss which survives within the crevices that the frozen water creates during the long, hard winter months. Once the brief thaw of summer immerges, these cracks fill with the water created by the melting snow, and the hardy moss will often be completely submerged. Other tundra plants, such as the bearberry shrub, will bloom and fruit whenever the weather affords such luxuries. One year it may decide to bloom in March, whereas the following year it will hold out until June before seeding.