Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Example: Rheum nobile , Himalaya
Growth Form: Medium-Height Forbs
Structure: >0.25 m, <0.5 m erect plants with
mostly leaved stems with or without rosettes
Key Traits: Protected by snow
Distribution: Seasonal climates, rare in equat-
orial and subtropical mountains
Example: Phacelia sericea , Rocky Mountains
Growth Form: Small Forbs
Structure: <0.25 m erect stems mostly with
leaves; with or without rosettes; caulescent
(stemmed) or acaulescent (stemless) growth
Key Traits: Lack frost protection by structural
means
Distribution: Predominantly in midlatitude
mountains
Example: Pedicularis oederi , Holarctic moun-
tains
Growth Form: Dwarf Forbs
Structure: <0.08 m; mostly with rosettes,
forming loose clusters; caulescent, some
acaulescent; with or without leaves at stem
Key Traits: Exploit favorable conditions close
to surface
Distribution: Upper alpine/nival zone of mid-
latitude, arctic, and boreal mountains
Example: Draba aizoides , Alps
Graminoids (Hemicryptophytes)
Growth Form: Tall
Structure: 0.5 to 2 m tall; occurs as tussocks
with densely packed stems or dense stands
(e.g., bamboo)
Key Traits: Snow-protected in seasonal cli-
mates
Distribution: Subtropical to midlatitude
mountains
Example: Chjonochloa macra , New Zealand
Yushania niitakayamensis , Taiwan
Growth Form: Medium Stature
Structure: <0.5 m tall; dominant in alpine
meadows; narrow to broad leaved
Key Traits: Meristem protected by leaves and
leaf sheaths growing in clonal populations with
high longevity (>1,000 years)
Distribution: Midlatitude mountains
Example: Astelia alpine , Australian Alps
Growth Form: Short Stature
Structure: <0.10 m tall, forming from turf up
to nival belt where they persist as “eternal”
clonal populations; possess narrow- to broad-
leaves and a creeping or densely packed
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