Scientific Names:
Arctic Moss: Calliergon, Gigantuem Bearberry: Arctostaphylus, uva-ursi Arctic Willow: Salix, Arctica Willow: Salix, Pulcha Pasque Flower: Anemone, Patens The Bearberry plant is a low-growing evergreen that only rises 2-8 inches off the ground. They live on dry, non-nutrient soils or shallow soils. Bearberries are covered in thick bark and silky hairs. They also have oval shaped leaves and five petals to each flower. On the plant grows red berry fruits and the flowers bloom anywhere between March and June. Their fine hairs help them stay warm in the tundra, as well as being low-growing.
Interesting Facts:
There are many interesting facts about the plants that live in the tundra. All parts of a Bearberry plant can be used to help humans and animals in some way. Also, the slowest growing, longest living macrophyte ever recorded is the Arctic Moss. |
One Plant called the Arctic Moss (above), is a slow-growing plant that grows only 1 centimeter per year. They live 7-9 years old, and adapt well to cold climates. The Arctic Moss has tiny rootlets called Rhizoids instead of roots. Adapting to the cold, harsh climates of the Arctic Tundra can be difficult for plants. The Arctic Moss adapts to the climate by growing under water. This helps it stay away from the cold, dry air and drying winds.
Other plants that live in the tundra have many ways to adapting to living there. Some plants, such as an Arctic Willow (above) form a pesticide to keep insects away. They can also form a chemical that helps the plant from freezing in the harsh climates so they don’t die. This is called chemical antifreeze. Also, many plants in the tundra have shallow root systems which means their roots are permanently frozen.
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