Alpine Adaptation: Duck and Cover

  • Title

    Alpine Adaptation: Duck and Cover

  • Authors

    Charles J. Zimmerman

  • Description

    Leaves and flowering stems flattened to the ground and outwardly spreading from a central rosette is one manner of avoiding the damaging and drying effect of extreme winds characteric of highly exposed Alpine fell-fields where Pussy paws (Calyptridium umbellatum) typically grow. Their tightly clustered and hairy bundles of minute flowers—from which these plants receive their common name—also help to insulate their developing reproductive structures.

    References:

    Zwinger, A.H. & Willard B.E. (1972). Land Above the Trees. Harper & Row Publishers.