Alpine Plants

Did you know that there are more than ten thousand plant-species living in alpine habitats?

Not necessarily. Typical growth patterns in the Alps also include dwarf-shrubs and rosette-plants. In general they develop extensive root systems, while their above-ground parts are comparatively small.

Of course stress-related factors like wind and low temperatures directly limit growth. That’s the reason why we see small, stunted trees at the timber line. On the other hand, evolution has led to growth forms which create a favorable micro-climate. In this way cushion plants benefit from higher temperatures near the ground.

and quite a long summer, too! In contrast, plants in the mountains had to adapt to extremely short growing seasons. So you will find plants which require only a few weeks for the development of seeds. And even viviparous plants, with plantlets already growing on the parent plant.