Tundrakasvit

Tundrakasvit refers to the plant life found in tundra biomes. These plants are adapted to survive in harsh conditions characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and permafrost. Common tundra plant forms include mosses, lichens, sedges, grasses, and dwarf shrubs. Trees are generally absent due to the cold climate and shallow soil.

The adaptations of tundrakasvit allow them to thrive where other plants cannot. Many have low growth habits to avoid strong winds and to stay insulated by snow cover during winter. They often reproduce vegetatively, through runners or fragmentation, as flowering and seed production can be challenging in the short summer. Some plants have dark pigmentation to absorb more solar radiation, while others can tolerate freezing temperatures and begin growing rapidly as soon as the ground thaws.

Lichens, a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, are particularly resilient and can grow on rocks and soil, playing a vital role in soil formation. Mosses are also abundant, forming thick mats that help retain moisture. Dwarf shrubs, such as willows and birches, are typically small and woody, with evergreen or deciduous leaves adapted to conserve water and withstand cold.

The biodiversity of tundrakasvit varies depending on the specific type of tundra, such as arctic tundra or alpine tundra. Despite their resilience, these plants are sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation, making them important indicators of climate change.