Artemisia glacialis

Artemisia glacialis is a multi -year, herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. This rare type adapted to extreme living conditions is native to the high mountains of Europe, especially in the Alps and Pyrenees. Her unique morphology and its distribution area make you a fascinating research object in botany.

Morphology and appearance

Artemisia glacialis is a low -growing plant that rarely reaches a height of more than 15 centimeters. It forms dense upholstery that consist of numerous upright or slightly overhanging stems.

The leaves are deeply cut, feathered and from gray-green to silvery-white color, an adaptation to the strong UV rays and the intensive wind conditions of your alpine habitat. This color results from dense hair that also helps to minimize water loss through transpiration.

The inflorescences are basket -shaped and usually appear between July and August. The individual flower baskets are small and inconspicuous, mostly yellowish colored. They are at the ends of the stems in dense groups. The pollination is primarily through insects, whereby wind -preserved mechanisms can also play a role.

The fruits are axles that are spread through the wind. This strategy is typical of plants that occur in open, windy habitats.

Distribution and habitat

Artemisia glacialis grows exclusively in high alpine regions at heights between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. The species prefers sunny, stony slopes and rubble dumps with well -drained, calcareous soils.

Their distribution area is limited to the European high mountains, where it is considered a so -called "glacial relict". This means that your current spread goes back to the cooler climate conditions of the last ice age.

The species is adapted to extreme climatic conditions, including low temperatures, intensive sunlight and short vegetation periods. These adjustments enable her to survive in an ecological niche in which only a few other plant species can thrive.

Ecological importance

Artemisia glacialis plays an important role in the sensitive ecosystems of the alpine zones. Their upholstery structure protects the soil from erosion and creates micro -highlights in which other organisms, including mosses and small insects, can find protection.

The flowers offer nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and butterflies that are rare at these heights. In addition, the seeds contribute to the biodiversity of the alpine flora by settling in wind -protected areas.

Use and cultural importance

In traditional alpine folk medicine, Artemisia glacialis is estimated due to their bitter substances. The plant is used for the preparation of herbal teas and tinctures that are used to support digestion and treat colds.

The plant contains essential oils that give it a characteristic, aromatic fragrance. These oils are used in aromatherapy and sometimes in the perfume industry, although their use is restricted due to the limited availability of the plant.

Because of their rarity and its limited distribution area, Artemisia glacialis is considered potentially endangered. Climate change, loss of habitat and human interventions are a threat to their survival. Protection measures such as the preservation of alpine habitats and the limitation of human disorders are crucial to ensure that this remarkable way of continuing.

Artemisia glacialis remains a symbol for the resistance of the alpine flora and an important element of biological diversity in Europe's high mountains.