Plant life in the tundra
Under the snow and ice, there is a thick layer of soil that remains frozen which does not allow deep rooted plants to grow, but regardless the Tundra is teeming full of plant life, despite its desolate reputation. About 400 species of plants thrive in the Tundra! The plants that grow in the tundra often grow in clusters to help protect themselves from the severe winter winds. Below are examples of plant life and adaptations that make them suitable for the Tundra biome.
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The Dwarf Willow Tree, is one of the few trees that can grow in the tundra. Dwarf trees are the tallest plant in the Tundra growing up to 5 feet tall. The harsh winds and freezing weather conditions make it impossible for anything to grow any taller.
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Caribou Moss, can go a long time without water. They grow dry and go dormant when there isn't water or light. They can grow again after being inactive for a very long time. Caribou moss grows in arctic and northern regions around the world. It grows on the ground and on rocks. It looks like a foamy, gray-green spongy mass, and grows to be 1 to 4 inches high. The stems, or stocks, are hollow. Although it is called caribou moss, it is actually a lichen.
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The Bear-berry Plant, is a very small evergreen that can only grow up to 10 inches off the ground. Something interesting about the plant is that the whole plant can be used in some way. The berries eaten, the leaves can be used as a tea to help with kidney/bladder problems, the roots can also be used for tea, but to help constant coughing, and the stem, used to help women recover faster after childbirth. It is also kept from the cold because of its small hairs on it and also because it lays low on the ground so it doesn't get hit as much from the cold winds.
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Lichen, one of the most common plants in the Tundra. Lichen is a decomposer made of plants and fungus working together. Lichen can live in the Tundra because they can be close to the ground and can have short roots. Lichen also grows mainly on rock and plants that are starting to decay or break down, usually from ice wedging. The lichen can make food when the temperature is low and even if there is barely any light. Lichen is eaten by caribou during the coldest of months.