Colourful carpets of plants…
Flat extensive areas covered by low plants, grasses and other herbs, we can observe in mountains at two altitudes, below and above deciduous and coniferous tree lines. Plants of the first area situated at a lower altitude are adapted to milder climate. Associations of these plants are called “subalpine meadows” and they are cultivated for hay making. Many species of rushes, sedges and grasses dominate here. Also large herbs such as
Cirsium,
Crepis,
Heracleum,
Anthriscus or
Senecio are components of these meadows. Here we can find many species of orchids, large yellow flowers of
Trollius, violet inflorescences of different species of
Vicia and many other perennial plants blooming mainly in spring. Meadows above the tree line are overgrown by lower grasses of such genera as
Nardus,
Calamagrostis,
Festuca and
Poa, which are adapted for heavier conditions. Plants of such genera as
Saxifraga,
Primula,
Arabis,
Androsace,
Trifolium,
Senecio,
Campanula,
Aster or
Allium are more specialized for lower temperatures and heavy insolation. These plants forms dense rosettes, cushions or tufts having plenty of flowers. Such meadows are called “true alpine” and are used by people as pastures, mainly for sheep. Mountain meadows appear like colourful carpets and are attractive for everybody ...
It will be continued ...
Comments
No comments posted yet.