Antarctica is a harsh environment for plant life, with extremely cold temperatures, little sunlight and moisture, poor soil quality, and a short growing period. Despite these challenges, there are still plants that have evolved specifically to live in these conditions, and have thrived where no others have dared to go. Here are five plants that live in Antarctica:
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Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica): This is one of only two known species of flowering plants found on the continent. It grows primarily in the Antarctic Peninsula in small, concentrated tufts throughout rocky areas. These plants are most commonly seen amongst penguin colonies, and can withstand high amounts of disturbance without withering away.
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Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis): This is the other known species of flowering plant found in Antarctica. It is found on the northern and western parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is a light green cushion-forming plant of drier areas, and the flowers are tiny.
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Lichens: There are around 200 species of lichens found in Antarctica. Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. They are able to survive in harsh environments by absorbing nutrients from the air and water, and can grow on rocks, soil, and other surfaces.
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Mosses: There are around 100 species of mosses found in Antarctica. Mosses are non-vascular plants that do not have roots, stems, or leaves. They are able to absorb water and nutrients directly through their leaves, and can grow in areas with little soil.
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Algae: There are over 700 species of algae found in Antarctica. Algae are able to survive in harsh environments by photosynthesizing and absorbing nutrients from the water. They can grow in both freshwater and marine environments, and can be found on rocks, soil, and other surfaces.
It is worth noting that the majority of the Antarctic continent is covered by permanent ice and snow, leaving less than 1% available for colonisation by plants. Most of the ice and snow-free land is found along the Antarctic Peninsula, where the climate is generally warmer and wetter than elsewhere in the Antarctic continent.
