How have alpine plants adapted to their enviroment?
Depending on the species in question a number of adaptations are evident. Most alpines are ground hugging plants, their low stature giving them protection from bitter winds and allowing a blanket of snow to completely cover them. Most alpine plants have larger flowers than their lowland relatives (making them very popular with gardeners); these large flowers seem to be designed to attract bees in an environment where insect numbers can be low. Alpines often develop deeply penetrating root systems, partly to anchor themselves in situations where winds may be fierce and also to reach deep water reserves beneath screes or in other stony situations.
