What main plant life is in Antartica?
The sub-Antarctic islands have a milder and wetter climate more favorable for plant growth meaning these islands possess a more diverse flora including a greater number of flowering plant species and some ferns. Dominant amongst sub-Antarctic vegetation is tussock grass, a tall (up to 2 m) robust plant forming a dense fringe near the coast. Wet habitats are covered by various kinds of bog, while drier terrain has extensive dry grassland with various herbs and, in exposed habitats, sparsely vegetated, moss and lichen dominated fell field. Human activities such as whaling and sealing have led to many species being introduced. South Georgia, for example, has a vascular flora of 26 indigenous species, with a further 15 alien species which are well-established, and in some cases spreading, and a number of other alien species which are managing to survive close to the former whaling stations.
