The climate extremes found in the alpine ecosystem requires that plant have to adapt in order to survive. These adaptation take many different forms. All are designed to live where winters are long and cold, water is scarce and winds are almost constant.
Cushion Formation
Growing low to the ground in a cushion formation creates a low profile that allows the wind to blow right over the plant. Cushions have also been found to create an environment where the center is warmer than the outside..
Hairy surfaces
Hairs on the surface of the leaves and stems traps air around the plant that creates a warmer layer.
Succulence
Desiccation is one of the most limiting factors in the alpine so in a similar way to desert plants many alpines store water for when water is scarce mostly due to high winds
