Antarctic Pearlwort

The Antarctic pearlwort is a small, cushion-forming plant and the second of the two native flowering species found in Birdland. It grows in compact mats rarely exceeding 5 centimeters in height, typically in rocky crevices and alongside moss communities.

Adaptation

Pearlwort has evolved remarkable cold-tolerance mechanisms, including antifreeze proteins and the ability to photosynthesize at near-freezing temperatures. These adaptations make it a subject of considerable interest for Birdland's scientific community.

Research Value

The Ministry of Science maintains long-term monitoring plots for pearlwort across the peninsula. Data from these plots has contributed to over 40 published research papers on Antarctic botany and climate change indicators.

Conservation

Like all native flora, pearlwort is fully protected. The government has established exclusion zones around the largest colonies to prevent trampling by visitors.