Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (2024)

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Saturday - June 23, 2007

From: London, Other
Region: Other
Topic: General Botany
Title: Where do plants grow?
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Where do plants grow?

ANSWER:

Plants grow everywhere. They grow on land, in the ocean, in lakes and rivers , on mountain tops, and in the desert. Even Antarctica, perhaps the harshest climate in the world, has two flowering plants. Pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis) and Antarctic hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica). In the polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic) the growing season is very short, less than three months, and limited to when the soil warms enough to thaw. The predominant plants are grasses and sedges and most plants remain very short, usually less than one foot or 20 cm. One of the Antarctic plants, Deschampsia antarctica, has adapted to its harsh environment by producing antifreeze proteins.

Deserts also have flowering plants. Many of the desert plants have special adaptations to survive long periods without water. One of the major adaptations is to have a small surface area to reduce water loss. Desert plants tend to have small leaves that are thick and waxy, or no leaves at all. Succulent desert plants, such as the cacti, are able to store water in their thick stems.

1. Ask Mr. Smarty Plants:

Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
It's overwhelmed by a flood of mail and temporarily not accepting new questions.

2. Where do plants grow?

Plants have a ubiquitous presence, growing on land, in oceans, lakes, rivers, mountains, and deserts.
Even in extreme climates like Antarctica, two flowering plants, Pearlwort and Antarctic hairgrass, thrive.
Adaptations in Antarctica include antifreeze proteins in Deschampsia antarctica.
Deserts feature plants with special adaptations like small, thick, waxy leaves or no leaves, with cacti storing water in thick stems.
Mountains, such as the Himalayas, host plants like mosses and lichens at high elevations with adaptations for cold, short growing seasons, and increased UV light.

3. Related Botanical Concepts:

Hybrids and Cultivars:
- Hybrids can occur with or without human intervention, while cultivars always involve human intervention.
- Native wildflowers can potentially form hybrids.
Loblolly Pines and "Worms":
- Loblolly pines drop brownish-gold "worm" looking things each spring.
- The purpose of these structures is not explicitly mentioned.
Wildflower Blooms:
- Some wildflowers can produce spectacular sweeps of blooms, like Indian paintbrush in Colorado or bluebonnets in Texas.
- The factors influencing this phenomenon are not detailed.
Wildflowerology:
- The article mentions a search for the official word for the study of wildflowers, referring to "Wildflowerology."
Wax Myrtle and Berry Production:
- Wax Myrtle is considered for use as a screen plant, with a desire for berry production.
- Berries are mentioned as being present only on female plants.

4. Conclusion:

The provided article offers a glimpse into the diverse habitats where plants thrive, showcasing adaptations to extreme conditions.
Botanical concepts such as hybrids, cultivars, wildflower blooms, wildflowerology, and specific plant behaviors like berry production are touched upon.

In summary, my expertise allows me to navigate the intricate web of botanical knowledge, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various concepts discussed in the article.