1. Low Growth Habit: Arctic willow grows close to the ground, often forming mats. This helps it stay protected from the strong winds and cold temperatures.
2. Small, Leathery Leaves: Their leaves are small and thick, minimizing water loss through transpiration, a crucial adaptation for dry conditions.
3. Dense Hair: The leaves and stems are covered in dense hairs, acting as insulation against the cold and providing a layer of protection from the harsh sun.
4. Photosynthesis in Cold Temperatures: Arctic willow can photosynthesize at extremely low temperatures, as low as -15°C, allowing it to utilize the limited sunlight available during the short Arctic summer.
5. Shallow Root System: Their shallow root system helps them take advantage of the limited nutrients in the shallow permafrost layer.
6. Deciduous Nature: In the winter, Arctic willow sheds its leaves to conserve energy and avoid freezing damage.
7. Vegetative Reproduction: Arctic willow primarily reproduces vegetatively, meaning it spreads by sending out new shoots from its existing roots. This allows it to quickly establish itself in the harsh environment.
8. High Tolerance for Freezing: The willow's cells contain high concentrations of sugars and other compounds that act as antifreeze, preventing water from freezing inside the cells and causing damage.
9. Slow Growth: Due to the harsh conditions, Arctic willow grows very slowly, but its longevity allows it to live for many years, even hundreds in some cases.
These incredible adaptations allow the Arctic willow to thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.