The tree conquers harsh cold on the Himalayan peak

A team of researchers discovered six species of cushions at a height of 6,150 m in the Himalayas with many features to combat cold weather.

Buffer species were discovered at an altitude of 6,150 m above sea level.(Photo: Jiri Dolezal).

The research team led by Jiri Dolezal, from the Institute of Botany at the Cezch Academy of Sciences, has discovered six species of cushions growing in rocky areas on Mount Shukule II, west of the Himalayas, in Ladakh, India. This is the first time vascular plants have been found at 6,150 m above sea level, New Scientist reported on December 1.

They all grow healthy, have many characteristics to resist the long winter and lack of water. Each tree is smaller than a coin, the inside contains antifreeze with a high sugar content. The leaves are arranged into a rose-like shape that helps them keep warm air.

Buffer species have very small roots, most recently appearing in this area a few years ago. However, Dolezal analyzed a root segment with 20 growth rings, indicating that some plants have grown here for two decades.

Plants used to be limited when growing at high altitudes because they need land every year for at least 40 days without experiencing frost to grow. However, due to climate change, the temperature in the Himalayas increases, plants begin to appear here and other peaks in the region. They can grow from seeds that are blown to melted ice.

" In the arid Himalayas there are many mountains with large areas that are not frozen. Time without frost lasts longer, which means more new habitats are available for plants to grow , " Dolezal said. .

According to him, the average temperature in the short growing season here has increased by about 6 degrees Celsius over the past decade. Therefore, Dolezal believes that plants will grow higher in the future.