Colobanthus quitensis


Colobanthus quitensis, the Antarctic pearlwort, is one of two native flowering plants found in the Antarctic region. It has yellow flowers and grows about 5 cm tall, with a cushion-like growth habit that gives it a moss-like appearance.

Distribution

It is found on the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, on South Georgia, South Shetland and the Falklands, and in the Andes, becoming increasingly rare northwards, but reaching Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, with a further isolated population in Mexico.

Climate change

Within Antarctica, due to climate change, more seeds are germinating, creating a large number of seedlings and plants. Reports indicate a fivefold increase in these plants, which have extended their ranges southward and cover more extensive areas, wherever found. Deschampsia antarctica is the only other native flowering plant in the region.