Fellfield
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A fellfield or fell field comprises the environment of a slope, usually alpine or tundra, where the dynamics of frost (freeze and thaw cycles) and of wind give rise to characteristic plant forms in scree interstices.[1]
The freeze-thaw cycles tend to push plants out of the soil. In addition, the high porosity of the soil makes a fellfield a difficult place for plants to grow.[1]
There is some controversy in applying "fellfield" to an ecosystem, since it strictly refers to the geology, rather than the botany of such a region.[2] Fellfields are usually applied to tundra regions of Europe: it is controversial whether the term should apply to other continents.[2]
Fellfields are typically populated by cushion plants: perennials that grow close to the ground, with a long taproot. Cushion plants are well-adapted to the dryness and short growing season of a fellfield. Cushion plants often have profuse blooms and hairy foliage (to retain moisture). Examples of cushion plants include the lupines and buckwheats.[2]
Fellfields often have typical patterns of rocks: lines of rocks that have been pushed out of the soil, and slid into a low region.[2]
[edit] Typical fellfield species
- Azorella selago
- Oenothera xylocarpa
- Calyptridium umbellatum
[edit] References
- ^ a b Peter le Roux.
- ^ a b c d Schoenherr, Allan A. (1992). A Natural History of California. University of California. ISBN 0-520-06922-6.
