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The C. Conorhiza plant lives high in the Caucasus Mountains, which are nestled between the Black and Caspian Seas. A recent study in “Ecology Letters” reveals how C. Conorhiza plants thrive in the Caucasus Mountains, despite freezing temperatures at high altitudes.

A team of Russian-Dutch scientists, led by Professor Han Cornelissen discovered that the key to the plant’s survival lies in its highly adapted roots. These “snow roots” are quite unlike any other type of root discovered thus far.

Rather than growing downwards to reach soil, snow roots grow away from the plant and towards the surface of the snow. Scientists postulate that these roots grow into the surrounding snow during the spring and winter months, and then shrivel and die away during the summer months. The anatomy and physiology of the roots allow for the efficient absorption of Phosphorous and Nitrogen from the snow.

The team emphasized that these roots are exceptional because unlike comparable mountain plants, which take what nutrients they can from the water of melted snow, snow roots can take nutrients directly from the frozen snow.

“These roots help the plant ‘feed’ on nutrients in snow before the plant shoots appear above the surface [of the snow] in the growing season,” explained Cornelissen. “This gives the plant an advantage on other plant species, which can only take up nutrients through roots in the soil during the very short growing season.“

With this discovery comes the great opportunity to study and utilize the unique and novel assets of the C. Conorhiza plant. It may revolutionize the way the scientific community addresses life in the world’s Tundras.

Discussion Question: Why is it advantageous for plants to obtain Nitrogen and Phosphorous before the shoot appears?

News Article: http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=09061239

Scientific Article:http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122440089/abstract