From the flower bud to the mature seed: Timing and dynamics of flower and seed development in high-mountain plants

Abstract

High mountains are climatically extreme environments. Short growing seasons and low temperatures are the most important factors limiting plant life at higher altitudes. In the mountains of temperate and cold climates, the period available for growth, flowering and seed production varies with relief and snow accumulation in winter (e.g. Crawford 2008; Galen and Stanton 1991; Kudo 1991, 1992; Galen and Stanton 1995; Kudo and Suzuki 1999; Inouye et al. 2002, 2003; Körner 2003; Ladinig and Wagner 2005; Molau et al.