Aquatic plant found growing on the bottom of tundra lake beds and in and around bogs and fens. When it is not growing, the moss stores nutrients so new leaves can made quickly in the spring. It has adapted to the strong wind because it grows near to the ground. Since it grows underwater, it is protected from the wind, dryness, and cold air of the tundra. The moss covers the ground and allows other plants to grow. It is also eaten by migrating animals like birds.
Caribou Moss
Grows on the ground and on rocks. Although it is called caribou moss, it is a lichen. Lichens are made up of fungi and algae. The algae has chlorophyll which can make food. It is a great plant for the tundra, because lichen can make food when the temperature gets very low and there is very little light, and they can survive long periods without water.
Tufted Saxifrage
Small, grows in thick mats on the tundra. It has several straight flower stems which can get up to 3-15cm high. The saxifrages like the cold weather. The saxifrage has a very well developed underground root system for storing carbohydrates, so they can respond quickly to the cold weather of the tundra.