High altitude plants tolerance

In spite of the overall low productivity of high altitude habitats, mountain plants possess a highly efficient carbon fixation capacity in order to complete their life cycles in the short growing season of temperate climates. In fact, many alpine species are of the stress tolerant type (Jones Maberly, 2003) (see section 5.4). As reviewed above, the equivalent thermal restriction in the tropical high elevations would be the few hours of moderate temperature in each circadian cycle. Low temperature, high irradiance and low CO2 partial pressure (PCO2) -see below- all contribute to reduce carbon assimilation. 

Lichens are among all plants those which can most easily tolerate very low temperature. They are found in abundance at high altitudes and in polar regions where no other vegetation could exist (Jumelle, 1890). The research by Jumella pioneered a facet of lichenology which still attracts interest. 

Archontophoenix alexandrae, commonly known as King Palm, is a species of the family Aracaceae originally from Queensland, Australia, a tropical region with altitude below 1100 m. The climate required to cultivate this species can be hot and humid. This plant adapts to various soil types, very sandy soil or soil with high clay content, and they tolerate low pH [27]. 

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