COLD HARDINESS IN ANTARTIC VASCULAR PLANTS

Abstract

To survive in the Antarctic, plants must be able to cope with severe physiological stresses, especially during the growing season (Antarctic summer), caused by low temperature and repeated freezing and thawing, desiccation, low availability of water, and high irradiance. The aim of the present chapter is to make an up-to-date analysis of the properties of these plants that allow them to survive in the harsh Antarctic conditions.