Pulvinate Plant

Pulvinate Plant

 

a plant having numerous short shoots and tiny leaves that resembles a cushion. Pulvinate plants belong to various families and genera (Azorella of the family Umbelliferae, Androsace of the family Primulaceae). The stems are often greatly reduced and close to the ground. This is caused by the severe conditions in which the plants live (insufficient humidity, dry winds). Pulvinate plants are found in the alpine zones of South America, Europe, and Asia. Pulvinate plants of the alpine zone of New Zealand are called sheep plant, or vegetable sheep.