Morphological adaptation of Nepeta pamirensis Franch. (Lamiaceae) to the conditions of the Pamir Mountains

Nepeta pamirensis, a plant species native to the Pamir Mountains, exhibits remarkable morphological adaptability, forming three distinct life forms—herbaceous caudex taproot perennials, cushion semishrubs, and aeroxylic semishrubs—in response to varying habitat conditions. This study reveals that these life forms are not only structurally diverse but also exhibit unique phases of morphogenesis, which contribute to their survival in the challenging high-altitude environment. The research describes the functional and zonal structures of shoot systems for each life form, providing insights into how Nepeta pamirensis adapts to extreme conditions through morphological plasticity.

Astashenkov, A. Yu. (2015). Morphological adaptation of Nepeta pamirensis Franch. (Lamiaceae) to the conditions of the Pamir Mountains. Contemporary Problems of Ecology, 8(5), 636–646. https://doi.org/10.1134/s1995425515050029