Arctic cinquefoil (Potentilla hyparctica, Rhodora 36: 177 (1934))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Malte

Bibliography: Rhodora 36: 177 (1934)

Year: 1934

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potentilla

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic, Afghanistan to C. Asia and W. Himalaya

Description

The Arctic cinquefoil, scientifically known as Potentilla hyparctica, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Rosaceae family. Described by Malte in his influential 1934 publication in “Rhodora,” the Arctic cinquefoil thrives predominantly in subarctic regions. Its distribution extends from Afghanistan through Central Asia and reaches as far west as the Himalayas.

This hardy plant exhibits remarkable adaptability to the extreme climates of these regions. Its presence in such diverse geographical locations highlights its resilience and ability to endure harsh environmental conditions. The Arctic cinquefoil’s robust nature not only enables it to survive but also to flourish in some of the planet’s most challenging terrains.

The plant’s morphology is typically characterized by its intricate, multi-lobed leaves, and delicate, bright yellow flowers, which stand in stark and beautiful contrast to the often barren and cold landscapes it inhabits. The flowers’ vibrant hue attracts a variety of pollinators, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystems by supporting pollination and thus, the reproductive cycles of many plants within its habitat.

Arctic cinquefoil’s ability to grow in subarctic climates is a testament to its evolutionary adaptations, which may include special biochemical processes that limit cellular damage during freezing and thawing cycles. These adaptations are of particular interest to botanists and ecologists studying plant resilience and adaptation to climate variations.

In summary, the Arctic cinquefoil, Potentilla hyparctica, is a plant of significant ecological and scientific interest due to its wide distribution across challenging environments, rich evolutionary adaptations, and its integral role within subarctic and mountainous ecosystems.

Common Names

Swe: raggfingerört
Nob: raggmure
Nno: raggmure
Eng: arctic cinquefoil
Sme: polársuorbmarássi
Fra: potentille arctique
En: Arctic cinquefoil
Fi: Napahanhikki
Fr: Potentille arctique
De: Polar-Fingerkraut
Se: Polársuorbmarássi
No: Raggmure
Nb: Raggmure
Nn: Raggmure
Sv: Raggfingerört

Synonyms

• Potentilla gelida subsp. hyparctica ((Malte) Kozhevn.)
• Potentilla robbinsiana subsp. hyparctica ((Malte) D.Löve)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Montana (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Québec (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by dawn burton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:209294-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5367620)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potentilla hyparctica Malte)

Specifications

Growth