The groundsels found atop Mount Kilimanjaro (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari) have evolved into giants, growing into trees up to 10 meters tall. Within the range of a few kilometers, conditions vary from equatorial to arctic on Kilimanjaro. In general the temperature steadily decreases at about 1 degree Celsius for every increase in altitude of 200 meters. To withstand this type of climate when the giant groundsels' leaves die they don't fall off. Instead, they wrap themselves around the branch or stem insulating the plant.
Did you see the Nova about the guy with polio climbing Kilimanjaro? It was pretty good. They showed these groundsels in it.
ReplyDeleteVolcano Above the Clouds? I will need to track that down. Thanks for the recommendation.
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