Androsace alpina

Androsace alpina
A typical Androsace alpina cushion in flower
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Androsace
Species:
A. alpina
Binomial name
Androsace alpina
Synonyms
  • Aretia alpina L.
  • Androsace glacialis Hoppe
  • Androsace tiroliensis F.Wettst.

Androsace alpina, or Alpine rock-jasmine, is an alpine plant, endemic to the Alps. The plant forms distinctive cushion-like mats up to 20 cm across, with small overlapping leaves arranged in rosettes and bearing fine glandular hairs that help conserve water. It inhabits specialized high-alpine environments between 2,500 and 3,200 metres elevation, favouring well-drained limestone or dolomite scree and crevices primarily on south-facing slopes, where its cushion growth form creates a protective microclimate in these harsh conditions.