Tasmanian cushion plants

These mats are made up of tightly packed stems that grow at the same rate so that no apical rosettes protrude above the rest.

The term cushion plant refers to a characteristic growth habit adopted by various species from a range of families to adapt to alpine and subalpine environments and areas of high latitude.

Underneath the living surface of the cushion, the plants either allow dead leaves to persist or produce non-photosynthetic material, resulting in an insulating effect.

Unrelated species from a number of different families on separate continents have evolved the cushion form to adapt to similarly harsh environments.

Three Tasmanian cushion plant species are listed as "under threat": Veronica ciliolata (subspecies fiordensis), Azorella macquariensis and Colobanthus pulvinatus.

Once dead, the cushions may erode and as a result could have adverse impacts on the rest of feldmark vegetation due to its vital structural role in the ecosystem.