Abstract

The Antarctic pearlwort, Colobanthus quitensis, is one of only two native vascular plants occurring in Antarctica, but its distribution extends far beyond the Antarctic continent. This chapter describes the geographic and altitudinal range of the species, from southern Mexico through the Andes, Patagonia, sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. It summarizes its morphology, habitat preferences and variation among populations, emphasizing how genetic and environmental factors may contribute to adaptive responses across contrasting habitats. Its broad distribution and ability to persist under cold, high-altitude, saline and coastal conditions make C. quitensis a valuable model for studying plant adaptation to extreme environments.