Cushion plants as critical pioneers and engineers in alpine ecosystems
across the Tibetan Plateau
Abstract
Cushion plants are widely representative species of the alpine ecosystem
due to their vital roles in the abiotic and biotic environments,
ecological succession processes, and ecosystem engineering. Importantly,
Cushion plants, such as Androsace L. and Arenaria L., can be regarded as
critical pioneers of ecosystem health, restoration and sustainability
across the Tibetan Plateau because these plants (i) exhibit tenacious
vitality, regulate regional climates, substrates and soil nutrients and
keep warmth in extreme regions; (ii) facilitate relationships with
surrounding and maintain the diversity of above- and below-ground
communities; and (iii) have high sensitivity to environmental changes,
which can indicate grassland ecosystem health and resilience in the
context of global change.