QUESTION:
Does any type of plant life grow in Antarctica? If so, how does it
survive the cold and what kind are they? 

                Jenna G.,Seventh grader, Dolan Middle School  Stamford Ct.
                Barbara Ryan's class

ANSWER from Tad Day, Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Date: Sun, 9 Feb 1997 00:30:57 -0500

Dear Jenna,

As far as plants that grow on land, there are several types. There
are many species of "lower" or non-vascular plants such as mosses.
Here around Palmer Station there are about 10 species of mosses, and
on several of the islands here, they form thick moss carpets. There
are also two species of higher or vascular plants: a grass called
Antarctic hair grass, and a small "cushion" plant called Antarctic
pearlwort. All these species are able to survive here, in part,
because they are able to function and photosynthesize at very low
temperatures. Nearly all other plants are not able function and
photosynthesize and grow at the freezing temperatures we have
here during our summer "growing" season.

Thanks for your question!
Tad