Ein element der blühenden Atacama-Wüste: Cistanthe longiscapa

Abstract

A flowery desert is a biological phenomenon of great visual impact occurring after exceptional and sufficient rains which allow rapid and abundant germination, growth and flowering of annual plants. During this period, the desert gets covered with colors that endow the monotonous landscape with a peculiar scenic beauty, much appreciated by tourists and locals. The aridity gradient is the primary determinant of the composition and abundance of annual plant communities.