Floral initiation and development in New Zealand alpine plants

Summary Autumn initiation and successful overwintering of floral primordia are described for all 18 families and for 81 of the 100 alpine species examined. The high incidence of this phenomenon is not unexpected in view of its adaptive value and its widespread occurrence in alpine floras of the Northern Hemisphere. The causes of irregular flowering in alpine species of Aciphylla, Celmisia , and Chionochloa are discussed. A low‐temperature requirement apparently prevents pre‐winter opening of the fully developed buds in Caltha .