ROCK AND SCREE VEGETATION OF THE ATROPATAN PROVINCE (WITHIN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN)

Rock vegetation usually consists of plants living directly on the rock surface, in cracks and in areas that are more or less weathered. Specificity of environmental conditions leads to the emergence of a number of adaptations in rock vegetation. They consist, first of all, in the formation of compact above-ground parts. In this respect, pillowshaped and rosette-shaped plants are particularly characteristic morphological features. Cushion-shaped growth protects plants from mechanical as well as drying effect of wind, promotes accumulation of dust and humus inside the cushion, leads to reduction of temperature fluctuations, promotes accumulation of moisture and reduction of its evaporation.