Tuesday 18 June Grey matplant (Tiquilia nesiotica) Grey matplant
fact file - Find out more - Print factsheet Grey matplant
description Growing in sparsely distributed clumps, Tiquilia
nesiotica is one of the few plants that can tolerate the arid,
ash-covered volcano slopes of the Galapagos (2). This species is
a low-growing, small shrub, which spreads itself along the
ground, forming a mat-like structure. Tiny, light-coloured hairs
found on the stems and leaves reflect sunlight, giving this
species a grey, rather than green, appearance (3). The base of
Tiquilia nesiotica is woody (4), and clusters of small leaves
grow from the ends and joints of the twigs, with tiny white
flowers hidden amongst them (2).Top Grey matplant biology In
order to survive in its harsh environment, Tiquilia nesiotica
has evolved various strategies. Competition for water forces the
individual plants to grow widely spaced apart, spreading their
roots horizontally beneath the surface to maximise the uptake of
any available moisture. Lik