Flower shapes can be divided into a number of classes. Here is a quick look at the common shapes, and some of the Arctic species that fall into the shape catergories:
Bowl (aka Parabolic bowl)
This shape is good for solar power apparently! The sides of the bowl reflect a large proportion of light into the center, allowing for maximum power production. In flowers, the same concept applies, with the center of Svalbardvalmue (Papaver dahlianum) being the 'hot spot' of the flower (below).
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| Papaver dahlianum in Endalen |
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| D. octopetala in Adventdalen, Svalbard |
Saucer
This is like a flat bowl. Not so much reflection of the sides and into the center, but there can be some. Dryas octopetala is a good example of the saucer shape, the eight petals form a shallow dish, with the anthers and ovaries in the very center of the 'saucer'.
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| D. octopetala in Adventdalen, showing common saucer shape. |
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| Fluffy balls of cotton wool! |
Sphere
The spherical shape can be applied in a few different ways. Arctic cotton grass is a sphere, with the fluffy balls on top of the stems. However, many Asteraceae species can also be considered spherical, such as Erigeron humilis.
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| Erigeron humilis below Hjorthamna |
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