Saussurea involucrata

Also known as Snow Lotus, Tianshan Snow Lotus, Xinjiang Snow Lotus, Xue Lian

Tianshan snow lotus endures the freeze-thaw environment of high-altitude Asian mountain scree by surrounding its dark purplish flower heads with translucent, lantern-like bracts. These papery bracts trap solar warmth like a micro-greenhouse, keeping internal temperatures elevated enough to protect pollen in sub-zero winds. After spending five to seven years maturing into its single blooming event, the plant sets seed and dies, leaving wild populations vulnerable to overharvesting.