Fauna
Plant

Snow Lotus

Saussurea involucrata

Also known as 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.

AlpineRareFlowering
Snow Lotus reference
Ivar Leidus / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Alpine caterpillars
  • Pikas
  • Argali sheep
ThreatsOverharvesting for traditional medicine, climate change, habitat degradation
HabitatsAlpine scree, rocky slopes, mountain cliffs above 3000 m
Life span5–7 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAsteraceae
  2. SpeciesSaussurea involucrata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a distance; refrain from picking wild specimens.
What to notice
Look for a low-growing alpine herb featuring translucent, pale yellowish bracts wrapped around a dark purple central flower head.
Support conservation
Observe strictly from a distance without touching, picking, or trampling the fragile alpine soil around the roots.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Photograph from established trails without stepping on fragile alpine scree.
  • Ethical Choice: Refrain from purchasing wild-harvested specimens or related medicinal products.
  • Timing: Look for blooming individuals during peak alpine summer in July and August.
Related species
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