Postelsta 25 
this character are not of general distribution in 
the region because conditions for xerophytism 
are offered only by the more or less perpendicular 
rocky ledges and by the sharply tilted strata, 
between the crevices of which the water passes 
quickly downwards and out of reach. Among 
these chasmophytes, more or less well differ- 
entiated associations are to be made out. 
Plantago society. This is made up _ prin- 
cipally of Plantago maritima (Pl. II.) although 
Plantago major asiatica is occasionally 
met with in this location. The thick narrow 
leaves of Plantago maritima show the adaptation 
of the plant to withstand dryness as well as the 
impact of spray and strong winds. On slightly 
less exposed places one meets with a gramineus 
society. The few’ hardy species which figure 
most prominently here are Hordeum boreale, 
growing in considerable tufts in the crevices, 
Festuca rubra batkalensis and Agrostis exarata. 
Closely associated with these plants, and 
growing under very similar conditions are 
Potentilla villosa and Armeria vulgaris. All 
these forms are able to maintain themselves in 
