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Two species of the genus Alchemilla L. growing in the alpine zone of the Northwestern Caucasus are considered. A. sericea Willd. occupies rock crevices, A. caucasica Buser grows in alpine lichen tundra. A. sericea, in comparison with A. caucasica, has more compact sizes, a reduced leaf series, rare branching, and later formation of adventitious roots, which secondarily thicken only one season. Its main root is secondary thickens and preserved for a long time. When dying, it is replaced by a lateral one, in which an additional cambium is formed for secondary thickening. A. caucasica forms more branches and adventitious roots to feed and take over new territory. It has the system of epigeogenic rhizomes with a supply of nutrients lying in the upper soil layer. In anatomy, the general plan of the structure of organs is preserved, with the exception of the structure of the main root. A. caucasica is characterized by the accumulation of orange or black contents in the endodermis, phloem, in the cells layer under the epidermis, to protect against the adverse effects of ultraviolet light.

We have studied the morphological and anatomical structure of Anthemis caucasica Chandjian – theendemic of alpine zone of the Caucasus. The plant is characterized by protection from hard ultraviolet radiation, a largesupply of nutrients, moderate growth and flowering. Horizontally lying rhizomes are optimal for occupying highly stonyareas with low competition.

The relationship between the life form and distribution of cereals, sedges and Lusula spicata (L.) DC. in theAlpine lichen tundra association was revealed. The dependence of plants to forms of relief and certain ecological nicheswas studied. Within the framework of the carousel model (van der Maarel, Sykes, 1993) their occurrence and the speedof the small-scale turnover in the community were estimated.