AN ARCTIC-ALPINE FLORA AT LOW ELEVATION IN MARBLE CANYON, KOOTENAY-NATIONAL-PARK, BRITISH-COLUMBIA

A total of 169 vascular plant species reported for Marble Canyon in Ko otenay National Park, British Columbia. The canyon is situated in the lower subalpine zone at 1490 m above sea level and at least 800 m belo w treeline, yet it contains an unusually rich assemblage of alpine pla nts. It is suggested that the abundance of alpine species at this low altitude is made possible by the cold microclimate produced by the gla cially-fed stream flowing through this deep and narrow canyon.