ITEX research was begun to develop generalizations on the growth of tu
ndra plants through synthesis of data from distant arctic and alpine s
ources gathered by strict protocols. Target species have been selected
from among widely distributed ones with attention to those without se
rious unresolved taxonomic problems, since valid comparisons and gener
alizations rest on data reported consistently from the same species. T
he consortium of researchers must firmly establish the identity of the
experimental subjects to preserve the integrity of the ITEX synthesis
. Documentation is possible only when voucher specimens are conserved.
Notes on taxonomy and biology are provided as background for 14 prima
ry, five secondary, and three additional candidate ITEX species.