Vascular Plants

The greatest floristic diversity of the archipelago can be found in the minerotrophic peat bogs. This species richness is mainly attributed to the very specific ecological conditions created by the contact of groundwater with calcareous rocks, making the soil less acidic and richer in minerals. Among the many plants inhabiting this environment are several species of orchids.

Some species present in minerotrophic peat bogs:

Ombrotrophic peat bogs have lower biodiversity than minerotrophic peat bogs, but their ecological roles are just as important. The soil in these ecosystems is more acidic and less rich in nutrients. In the transition zones between the peat bogs and the boreal forest we find the Labrador tea, a shrub used by the Innu and the local inhabitants as a remedy once infused as a hot beverage.

Some species present in ombrotrophic peat bogs:

The boreal forest of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve consists mostly of stands of mature conifers, mainly balsam fir with a mixture of black spruce and white birch. Using their underground rhizomes, several herbaceous plants can form a significant vegetation cover, often sharing this habitat with a few perennials.

Some species present in the boreal forest:

Wind exposure and the level of snow cover greatly determine the plant composition of the barrens of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. In addition to the native plants, the rocky barren is usually devoid of vascular vegetation while the shrub moor is mainly dominated by stunted conifers. Whortleberries and low shrubs tend to dominate the lichen tundra. The herbaceous moor is only present on a few small "hay islands". Of all the plants that grow there, more than half are rare plants.

Some species present in the barrens:

The presence of spray and the geological characteristics of the shoreline influence the composition of the plants found along the coasts of the various islands of the archipelago. These plants are remarkably well adapted to desiccation and salinity, as well as to the strong sea winds.

Some species present along the coast:

The geological and climatic particularities of the archipelago have allowed the establishment of more than 80 species of rare plants. Rare plants are infrequently found plants, generally represented by a small number of individuals and occupying a restricted geographic distribution area. Certain specialized plants, with very specific needs, can also be considered rare even when they are abundant in numbers since their unique adaptations can confine them to a very localized habitat.

This close association with their habitat makes these plants good indicators for assessing the ecological vulnerability of an environment since they are more likely to be affected by disturbances than the more common and generalist plants. In addition to increasing biodiversity, rare plants play a unique ecological role in their environment. The dynamics of ecosystems can therefore be modified if they disappear. Because of their ecological value and their ability to react quickly to disturbances, several rare plants have been chosen as an indicator of the health status of the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve.

Some examples of rare plant species: