Alpine shrub Potentilla fruticosa and the galsang flower

There is widespread debate regarding the identity of the galsang flower from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. For the Tibetan people, the galsang flower is an important part of the local culture, emotionally symbolizing the pursuit of happiness, auspiciousness, and a good life. Improving our understanding of this plant will help promote the ecological development as well as the cultural and industrial revitalization of the Tibetan region. Potentilla fruticosa L. is widely distributed across the Tibetan Plateau. It can be divided into five-leaf and seven-leaf varieties depending on the number of pinnately compound leaves, identified as P. fruticosa and P. parvifolia Fisch., respectively, in the Flora of China. Based on investigations of the vegetation and cultural landscape of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and descriptions from the Tibetan people, it is believed that the galsang flower is P. fruticosa. The distribution of P. fruticosa extends to cold and harsh environments at altitudes of up to 5200 m, regardless of wind and snow. Thus, P. fruticosa can tolerant cold temperatures, drought conditions, barren soil, and strong light, thus symbolizing the characteristics of the Tibetan people, who are resolute, strong, hardworking, and plain, with the ability to withstand harsh and cold environments.