Latitudinal diversity gradient of vascular plant species in the alpine areas - fact or fiction?

Latitudinal diversity gradient is assumed to be a general phenomenon, and therefore should also be applicable to vascular plants in alpine habitats that are specific in many aspects - especially in the high diversity and endemism. Latitudinal patterns in plant diversity in tropical and temperate alpine habitats have not been examined so far. The situation is complicated by different methodical approaches and inconsistent usage of terms based on existence of many different definitions. This literature review indicates that the existence of the latitudinal diversity gradient above the tree line cannot be confirmed because of the reasons mentioned above. This work points out the gaps in research and therefore can be used as inspiration for further studies and as an overview of basic information regarding this subject