a genus of plants of the family Rosaceae. They are procumbent evergreen shrubs with leathery leaves, glossy above and tomentose below. The flower stalks are erect, and the solitary, large flowers are white or sometimes yellow. There are usually eight or nine petals and sepals, and numerous stamens and pistils. There are more than ten species, growing in arctic and subarctic regions and in high mountains in the northern temperate zone. In the USSR about ten species may be found in tundras, barren places, and alpine meadows. The most widespread species are D. octopetala and D. punctata. The plants of this genus are used in landscaping small “alpine” hills.