Dryas refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae, commonly known as the "mountain avens." These plants are typically found in alpine and arctic regions, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils. Their bright yellow or white flowers bloom in the summer, attracting various pollinators and adding beauty to their harsh environments. In addition to their ecological role, Dryas species are significant in paleoecology as indicators of past climate conditions. Fossilized remains of Dryas have been found in sediment layers, helping scientists understand the shifts in vegetation and climate during the Pleistocene epoch. This makes them valuable for studying historical environmental changes.