Merkianae a few species coming from the Artic, rarely grown perennials, difficult to please. Tufted, sometimes clump forming, mainly with basal leaves tending to be on the large size. In cold climates the plants from this group need a moist peaty medium to be happy. Yes, it s OK to use peat. A palmate basal leafed clump former.
Some species produce a long, thread like stolon.
Pretty easy grower in humus rich soil with part shade. Porphyrion including Oppositifolia, the photo in the top right hand corner, and Kabschia. Generally densely cushion forming. These are true alpines, requiring gritty but not dry growing mediums. To flower this group well, a fair amount of sunshine is required.