New Zealand, N-Island
The alpine life zone on the North Island of New Zealand is confined to volcanoes. The treeline
is formed by
Nothofagus
species at c. 1400 m. A mild oceanic climate, lots of clouds and fog dominate the life of
alpine plants as on Mt. Tongariro (shown here). Volcanic block fields and cinders are covered
by thick mats of
Racomitrium
moss, some grass tussocks, cushion plants, but also include a gentian.
1 -
Alpine landscape dominated by the moss
Racomitrium sp.
(Grimmiaceae) (aprox. 1600 m).
1 -
Alpine landscape dominated by the moss
Racomitrium sp.
(Grimmiaceae) (aprox. 1600 m).
2 - Green tussocks on a large block field (Tongariro National Park).
2 - Green tussocks on a large block field (Tongariro National Park).
3 -
Gentiana sp.
(Gentianaceae) (Tongariro National Park).
3 -
Gentiana sp.
(Gentianaceae) (Tongariro National Park).