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) (ca. 1600 m).

2 - Green tussocks on a large block field (Tongariro National Park).

3 - Gentiana sp. (Gentianaceae) (Tongariro National Park).

29 August 2011
© ALPECOLe 2002-2007