Distinct timberlines are common in New Zealand, especially where beech forest gives way to grassland at higher altitude. They mark the limit of tree growth, and are related to the average temperature of the summer growing season. In New Zealand the alpine timberline roughly coincides with an air temperature of 10°C in January. This silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii) timberline is in the Mataketake Range, South Westland.
Using this item
Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua
Photograph by Janet Wilmshurst
© Copyright image. All rights reserved. Permission from Manaaki Whenua: Landcare Research New Zealand Limited must be obtained before the re-use of this image.
Add new comment