Vegetation of the Central Plateau

Abstract

As might be expected in an upland region, the distributionof plant communities is determined largely by lowtemperatures, in particular by the degree and frequency offrosts below -5°C, glazing storms, and ice-bearing winds.The most significant single index which is readily availableis probably the mean summer temperature. A mean temperatureof 10°C for the warmest month has been accepted as the indicatorof the tree line (Daubenmire 1954). Most of theCentral Plateau above 1040m is thus in this category.