Chap. IV] MOUNTAIN REGIONS IN TEMPERATE ZONES 763 



parts of the montane region, does not suffice to convert the windy grass- 

 land-climate, hostile to trees, into a forest-climate ; forest remains confined 

 to the banks of water- courses in sheltered valleys (Figs. 468, 469). The 

 hill-sides are occupied by grassland ; the whole has in the main a xero- 

 philous character. The following table has been constructed from data 

 supplied by Thode 1 . 



Fig. 464. Alpine flora of New Zealand. Celmisia viscosa, Hook. f. (in the centre), and Luzula 

 pumila, Hook, f., growing on screes. 1,470 meters, Craigieburn Mountains, South Island. From a 

 photograph by Cockayne. 



REGIONS IN NATAL. 



Lower Region 



Montane Region. 



Steppe (with Acacia and Aloe in places) .... 



Protea- savannah 



Alpine Region. 



Shrub and perennial herbs 



The climate of the alpine region of the Drakenberg is very stormy. 

 Tempests in summer and snow-storms in winter are of frequent occurrence. 

 The mean annual temperature is estimated by Thode at 5-8° R. ; hard 

 frosts are usual during the winter nights. Bushy vegetation (Leucosidea 

 sericea. Clififortia. Erica) appears here and there in the ravines ; the slopes 



1 Thode, op. cit. 



