Chap. IV] MOUNTAIN REGIONS IN TEMPERATE ZONES 765 



arc covered by dwarf-shrub (particularly Helichrysum and Ericaceae) and 

 by alpine perennial herbs (particularly Compositae). Flowers are very 

 abundant, and their colours brilliant. 



iv. SOUTH AMERICA. 



The northern slopes of the Cordilleras of Argentina are densely clad 

 with forest. In the sub-tropical provinces of Oran and Tucuman (about 



Fig. 468. Vegetation of the montane region in the Drakenberg, Natal. 

 From a photograph. 



25° S.) Lorentz distinguished the following stages, which however are not 

 always present : — 



REGIONS ON THE CORDILLERAS OF ARGENTINA. 

 Basal Region. 



Hygrophilous. Temperate rain-forest. 



Montane Region. 



„ ( Forest of Podocarpus angustifolia. 

 Mesophilous(r)- ,. „ , A , v P & . ... , 



I Aliso-forest (AInus ferruginea, var. Ahx). 



(Quefioa-savannah (Polylepis racemosa). 



Xeropliilous - Alpine steppe. 



(Alpine desert (puna). 



