232 



PLANT RELATIONS 



165a. Alpine deserts. — In alpine regions a distinct desert 

 type of vegetation appears upon the drier areas, especially- 

 above timber-line. It is in direct contrast with the alpine 

 meadow (§168), which is developed in situations where the 



snow can lie. On the steeper slopes there is no accumula- 

 tion of snow, and the scanty vegetation has a distinctly 

 xerophytic character (Fig. 203). 



