Story: Alpine plants

Shingle scree (1st of 3)

Shingle scree

This scree slope is on the Birdwood Range. Scree slopes are common in New Zealand’s mountains, especially on the eastern side of the South Island. Although they appear bare of vegetation, a few plants are adapted to these unstable surfaces. They have deep root systems that penetrate into the fine, silty soil beneath the scree stones, and most have the ability to re-sprout if the upper part of the plant is ripped off or buried.

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Reference: En0251LC4t.tif

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How to cite this page:

Hugh Wilson, 'Alpine plants - Alpine rock vegetation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/11036/shingle-scree (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Hugh Wilson, published 24 Sep 2007