The temperate cloud-forest zone is found between about 1500m and 2900m altitude. High rainfall (5m pa at Tapichalaca) results in dense tree cover, with almost all available surfaces covered in epiphytes - mosses, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. Because the land is steep and unstable, the trees seldom exceed about 20m in height. Bamboos (Chusquea) and Tree Ferns are prominent, and the diversity of orchids is exceptional. Silvery-leaved Cecropia trees are an easily recognised ‘signature' species in this forest type.

See some images of temperate cloud-forest vegetation found at Tapichalaca

At higher altitudes with a colder climate and stronger winds, a miniature version of the forest (elfin-forest) occurs, with stunted trees and shrubs about 1 m high (altitude about 2900-3300m). At the highest levels (3300-3500m) trees are absent and the landscape comprises a grassy tundra like zone called paramo. This has an ‘alpine' flora with flowers such as gentians, and a good population of Spectacled Bears and Mountain Tapirs.

Tapachilaca Reserve.	A Treefern.
Elfin forest.	Paramo at 3500m altitude.

Read about flowering shrubs and vines at Cerro Tapichalaca