alpine

views updated May 23 2018

al·pine / ˈalˌpīn/ • adj. [usu. attrib] of or relating to high mountains: alpine habitats. ∎  (in the names of plants and animals) growing or found on high mountains: the alpine forget-me-not. ∎  (Alpine) of or relating to the Alps. ∎  (also Alpine) (of skiing) involving downhill racing. • n. a plant native to mountain districts, often suitable for growing in rock gardens.

Afro-alpine vegetation

views updated May 21 2018

Afro-alpine vegetation On the highest mountains of Africa, above the dwarf or elfin woodlands, are found shrublands and grasslands. These are alpine (alpine zone) in character (hence the term ‘Afro-alpine’) and, besides containing plants found at lower altitudes in middle and high latitudes, they also include endemics (see endemism), e.g. the giant lobelias and groundsels on Ruwenzori and Kilimanjaro in Kenya.

Afro—alpine vegetation

views updated Jun 11 2018

Afro—alpine vegetation On the highest mountains of Africa, above the dwarf or elfin woodlands, are found shrublands and grasslands. These are alpine (alpine zone) in character (hence the term ‘Afro-alpine’) and, besides containing plants found at lower altitudes in middle and high latitudes, they also include endemics (see ENDEMISM), e.g. the giant lobelias and groundsels on Ruwenzori and Kilimanjaro.