Cloud forest
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Title
Cloud forest
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Definition
A mid-elevation vegetation type often covered in clouds. Cloud forest is dominated by trees covered with mosses and liverworts. Species of orchids are abundant in this vegetation type and tree ferns are often conspicuous. Depending on local climate, distance from the sea, and isolation from other mountain ranges, cloud forest can be found between 500 and 4000 meters but it is most frequent between 1000 and 2000 meters.
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Notes
Althoug a number of known species of neotropical Lecythidaceae are found in cloud forest, this habitat is probably the least known for Lecythidaceae. Species diversity of neotropical Lecythidaceae is greatest in the following descending order of importance: terra firme, cloud forest, vázea, igapó, and cerrado.
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Related Terms
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