- Heath Zone -
Zone 3: Heath
Altitude: roughly 2,804 to 3,353 meters
MUC Field Guide Classification - 3234 (Dwarf-Thicket)
Above the forest line, porous soils and lower rainfall result in much sparser vegetation. The lower altitudes of this region are characterized by a wide, rolling meadow with giant heath plants and many small wild flowers. Heavy mists often cover the area. These areas may get about 76 to 102 centimeters of rain a year. The many grasses that abound here are vital for safeguarding the soil and conserving the fleeting moisture. They also harbor all manner of everlasting flowers, from the leathery-leaved, artichoke-like Protea to the red-hot poker, a tall, striking plant with red or yellow tubular blossoms.
( Our Guide Bruce and a Team Member in the Heath Zone - 2008 Xpedition )
( Tall grasses on the Shira Plateau in the Heath Zone )
( Frank on the Shira Plateau - 2008 Xpedition )
( If you look close you can see the Porters moving ahead through the Heath plants )
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