forest occurs above 1,500 m (4,920 ft) on the Pacific
slope but extends to between 1,300 and 1,400 m
(4,265– 4,590 ft) along the Atlantic slope.A Closer Look inside Cloud Forest
At Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, three seasons
are recognized: wet season, from May to October;
transition season, from November to January; and dry
season, from February to April. Wet season typically
has clear morning skies followed by cumulus cloud
formation and precipitation in afternoon and early
evening (plates 13- 5– 6). Transition season features
strong trade winds from the northeast, stratus and
stratocumulus clouds, and wind- driven precipitation
and mist throughout much of the day and night. Dry
season features moderate trade winds, stratus clouds
or clear sky part of the day but also wind- driven mist
and cloud water, particularly in the evening hours.
Neotropical cloud forests are lush, with high biomass
(at low and mid elevations), and obvious abundance of
epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and mosses densely
covering and draping branches and tree trunks. Vines
are present but are relatively less well represented than in
many lowland forests. Shrubs are often abundant. Trees,
which at high and exposed elevations exhibit gnarled
trunks and branches, are from 25 to 30 m (82– 98 ft) in
height, not as tall as in lowland rain forest. Both a tree
canopy and understory of small trees are typically evident.
Buttressing is common among trees at lower elevations.
Bark characteristics are often difficult to discern, as bark
is typically covered by epiphytic vegetation. Tree crowns
are usually compact and most do not spread, parasol-
like, as is typical of lowland forest trees. Leaves are small,
hard, waxy, and usually thick. In some places there are
numerous pine trees. There are many montane palm
species, and understory palms are sometimes abundant.
Tree ferns (especially Cyathea), true ferns that grow to the
size of small trees, are often common, adding an almost
prehistoric look to the landscape (plate 13- 7). Small ferns,
including may epiphytic species, are also often abundant.
Bamboos thrive in humid montane forests, and one
genus, Chusquea, is often abundant.
The cloud forest at Monteverde, Costa Rica, has been
intensively studied for many years and is likely the best-
known and most visited cloud forest in the Neotropics.
It has excellent trails and good nearby lodging, and
skilled guides are readily available.Plate 13- 5. Clouds are beginning to close in on this Ecuadorian
cloud forest as afternoon approaches. Photo by John Kricher.Plate 13- 6. This cloud forest in Venezuela contains numerous
conifers (foreground). Fog has fully engulfed the forest. Photo
by John Kricher.Plate 13- 7. Tree ferns are common in cloud forests. Photo by
John Kricher.chapter 13 scaling the andes 237