Tierra Fria

the upper forest zone in the mountains of low-latitude Central and South America. The tierra fria has elevations from 1,700–2,000 m to 3,200–3,500 m (below the equator). Average monthly temperatures are H°-18°C; precipitation reaches 1,500–2,000 mm (in outlying regions, 700–800 mm). Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, mainly in the form of drizzling rain. Fogs are common. There are high-elevation mixed forests of evergreen hardwood and coniferous trees and shrubs, with an abundance of ferns, bamboo, club mosses, true mosses, and lichens (mountain rain forest). There are meadows and steppes on the interior plateaus. Grains, legumes, and potatoes are cultivated and there is livestock raising.