MONTANE-ERICACIOUS FORESTS

An "upper montane forest" in Malaysia refers to a high-altitude forest ecosystem found above 1,500 meters elevation, typically characterized by a dense canopy of smaller, gnarled trees, abundant epiphytes like orchids and ferns, and a misty, cool climate, often found on mountain peaks like Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo. Key points about upper montane forests in Malaysia:

• Elevation: Located above 1,500 meters. 
• Vegetation: Dominated by low-growing, stunted trees like rhododendrons, with a high presence of epiphytes including orchids, ferns, and lichens. 
• Climate: Cool, damp, and often misty due to the high altitude. 
• Location: Primarily found on the higher elevations of mountain ranges in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, particularly on Mount Kinabalu.