Sub-alpine forest at Mount Donna Buang,Victoria,Australia. The picture shows a section of forest at an elevation of 900m above sea level; characterised by erratic winter snowfall. The picture was taken in December (midsummer). In the foreground are tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica). Behind,with fine dark green foliage,are two Myrtle Beech trees (Nothofagus cunninghamii). In the background the taller trees are species of eucalyptus,principally Alpine Ash,or Woollybutt (E. delegatensis). Mt. Donna Buang summit is 1250m above sea level. Lying snow occurs for a few weeks in an average winter. At higher elevations than shown here,the forest flora becomes dominated by alpine trees,particularly the snow gum,E. pauciflora |