Tierra Templada

the middle-elevation forest zone in the mountains of Central and South America (to 23° S lat.). Elevations range from 800 to 1,700 m in Central America and from 1,000–1,500 m to 2,000–2,800 m in the Andes. Steep slopes and deep ravines of turbulent rivers are typical. The climate is moderately warm, with average monthly temperatures of 17°–24°C. Windward slopes are wet year-round; the precipitation totals more than 3,000 mm. Mountain tropical forest with red laterite soils are typical. Treelike ferns and bamboo predominate, and epiphytes are abundant. The cinchona tree and coca are characteristic in the Andes. On leeward slopes there are deciduous and evergreen forests (in Central America, coniferous and broadleaf forests) with red mountain soils. Areas suitable for crop cultivation are occupied mainly by corn and coffee plantings (when there is seasonal moisture).