noun
- stunted, twisted trees growing at high altitudes near the treeline, shaped by harsh weather conditions
Usage: ecology; geography
Examples
- The krummholz formed a dense, low canopy on the exposed mountainside.
- Above the normal forest, we encountered a zone of krummholz bent by constant winds.
- The gnarled krummholz trees were barely three feet tall despite being decades old.
- Alpine hikers often use krummholz formations as landmarks near the treeline.
- The krummholz provided shelter for small animals in the harsh mountain environment.
- Scientists study krummholz to understand how trees adapt to extreme conditions.