QUEUÑA (ANDEAN PAPER TREE)
There are more than 20 species of Polylepis shrubs and trees. At the highest altitudes (upwards of 16,000 feet, they grow as small shrubs. Lower, they can grow up 120 feet. So this forest is a bit unique, and we need to get to the bottom of it: IS it a forest? Or is it a shrubland? When does it become such?
Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson
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Cover art by Jillian Barthold
Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals
Episode cover photo by Elias Rovielo
Additional Reading:
The Andrean paper tree (Polylepis racemosa), or queuña (Qiwiña, as it is known in the native language of Quechua).
Study of Polylepis Tree Heights at Varying Elevations
The "Polylepis Problem": Where do we Stand?
What determines tree line?
Why Is the Treeline at a Higher Elevation in the Tetons than in the White Mountains?
Migrating Tree Lines
Oregon Invasive Species Hotline