This is the zone of maximum fog and rain, and soils as deep as 1 meter are found. At 500 to 700 m, this zone merges into the Miconia Zone . An temperature inversion in the atmosphere at this elevation prevents moist air from rising higher, so the Miconia Zone receives less moisture that the Scalesia Zone below it. Trees thin and are replaced by dense growth of Miconia. The Fern-Sedge Zone is found at the highest elevations and is generally above the clouds.
Moisture is derived primarily from fog.
Here the vegetation is dominated by low shrubs, ferns, tree ferns , and sedges. These elevations refer to the southern, windward side. On the lee side, the arid and transition zones extend nearly to the summit. The fauna changes with elevation as well, though some animals, such as the tortiose, may be found through a range of climatic zones. The brilliant Vermillion Flycatcher, however, is found only in the higher elevations.