At lower elevations, this ecoregion grades into Chilean matorral and Valdivian temperate forests to the west and High Monte to the east.

In the lower elevations, 2,000 to 2,700 metres (6,600 to 8,900 ft), grow large shrubs such as Chuquiraga oppositifolia and Nassauvia axillaris.

In the lower elevations, 1,900 to 2,700 metres (6,200 to 8,900 ft), grow plants of the genera Stipa, Adesmia, Mulinum, Nassauvia, and Chuquiraga.

At the highest elevations, 3,300 to 4,500 metres (10,800 to 14,800 ft), grow Senecio, Nassauvia, Chaetanthera, Draba, Barneoudia, Leucheria, and Moschopsis.

[2] This ecoregion's high elevations and harsh climate make it unsuitable for development or farming, so it has experienced little habitat loss.