1. Plural of krummholz; dense, stunted, wind-shaped vegetation found at high altitudes or high latitudes, typically consisting of low-growing shrubs and trees.
Usage: Geography/ecology term; German origin (Krummholz = 'crooked wood'); Often used in alpine and arctic contexts

Examples

• The mountaineers encountered dense krummholzes as they approached the alpine treeline.
• Krummholzes provide habitat for specialized plants adapted to harsh, windy conditions.
• The krummholzes on the exposed ridge were shaped dramatically by prevailing winds.
• Scientists study krummholzes to understand how vegetation responds to extreme environmental stress.
• Above 10,000 feet, the forest transitions into krummholzes and then bare rock.