Mochi Isle
Conifer forest · Cedar HighlandsScience for kidsWhy do conifers grow on cold mountains?
In short: Conifers such as cedars and pines have thin, needle-like leaves with a waxy coat, so they resist frost and lose little water. Their pointed shape lets snow slide off. That is why cold mountains are often covered in conifers.
How it works
Winter on a mountain is not only cold but dry. The ground freezes, so roots cannot take up water, and icy winds keep drying out the leaves. Needles are narrow, so there is little surface for water to escape from, and their waxy coat works like a raincoat, keeping water in and frost damage out.
Most conifers are evergreen. Instead of dropping all their leaves at once, they replace old needles a few at a time. As soon as the weather warms up, they can start making food from sunlight without waiting to grow new leaves, which really helps where summers are short.
Many conifers are shaped like a pointed tower, with branches sloping downwards, so heavy snow slides off instead of snapping them. Conifers do not have flowers. Most keep their seeds in cones made of overlapping scales, like the pine cones you find on the ground.
Where to see it in New Zealand
New Zealand has many native conifers, such as kauri, rimu and kahikatea, but most grow in lower forests and not all of them have needles. The big, neat pine plantations you see around the country are mostly radiata pine, a tree brought here from overseas.
Try it together
Pick up a pine needle and a soft leaf. Put a drop of water on each and see which one makes the water bead up and roll. Then leave both on a windowsill for a few days. Which dries and curls up first?
Kids also ask
Do conifers ever lose their needles?
Yes, but not all at once. Old needles fall a few at a time and build a soft carpet under the tree while new ones grow. A few conifers, such as larches, turn yellow and drop all their needles in autumn.
What are pine cones for?
Pine cones hold and protect a conifer's seeds. In dry weather the scales open and let winged seeds blow away on the wind. In damp weather they close up again to keep the seeds safe.
In the game, “Conifer forest” is a nature card on Cedar Highlands.
Your child finds this card by reaching the right place or meeting the right weather on the island, and lights it up by answering the question on the back. Tap the button below and the game shows your child which island it is on and how to find it. Mochi Isle is a browser learning game for ages 5 to 18; the main island and the daily lesson are free.
Find “Conifer forest” on the island ↗ All cards from Cedar Highlands