The role of frost tolerance in defining the kauri line floristic boundary
Floristic boundaries, where the range limits of multiple species coincide, are frequently recognised ecological phenomena for which underlying mechanisms are often unclear. Plant species range limits are often determined by their tolerance to climatic conditions. Therefore, the positions of floristic boundaries are also likely related to climatic conditions. Seedlings are a vulnerable life stage and are often highly susceptible to adverse climatic events such as frosts, and frost susceptibility varies among plant species.