In comparison with lower latitude tropical moist forest, the stand characteristics generally include reduced tree stature and increased stem density. Canopy trees usually exhibit gnarled trunks and branches; dense compact crowns; and small, thick and hard (sclerophyll) leaves. TMCF is also characterised by having a high proportion of biomass as epiphytes (bryophytes, lichens and filmy ferns) and a corresponding reduction in woody climbers. Soils are wet and frequently waterlogged and highly organic in the form of humus and peat (histosol). Biodiversity in terms of tree species of herbs, shrubs and epiphytes can be relatively high (considering the small areal extent) when compared with tree species-rich lowland rain forest. Endemism is often very high.

TMCF occurs on a global scale within a wide range of annual and seasonal rainfall regimes i.e. 500-10,000mm.year). There is also significant variation in the altitudinal position of this mountain vegetation belt. For large, inland mountain systems, TMCF may typically be found between 2000-3500m (Andes, Rwenzoris), whereas in coastal and insular mountains this zone may descend to 100m (Hawai'i). Under exceptionally humid marine, equatorial conditions, a TMCF zone may develop on steep, small island mountains at elevaitons as low as 500m or even lower (Kosrae in Micronesia and Gau in Fiji)."