Including chapters on soil properties and the role or mycorrhiza, carbon assimilation and allocation, phytopathogens, and the impact of global change on photooxidative stress, the book builds on Tranquillini’s landmark 1979 publication, Physiological Ecology of the Alpine Timberline. By combining new techniques and insights with existing core knowledge the authors explore a range of current hypotheses on tree life limitation to promote a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms determining the upper timberline. This book represents a timely contribution to the current literature on timberline research. Drawing together more than 25 years of work, this unique book sets a new standard on the ecophysiology of trees growing at the alpine timberline. The book will appeal to researchers and advanced students in the fields of botany, ecology and plant ecophysiology, as well as to a wider audience interested in understanding the responses of the timberline ecotone to climatic and demographic change.