This type is characterised by the short-boled and highly branched trees. The branches are densely clothed with moss and other epiphytes. There is no stratification of trees. Leaves of trees in general are small. Climbers are few.

The characteristic species are Actinodaphne bourdillonii, Cinnamomum sulphuratum, Elaeocarpus munronii, Elaeocarpus recurvatus, Euonymus indicus, Fagraea ceylanica, Gordonia obtusa, Ligustrum robustum ssp. walkeri, Maesa indica, Mahonia leschenaultii, Michelia champaca, Pittosporum neelgherrense, Rapanea thwaitesii, Rhododendron arboreum ssp. nilagiricum, Symplocos cochinchinensis ssp. laurina, Syzygium densiflorum, Turpinia nepalensis, etc.

The common epiphytes are Aerides ringens, Bulbophyllum fischeri, Coelogyne nervosa, Eria reticosa, Impatiens auriculata, Impatiens parasitica, Liparis elliptica, Oberonia santapaui, Trichoglottis tenera, etc.