The vegetation in Monsoon Asia varies as much as the region’s climate does. In the drier parts of the region, only desert scrub survives. But in the tropical zones, lush plants thrive and form thick rainforests. Elevation also has a big effect on Monsoon Asia’s plant life. Remember that in a highlands climate, temperature varies with elevation. Vegetation varies with elevation as well. The region’s highest mountains are so cold that they are covered by ice and snow. Very little can grow in this ice cap vegetation zone.