Question
Dear Gary,

I would like to know the difference in growing habit of plants growing on a south-facing slope and those growing on a north-facing slope.

I think that plants grow well when they get enough sunlight. So, does it mean that plants growing on north-facing slopes in Southern hemisphere will have a better performance than on south-facing slopes (lack of sunlight)?

Similarly, do plants growing on south-facing slopes in Northern hemisphere will have a better performance than on north-facing slopes?

Thanks!

Yours sincerely,
Raymond


Answer
Raymond,

Very interesting question.  Is this question involved in a bet or something? :)

We are going to assume that light is going to be adequate, though there are big differences in total amount of light.  

Generally the difference plants experience on a north or south slope is heat load.  North facing slopes have morning sun while south slopes have afternoon sun and have more "heat" associated with it.  Plants that do not tolerate heat very well tend to grow better receiving only morning sun.

Now here is where it gets tricky, so hang on.

In the southern hemisphere the opposite is true.  North facing slopes will have the greater heat load while southern slopes will be cooler.

I hope this helps.

Gary