The Lesotho alpine system is located on the plateau of Lesotho a small mountain kingdom located within the Republic of South Africa. The plateau is bounded on the eastern side by the Drakensberg Mountains and exists at elevations between 2750 m (9022 ft) and 3500 m (11,483 ft). Soils in the area are thin, reaching a maximum of 45 cm (18 in), and often non-existent with rock rubble comprising the surface. Plant communities in the Lesotho alpine are dominantly heath and grassland, with species that demonstrate adaptations to severe climatic conditions.