Vegetation patterns on the Sassafras Plateau

J. Pickard, S. W. L. Jacobs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Quasi-concentric vegetation patterns in a humid temperate area of the Sassafras Plateau are described. Bands of Eucalyptus dendromorpha Tall Open Scrub, Allocasuarina distyla Tall Shrubland, Calytrix tetragona Dwarf Shrubland, Lepyrodia scariosa Open Sedgeland and sandstone outcrops form the patterns. The vegetation bands occur on a series of sub-horizontal terraces on ridge sides. A moisture gradient across each terrace causes a repeated series of habitats down the slopes. Effects of water levels on germination and seedling growth of small-seeded shrubs (Allocasuarina distyla and Leptospermum scoparium var. rotundifolium) and large-seeded shrubs (Banksia ericifolia and Hakea teretifolia) were investigated in a glasshouse trial. All species performed best in freely-drained treatments. The vegetation patterns are caused by the interaction of the species' responses to soil drainage and fire, and to the fire-proneness of the sites. -Authors

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAspects of Australian sandstone landscapes
EditorsR. W. Young, G. C. Nanson
Place of PublicationWollongong
PublisherAustralian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group
Pages54-65
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)0864180012
Publication statusPublished - 1983

Publication series

NameAustralian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group special publication
PublisherAustralian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group

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