Dynamics of a Tasmanian cushion heath community

  1. Neil Gibson†,
  2. J. B. Kirkpatrick

Article first published online: 24 FEB 2009

DOI: 10.2307/3235832

Issue

Journal of Vegetation Science

Journal of Vegetation Science

Volume 3, Issue 5, pages 647–654, October 1992

Additional Information

How to Cite

Gibson, N. and Kirkpatrick, J. B. (1992), Dynamics of a Tasmanian cushion heath community. Journal of Vegetation Science, 3: 647–654. doi: 10.2307/3235832

Author Information

  1. Geography Department, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252C, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001;

  1. †

    Western Australian Wildlife Research Centre, PO Box 51, Wanneroo W.A., Australia 6065; Fax +61 9 3061641

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 24 FEB 2009
  2. Article first published online: 24 FEB 2009
  3. Received 5 February 1992; Revision received 22 April 1992; Accepted 26 June 1992; Final revision received 28 July 1992.

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Keywords:

  • Alpine;
  • Long-term dynamics;
  • Macrofossil;
  • Plant dynamics;
  • Succession;
  • Succession model
  • Buchanan;
  • McGeary-Brown & Orchard (1989) for plant species (unless otherwise indicated);
  • Kirkpatrick (1983) for vegetation terminology

Abstract. Little is known of the dynamics of the alpine cushion plant communities of Tasmania. The present study investigates the nature of the short (5 yr) and long (850 yr plus) term dynamics within one such community at Newdegate Pass, Tasmania. This involved observations of permanent plots, quadrat sampling of cushion heath in different stages of a secondary succesion and cuticular analysis of a core through the cushion peat. Data from the peat core showed the continued presence of the cushion heath community at this site for at least 850 yr, while the regeneration patterns indicated community composition was largely achieved by species accumulation rather than species replacement. Over a 5–yr period there was little or no change in total percentage cover yet a surprisingly high degree of interspecific competition for space in areas of complete plant cover. These observations best fit non equilibrium models of community succession and stability.

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