Coastal cliff vegetation of the Catlins region Otago, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Cliff vegetation was sampled at five sites in the Catlins region, New Zealand. Ordination showed a vegetation sequence from the bottom to the top of the cliff, consistent in its overall pattern between sites. This was correlated with soil salinity and, from available information, with salt spray. There is evidence for the importance also of drought and of soil organic content. Some species show unexpected absences from particular sites; the explanation for this may lie in biogeographic history rather than in ecology. Generally, the vegetation is similar to that found on cliffs of islands lying off the coast of Otago

Keywords:

• ecology
• cliffs
• salinity
• salt spray
• ordination
• Catlins

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carol Cullen

Deceased