Terrestrial vegetation and environments on Heard Island

Abstract

Significantly ice-covered and with a very small flora (11 vascular species and about 60 bryophyte taxa), Heard Island is still emerging from the effects of the last glacial maximum. This study presents the results of a general vegetation survey. A baseline framework of environmental conditions that affect vegetation on the island is described and a classification (TWINSPAN) analysis based on presencel absence data of both vascular plant species and bryophyte taxa is provided. Distinct suites of taxa were identified on the island, some containing bryophytes only. Fifteen ecological groups were delineated. A discussion of ecological amplitude of import ant bryophyte and vascular plant taxa on Heard Island is included.