The vegetation of the Rheban Spit, Tasmania

Abstract

The vegetation of the Rheban spit, Tasmania is described and discussed. The vegetation on the frontal dunes, which have largely been developed in the last twenty years, can be divided into three zones, one dominated by Ammophila arenaria, one dominated by small herbs, and one dominated by Pteridium esculentum and Banksia marginata. The beach ridge vegetation cannot be divided so clearly into zones, but continuous variation is demonstrated through the use of polar ordination. The saltmarsh vegetation is briefly described, and the case for the preservation of the vegetation of the spit outlined.