Ecological studies on Meikle Kilrannoch Serpentines

Abstract

Of the five ultrabasic rock outcrops in the Glen Clova district of Scotland two, near Meikle Kilrannoch hill, bear distinctive vegetation and are unusually toxic amongst serpentines. Soil analyses showed a very high Mg:Ca ratio with low calcium and relatively high nickel and chromium levels. Plant analyses for a range of species have shown some with a high tissue Mg:Ca ratio and others with a much lower excess of magnesium over calcium. Moderately high concentrations of nickel and chromium occur, while there is evidence of high sodium levels in two species of maritime affinity and instances of high aluminium, iron, potassium and zinc concentrations. Comparisons with the Lime Hill serpentine confirm the view that the high soil Mg:Ca ratio is a major chemical cause of their extreme character.