A Note on a Connemara Bog Type

Abstract

This describes the vegetation of a bog type in Connemara (W. of Ireland) developed under extremely wet climatic conditions, av. annual rainfall 235-255 cm., on all extensive slopes of less than 1 in 20. Mixtures of species occur in each quadrat (1 sq.m.) which constantly contain Molinia coerulea, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris and Sphagnum spp., 70% of quadrats also contain Schoenus nigricans, Rhyncospora alba, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Sphagnum papillosum and S. rubellum. These develop on deep base deficient peat, waterlogged and consequently with a pH above 4.7. The vegetation retains its composition on valley sites which in drier climates would give "raised bogs." The peats, on slight oxidation in the laboratory, develop hydrion concs. as low as pH 2.5.