Freshwater wetland vegetation of Viti Levu, Fiji

Abstract

The wetlands of Viti Levu, Fiji occur on Recent alluvium in the high rainfall regions of the island. Most of the wetlands formed after the sea reached its present level, and they have probably been affected by man through most of this time. It is suggested that the peat bogs developed as a result of forest clearance in areas of impeded drainage. The wetlands are classified into peat, colluvium- peat, gley soils, and brackish soils, ~nd the vegetation is described for each of the major wetlands and substrate types. Most of the native wetland plant species also occur in dryland habitats. The majority of the plant species are recent introductions. The dispersal of Sphagnum cuspidatum. Metroxylon vitiense, and Eleocharis dulcis is discussed.