Interpretation of Macrofossil Assemblages from Surface Sampling of Macroscopic Plant Remains in Mire Communities

Abstract

Standard surface samples were collected in fen, fen-carr and swamp-carr communities to establish relationships between assemblages of macroscopic plant remains, particularly seeds and fruits, and the vegetations contributing them. The source area of seeds was determined by measuring the distance from the sample point to the nearest mature individual of each species occurring within 5 cm. The cover-abundance and reproductive performance of each species within 1 m of each sample were also recorded. The proportion of species represented by seeds varied from 50-100% and was highest in swamp-carr and lowest in fen-carr deposits. The seed rain was far from even. There was a general relationship between cover-abundance and seed representation for some spices (e.g., Carex paniculata) but not for others (e.g., Solanum dulcamara). Most seeds and fruits in the surface samples could have come from plants growing within 1 m of each sampling point. Those from greater distances are adapted for dispersal by wind or water. Reconstrucitons of past plant communities from the assemblages in a single sample may apply only to the immediate vicinity of that sampling point.