The altitudinal sequence of climax vegetation on Mt Anglem, Stewart Island

Abstract

The composition of ground and epiphytic plant communities, consisting mainly cf bryophytes, is recorded in samples from c:ght stands of climax vegetation at different altitudes on Mt Anglem, Stewart Island. Hepatics form at least 40–50% of the total species list in the ground and epiphytic layers of most stands. Ground vegetation was recorded as presence or abscncc data using cither decimetre square quadrats or point quadrats. The abundance of epiphytic spccics was estimated visually and then converted to cover values using empirical conversion constants. Some defects of this technique are discussed. The list of Stewart Island bryophytes compiled by Martin is brought up to date by the inclusion of new records from this study and from other publications.