Vegetation of the Raised Beaches at Cape Turakirae, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

The vegetation pattern over remaining areas of the raised marine beaches at Cape Turakirae (southern North Island, New Zealand) is described and mapped. Also included are: a list of vascular plant species, a study of peat depths, an examination of the soils and root growth in a raised beach ridge, discussion of likely vegetation changes, and recommendations on management of the area. The vegetation pattern is shown to be determined primarily by burning and browsing which are limiting growth of shrub and forest vegetation on the older beaches. On all raised beaches the vegetation and soils of the ridges contrast strongly with those of the platforms. A chronosequence across the raised beaches is evident in the peat depths, the vegetation, and the plant species growing on each beach.