Recent work on the ultramafic vegetation of Scotland

Abstract

Summary The occurrence of ultramafic rocks in Scotland is described along with a summary of recent work in the fields of exploration and description of sites and taxa; the population dynamics of rare species, nutrient limitations in the soils, the role of Ni in their ecology, and the importance and tolerance of high soil Mg/Ca quotients. Some important research needs are outlined and it is emphasized that the biological importance of ultramafics out-weighs their small areal extent.