Regional variation in kwongan in the central wheatbelt of south‐western Australia

Abstract

AbstractThis study examined the floristic variation at 20 sites of sclerophyllous shrubland (kwongan) occurring on lateritic soils in the central wheatbelt of south‐western Australia. The results show that this kwongan is as floristically rich and varied as the kwongan in the northern and southern sandplain areas of the south‐west. Six sequential groups of sites can be identified along the rainfall gradient present over the study area; 29 species are selected as indicators of the floristic groups. The distribution of many of the remaining 426 species suggests a continuum of floristic change along the rainfall gradient. One hundred and forty‐five species were only recorded once and thus contributed to the high species richness of the sites and the low level of floristic uniformity between the stands. There were significant trends in the proportions of lifeforms with respect to the rainfall gradient. Evidence of the response of the plants to an obvious environmental gradient and the increased understanding of this complex vegetation type will provide conservation managers with some rationale for setting priorities for reserve acquisition and management.