The demography ofEpacris paucifloraA. Rich. on two contrasting pakihi terraces, North Westland, South Island

Abstract

Abstract Epacris pauciflora is one of the few woody plants that commonly grows in shrub/rushfernland vegetation (pakihi) on poorly drained terraces in North Westland. Terraces west of the coastal ranges have more extensive open areas and a higher floristic diversity than terraces in the inland basins. This study investigated whether the apparent differences in the vigour of E. pauciflora on contrasting terraces in these localities are caused primarily by differences in the size and age structures of the patches or by some unspecified environmental factor. On the western terrace (German Terrace) stands had a mean age of 9 years and those with dead patches of E. pauciflora were of similar age to those without dead patches. However, plants were significantly smaller and stem growth rates lower in open areas with a lower cover of Baumea teretifolia and Gleichenia dicarpa and a greater diversity of small herbs. On the inland terrace (Dublin Terrace) stands had a mean age of 15 years and the vegetation was rela...