The vegetation of The Snares, islands south of New Zealand, mapped and discussed

Abstract

A map of the main vegetation communities on The Snares, southern New Zealand, is presented based on stereo‐aerial photographs taken by the RNZAF followed by ground checks during the University of Canterbury's summer expedition, 1969/70. The physiognomic dominant species are the daisy trees Olearia lyallii and Brachyglottis stewartiae, the coastal shrub Hebe elliptica, the maritime grasses Poa astonii and P. tennantiana, and the megaherb Stilbocarpa robusta. Other indigenous vascular plants present include: four ferns, six dicotyledons, and five monocotyledons. Poa annua and Stellaria media are the only adventives which are local. Olearia forest is the principal community, covering some 52% of Main Island and about 18% of Broughton Island. Maritime tussock grassland covers 27% of Main Island and 41% of Broughton. Locations of the uncommon large aniseed Anisotome acutifolia are highlighted. Data on climate, some vegetation changes, and the effects of seabirds on the plant communities are given.