The influence of landforms on sandalwood (Santalum spicatum (R.Br) A.Dc.) size structure and density in the north-eastern goldfields, Western Australia

Abstract

The density of Santalum spicatum was compared between 'land systems' and between 'land surface types' on four sheep stations in the north-eastern Goldfields: Yakabindie, Tarmoola, Glenorn and Minara. S.A spicatum density was recorded in 4–6A ha transect plots, with a total of 14,090 ha surveyed. Within each transect plot, the S. spicatum were divided into five groups based on stem diameter at 150A mm: < 25 mm, 25–74 mm, 75–124 mm, 125–174 mm and > 174 mm. The proportion of S. spicatum in each of the five size categories was similar between land surface types and between land systems, with the majority in two groups: 75–124 mm and 125–174 mm. S. spicatum recruitment was low, with less than 1.5 % seedlings (< 25 mm) and 7.9 % saplings (25–74 mm).

Total density of S. spicatum on hills and ridges (0.65 stems/ha) was significantly higher than any other land surface type. The sandplains (0.05 stems/ha) supported the least. Within land systems, Laverton and Bevon (both hills and ridges) had the highest S. spicatum density. Yakabindie supported higher densities of S. spicatum than the other stations.