Geographical Elements in the Flora of Victoria

Abstract

Distribution data for vascular plants in Victoria were recorded on grid squares of 1° latitude by 1.5° longitude. Data for six angiosperm families (Cyperaceae, Liliaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rutaceae and Myrtaceae) were analysed by the techniques of normal and inverse association analysis.

Analyses of the data produced a series of species groups with similar geographical ranges (elements). These elements may be broadly divided into eastern and western groups, with two exceptions-one extending over the southern half of the State and the other occupying the coastal fringe.

Geographical elements are helpful in defining the range of plant communities, as well as suggesting hypotheses as to the origins of floras. South central Victoria is seen to be a junction for species of both the eastern and western groups of elements, which may explain the very high number of species recorded from the Melbourne region.