Vegetation studies in the Simpson Desert, N.T.

Abstract

A transect of contiguous quadrats was used to study the sand dune vegetation of a small area of the Simpson Desert. The study was carried out shortly after a period of abundant precipitation which resulted in optimum winter growth conditions for both ephemeral and perennial species. The frequency data of 54 species were analysed by computer programmes that grouped the 729 quadrats according to similarity of species composition. Seven habitat types could be distinguished: swale hard clayey sand, lower slope clayey sand, mid-slope clayey sand, mid-slope Triodia mound, upper slope loose sand, steep slope loose sand, and crest mobile sand. Rather than sharply defined plant communities corresponding to these habitat types, the species groupings tended to form a continuum from swale to crest. Additional description of the vegetation is provided by studies of two permanent plots and of the size class distributions of eight shrub and tree species. An appendix listing all species collected during the study period is included.