Plant communities of the Stirling Range, Western Australia

Abstract

Abstract The Stirling Range is a mountain system of Proterozoic origin in the southern part of Western Australia, reaching an altitude of 1000 m; it consists of acid rocks and has a mediterranean climate with a rainfall of 500 ‐ 550 mm/yr. It is the only extensive mountain system of this portion of the continent and presents a rich endemic flora. The vegetation of the area was investigated from 1984 to 1992; 68 phytosoci‐ological releves, ecological observations and extensive floris‐tic collections were made. On the basis of multivariate analysis eight communities have been distinguished: Eucalyptus woodland, mallee, evergreen shrubland (plain, mountain and slope), and herbaceous communities of wet sands, springs and rocks. The Stirling Range is the only area in the south of Western Australia where vegetation belts can be recognised.