Size-class analysis of coastal scrub and woodland,Western Port,southem Australia

Coastal scrub and woodland of varying fire history and variously dominated by Banksia integrifolia, Leptospermum laevigatum and Leucopogon parviflorus were studied using size-class analysis of the dominant species. Transects from L. laevigatum scrub to B. integrifolia woodland were recorded in areas burnt (a) 32 years ago and (b) more than about 80–100 years ago. Post-fire invasion of B. integrifolia by L. laevigatum is described in the younger stands. Only Leucopogon parviflorus shows widespread seedling establishment in the absence of fire. In the old L. laevigatum stands, there is good evidence that this species is dying out and being replaced by L. parviflorus which appears to be the climax dominant in non-Banksia areas in the absence of fire. Although B. integrifolia seedling establishment is very rare in mature stands, no degenerate Banksia stands were found, so it is not yet clear whether this species is self-maintained in the absence of fire.