The composition,structure and distribution of heathland and grassland communities in the subalpine tract of the Bogong High Plains,Victoria

In the subalpine tract of the Bogong High Plains (37°S, 147°E; altitude 1600–1800 m a.s.l.) the vegetation consists of a mosaic of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) woodland, heathland, grassland and wetland communities. Classification (polythetic-agglomerative) and ordination (principal co-ordinates analysis) of quadrat data from heathlands and grasslands on relatively well drained sites allowed the identification of four main heathland and grassland vegetation units. These units may be ranked in a structural and floristic continuum, from closed heath variously dominated by Prostanthera cuneata, Orites lancifolia and Phebalium squamulosum to closed heath dominated by P. squamulosum and Grevillea australis, open grassy heath of G. australis and Poa hiemata. and grassland of P. hiemata. The transition from Prostanthera closed heath to Poa grassland is correlated with gradients of decreasing steepness and rockiness of terrain, and increasing exposure and frost.