Evidence against primary microclimatic control of the dune-swale floristic gradient on central Australian sandridges

There are distinct and consistent soil and vegetation gradients between the dune-crests and swales of the central Australian sandridges. If there is a corresponding dune-swale microclimatic gradient, it is assumed to be controlled by topography. In general, soil characteristics and topography are closely correlated, but where they diverge, vegetation follows soil rather than topography. Hence if any duneswale microclimatic gradient exists, it is not a significant factor in controlling the dune-swale floristic gradient.