New Zealand Journal of Botany abstract

New Zealand Journal of Botany abstract

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Flowering, shoot extension, and reproductive performance of heather, Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

HAZEL M. CHAPMAN*
PETER BANNISTER

Department of Botany
University of Otago
P.O. Box 56
Dunedin, New Zealand
*Present address: AgResearch, P.O. Box 60, Lincoln, New Zealand

Abstract  The phenology of flowering and shoot extension of the introduced heather, Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, was measured over two seasons within Tongariro National Park. Shoots reached 50% of their final length between late November and early January. The first flowers opened between mid January and early February, peak flowering persisted until mid March, and mature fruit was found from March onwards. Shoot extension was less rapid, flowering was delayed, and flowers persisted over a longer period in the cooler 1982/83 season. Flower abundance, seed set and viability all decreased with altitude, and viable seed was rare at altitudes above 1200 m. The largest shoot increments were produced by plants growing on roadsides at low altitude (600 m) outside or on the fringes of the National Park. Within the National Park, however, shoot increments tended to increase with altitude, increased soil moisture, and pH. It appears that the upward spread of Calluna within the park is potentially limited by the effects of altitude on reproductive rather than vegetative performance.

Keywords heather; Calluna vulgaris; Tongariro National Park; New Zealand; growth; phenology; flowering; altitude

New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1995, Vol. 33: 111-119

0028-825X/95/3301-0111 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand 1995

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