Studies on the Vegetation of Mauritius: I. A Preliminary Survey of the Plant Communities

• Published in: The Journal of ecology 1937-08, Vol.25 (2), p.289-343
• Main Authors: Vaughan, R. E., Wiehe, P. O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climax forests; Forest ecology; Forest soils; Highlands; Lowlands; Plants; Rain; Savanna soils; Thickets; Vegetation
• ISSN: 0022-0477; 1365-2745
• DOI: 10.2307/2256197

Since the occupation of Mauritius in 1598 the native vegetation has been largely destroyed and a number of economic and other exotic plants introduced. A brief account of the changes which have taken place in the plant life of the island is given. The island is essentially volcanic and its probable origin is discussed. The lavas are normal olivine basalts and the soils derived therefrom fall into four main groups: mature and immature soils according to age and parent rock, highly laterized and slightly laterized according to rainfall. The climate is divided into three zones based on altitude and rainfall. A large number of quadrats and transects have been laid down from which a classification of the plant communities and their ecological relationships has been attempted. The survey indicates that there were three original communities corresponding to the three climatic zones: (1) Upland rain forest. Rainfall exceeding 120 in. (3048 mm.). Sapotaceae dominant in α-mesophanerophyte stratum. (2) Elaeodendron--Diospyros forest. Rainfall 40--120 in. (1016-3048 mm.). (3) Palm savannah. Rainfall less than 40 in. (1016 mm.). The primary series of these communities are described and their relation to the secondary seres and exotic species discussed. An account is given of the secondary associes and the factors which have determined their development. The seral relationships of the various associes are summarized in Figs. 9 and 10. A vegetation map has been prepared and a statistical table compiled of the area covered by the principal associes.