Summary
Bryophyte flushes in the vicinity of Canada Glacier in S.S.S.I. No. 12, Taylor Valley, Southern Victoria Land, were investigated in order to describe the vegetation present and to investigate factors affecting vegetation distribution. Biomass values from 950 to 1,250 g m−2 (dry weight) and vegetated areas up to 14,450 m2 indicate this is a significant area of bryophyte growth in Southern Victoria Land. The pattern of plant species in relation to water flow was investigated through detailed mapping. This is the first confirmed identification of Bryum argenteum, and Pottia heimii, and the first report of Bryum pseudotriquetrum from this area. Tissue nitrogen values for plants at this site are lower than other reported data, but it seems unlikely this would be a limiting factor for growth. It is concluded that, in this area, summer water flow in conjunction with microtopography has the greatest influence in determining where mosses, cyanobacteria and algae grow.
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Schwarz, A.M.J., Green, T.G.A. & Seppelt, R.D. Terrestrial vegetation at Canada Glacier, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. Polar Biol 12, 397–404 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00243110
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00243110