Some Aspects of the Autecology of Olearia Colensoi Hook. f

Abstract

The progress of the study of vegetation is greatly hampered by the limited information about the life histories and biotic relations of the constituent species (Salisbury, 1928). Olearia colensoi is probably the most important species in the subalpine scrub vegetation of New Zealand. It is a species physiognomically characteristic of the primary scrub belts above the timberline on the wetter mountains. The maintenance of vegetation cover on these erosion susceptible areas is essential, especially as in the Tararua mountains the subsequent river and water supply control is economically significant. (Holloway et al, 1963).