Kwongan

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The Kwongan heathlands form an ecoregion confined to south-western Australia. Kwongan is found on coastal plains from Cape Naturaliste to Perth, though large areas have been cleared. The name is derived from the language of the Noongar people. It comprises floristically-rich heath with dense thickets of sclerophyllous shrubs and isolated small trees. It is characterised by nutrient-poor sandy soils, frequent wildfire, a very high level of endemism, spectacular displays of wildflowers in spring and a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall and hot, dry summers. It has similarities to the Mediterranean Maquis, the Californian Chaparral, the Chilean Matorral and the Fynbos of South Africa.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ National Geographic Ecoregion Profiles: Kwongan heathlands

[edit] Further reading

  • Pate, J.S.; & Beard, J.S. (eds). (1984). Kwongan: Plant Life of the Sandplain. Biology of a south-west Australian shrubland ecosystem. University of Western Australia Press: Perth. ISBN 0-85564-228-9


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