Succession in the Kaimaumau gumland, Northland, New Zealand, following fire

The vegetation recovery at Kaimaumau gumland was monitored in seven permanent plots from 1988 to 1999 following a large fire in 1988 in order to determine rates and patterns of vegetation recovery. A succession profile for the key vegetation types that are currently developing is suggested. Schoenus brevifolius was the first species to colonise from rhizomes after the fire, and has remained the dominant species in the peat bog communities. By ten years, the vegetation of the peat bog has returned to its pre-fire composition. In scrubland communities, weeds such as Sydney golden wattle and gorse have become dominant. A likely trajectory of succession is projected, which shows that the peat bog community is likely to remain in a steady state, as it exists now, in the ab sense of disturbance. Future fires may increase weeds clue to their adapta tions to fire. In areas that are weedy, the weeds are likely to remain. These weeds are likely to impact on the vegetation composition of Kaimaumau in the future. Their nitrogen-fixing ability could lead to increased nutrients and altered soil properties of the sites. This could cause further invasion of ex otic plants.