The Ecology of Shingle Beach Plants

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Abstract
The principal factors controlling the development of vegetation on British shingle beaches are considered to be beach composition and shingle mobility. The theory is put forward that plants cannot usually grow in pure shingle but require interstitial fine particles (< 2 mm) whose presence or absence controls plant distribution on many beaches; this theory is supported by statistical evidence. Plant communities are described from beaches having different composition (different fine fraction) and different degrees of shingle stability. The water supply, a third major factor, is held to be normally derived almost entirely from rain. Evidence is produced to show that internal condensation is not a main source of water for shingle plants.

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