Effects of Recent Tropical Cyclones on the Coastal Vegetation of Mauritius

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Abstract
Vegetational consequences of 2 severe 1960 cyclones are analyzed by means of repeated transects, microdistribution maps, and photographs made before and after the storms. Casuarina equisetifolia, the dominant tree of coastal forest plantations, suffered high or complete mortality even where not reached by storm waves. The spontaneous littoral vegetation, though commonly badly battered, generally survived, regardless of species or exposure, except on uncon solidated substrates that were excavated by storm waves and redeposited. Such areas, mostly coral sand lagoon beaches, were devastated and their spotty recolonization indicates a prolonged period of readjustment before vegetation patterns reach equilibrium with normal environmental controls.

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