Streamside bryophyte zonations

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Abstract
Quantitative data on the vertical zonation of bryophyte species on streamside rocks and a qualitative description of the horizontal zonation of bryophytes on rock surfaces around waterfalls at Colonial Knob, Wellington, New Zealand are presented. Species in these zonations occur in epiphytic, epilithic, and epixylic habitats away from the stream. Two groups of species are recognised in this range of habitats: a “hydric” group in aquatic habitats and on the lower parts of streamside rocks, and a “mesic” group on the upper parts of streamside rocks and in various habitats away from the stream. Percentage moisture content of bryophyte cover on two streamside rocks is shown to decrease with increasing distance from stream water level. Moisture gradients appear to be a major environmental factor governing the bryophyte zonations. Similar bryophyte zonations on rock surfaces beside streams in the Tararua Range and Central Otago are also described.