Peripheral vegetation of Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary, Western Australia

Fifteen vegetation units, distinguished by differences in the floristic composition of vascular plant species, have been recognised from the Peel Inlet-Harvey Estuary system, Western Australia. Analysis of the epontic diatom flora within units confirms their integrity. The spatial distribution of these vascular-plant communities around the estuarine system appears to be controlled by the substrate summer salinity values, together with the vertical distance from the high water mark. Evidence from aerial photographs extending back 23 years suggests that dynamic processes are less important than these spatial controls in determining community distribution. Exceptions to this occur only when sudden major geomorphic changes force concomitant vegetation changes