Abstract
A total of 104 taxa, belonging to 27 genera, were recorded from 36 moss samples collected in the Strømness Bay area. Cluster analysis revealed two groups of samples. Group 1 consisted of the Achnanthes incognita–Fragilaria germainii assemblage and the Eunotia paludosa var. paludosa assemblage. Group 2 included the Pinnularia borealis assemblage. The major ecological factor dividing the two groups appears to be the moisture content of the samples. Group 1 represents wetter conditions, and the second group is found on very dry mosses. The assemblages of group 1 were separated from each other by pH. The Achnanthes incognita–Fragilaria germainii assemblage occurs in wet mosses with a circumneutral pH. The Eunotia paludosa var. paludosa assemblage prefers bryophyte habitats with low pH values. The size of Pinnularia borealis drops significantly according to the dryness of the moss habitat.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 9 July 1996 / Accepted: 1 October 1996
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
de Vijver, B., Beyens, L. The epiphytic diatom flora of mosses from Strømness Bay area, South Georgia. Polar Biol 17, 492–501 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050148
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050148