A Field Guide to

the Flora of
South Georgia
1
I

Deirdre Galbraith
Ron Lewis-Smith
BOTAN ICAL ADVISOR

Robert Burton
EDITORIAL ADVISOR
First published in Greal Brit.li_n in 2011 by South GeorgiJ Heritage Trust. CONTENTS
Introducllon ..... •• • .................. _. 5
Cop)'righ l e 201 1 SouLh Georgia I JcriLage Trml and Deirdre Galbra ith.
Botanical Advisor: Ron Lewis-Smith Map 01 Soulh Georgia .. . ....... 6
Edilorial Advisor: Rober! Burlon Descripliufl of South Gemgiil . . ................................ 8
Copyrighl in th e photographs remains wil h Ihe individual pholOgraphers. HislO!) of Botanical hploralion ..... . ........... .... .............. ....... 15
ISBN: 978-0-9564546-0-7 afure 01 Sub-AnklrC!IC Vegetation ......... _ . _. . .. .. ... ... ... . .... .. .. 22
Major HabnalS and Veg"ldlion Tvpes of Soulh Georgia .. . ..... _ ................ 14
The Nalive Flora of South Georgi ...... .......... ........................... 31
A caLalogue record for Lhis book is available from Ihe Brilish Library.
Greater Bumet Acaella magellallica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ......... ...... . 32
All righls reserved. No parL of Lhis publiu1Lioil may be reproduced.
Lesser Burnet Acaena tenera .. .. .. ......•.. . . ..• . ... 33
stored in a retrieval system, or lransmi tted in any form or by
Hybrid Burnet Acaena magel/anica)( \. Ie-nero . . •. .. •.• ..... .. . • . .. 3...
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
Antarcllc Starworl Gllhtriche antarctica. . .. ......... .. ... . .. 35
olherwise, witho ut the prior written permission of the copyrighL Antarctic Pearlwort Co/obantfwj qUllensis ..... _. . _. _. .. . . . .. )6
owners. lesser Pear/wort Cofo/)anthus subulaws ...... __ . _.. .. .. .... .. ... . ..... 37
Antarctic Bedstraw Galium anlarcricum ...... _. . . .. " .......... _.•....... 38
Water Blinks Mantia lantana. . .. .. _. _.. _. . .. .. .. _ ..... . ..... 39
AntarctIc Buttercup Ranunculus bilernatu~ . _... _. _ .. .• .. __ . __ ............ -10
Antardic Foxfail Alopecuru magellalllcus .. . ........... _.. _. . . . . . .. _. .... 1
Antarctic Hair-grass Deschampsla an(arctlCd . . . .. . ....... _.... _........ _.. _. 42
Tufted Fescue Feswca contrdcta _. . . ............................. 43
TuSSOCkfT"USS<1C Grass Parodiochloa flabellata .. _. . .. .. ..................... 44
Alpine Cars-tail Phleum .Iplnum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . ... . ..
45
Smith's Sedge Uncinta macrolepis . ........ __ .. . ... _. _........... 46
Greater Native Rush IUllcus scheuchzerOlde, . . . . •. • •. • . . • •. . . . • . .. .• .•. .. 47
lesser Rush /un cus inconspicuus. . . . . .. . ....... _..... _.. _. _.............. 48
Brown (or Short) Rush Rostkovia magel/anica ........ ........ ...... . ....... 48
Shield·fern Polystichum mohrioides ..... _. _.. _.• • .•• •. •.•.•. • .......... 49
Filmy·iern lIymenophyflum falklandicum .. .........•......... .. ... .. . 50
Small-iern Blechnum penna-marina . ........ _... _•. _. . . . . . . . . _........ 51
BriUle Bladder-fern Cysropleris (ragilis . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • • .. .. •.• . .. 52
51 rap Fern Grammiris poepplgeana .. . .. . . .. . ... .. .. ..... .. . . . . ..... 52
Adders·longue Ophiog/ossum crolillophoroides. . . . .. ..•..•......•...... . .. 53
M.gellanic Clubmoss Lycopodium mageflanicum.. . . .• •• •• .. • ............ 54
Introduced Flor.J .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. . ... .. ............... . .. ................ 55
Biosecurity ....... _. . • . . • . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ..................... b 1
Reierences ..................................... , .. . .. . . ..... ~ • .• ..... 63
AcknowledgemenlS. .. .• . ... _••. _• . . ... ..... .. ..... ......... _.... 65
Phologr.Jphic CredilS ............ _... . •.•... ...•........ _. • .. .... ........ 66
Index . ................. ................. _................. . ...... .... 69
Produclion and Design by WILDGllidcs LId., Old Basing. Hampshire. Check Lisl of Nallve PlanlS ..... . .. .. ......... .. ................ .. ......... 72
Printed by ABC Prinl. Hampshire
Introduction

South Georgia. exis(s .IS .In isolated sub-Antarclil: spine of rock and ice, piercing the
monstrous churn of lh~ South Atlantic Ocean whilst being lashed by extreme weather.
It is therefore remarkable thal the island offers any bOlJnicai illleresL whatsoever: but
it does. Pull your C)'CS away frol11 the backdrop of fantastical glacial peaks and, for a
moment, resist fa sci nation wilh the prolific and celebnucd 31limdi kingdom. II1~ tead ,
lower your gaze to ground. You now have good chance indeed offinding alleast some of
these extraordinary plants growing right in front of YOUT eyes.
As noted by Captain Cook, on first glance the dominant greenery oflhe island is formed
by extensive fore.m of Tussac grass, clinging perilously to coastal slope and luxuriantly
fringing sbeltcred bays. There is bowever just slightly more to the plant life of South
Georgia than Tussock. This book is intended as a quick reference guide to aid you in
iden tifying all twenty-five of the island's naLive species. In addition to these plants,
which colonised the island prior to man's first fOOL prlnls, a lisl of the Ihirty-seven species
introduced since then is also given. As would be expected, these are commonl)f found in
the area around whaling station s where human activity was most intense.
De(jpite their astonishing ability LO endure su h a hostile environment. the island's naLive
planL<:; are surprisingly vulnerable. With the recent trend in climate w'.lfming and the
significant increase in the number of visilOrs 10 the island, the native plant community
has come under threat. There is an alarming risk of new species being introduced to
lho island and of existing alien plants both being spread fllrther and becoming mo re
Invasive. To ensure that th e biodiversit), of South Georgia ca n be conserved please
rospoCltile fragility of the ecosystem you arc entering.
I hope this book will act tostimulate interest in South Georgia's native plan~and enhance
3n appreciation for the island 's habitat.

r!\lJ~(. Po\GE: A ciliJImg V;f1l' of 11ft uland's itlstem extremity MIll the Barff pe"i1lSlIltl ill tift
foreground, rakt.·" from (jodJlwl allol'!' sll;"li"g 'mnks ofsea-fog.
5
 SOUTH GEORGIA
Welcome
Co~NorrJl Islets .. showing the location of the sites
Willi s Islan ds lav Harb our included in this book
L""""....
54" OO'S

Barlf Pe ninsula
d.._ - Ocean Harbour

Sacram e nto Bight

• I Moltke Harbour
An d

...,..," ,,"

... -
Pickersgill Islands
52"S
"'on'" SOUTH
GEORGIA
...S

SOUTH
.. "S AMEPJCA
Scotia ..... Coope r
... S VO¢oI! Sea
""""""
.... OIO~
"'......
"'"
"""'" N
_ Bay
Cooper
"""'"
54"50'S
srs
56'S
"',......
"'"
""""'"
"""'"
",",",'"
weM!!II
Sea 0
i
20 40
Island

OO"W 5Q"W 'OW JO"W km

6 7

- - --- - ~ ---
 \ 'iew east from tlu.' lhJent Gap towards tllf View '!,rollgh moraine of th~ Lyell Glaltc:r to
CrCafl Glacier alb i1Jg jmo AmtlfctlC BaJ'. PtWIsCII Pedk ariel tile blnnd's ccmml Jpinl!.

Aertal "iew to I/Je soutJllvest across Cumberlaud 8n\' towards the island's (cUlml spmf of The radII Pelagic Australis lrlkmg slu:iler m
ulOlmWj"s. l-lu51'jk Da)~

Description Of South Georgia

The isola.ed sub-Anlarctic island of South Georgia is one of lhe Uniled Kingdom's most
remOle Overseas Terri.ories. II is approximalely 1,390 kill (864 miles ) east-soulh·easl of
lhe Falkland Islands and 2, 150 km ( 1,336 miles) from sou thern Soulh America. Situaled
in lhe South Allanlic Ocean, il forms lhe largest island on .he co.ia Ridge, a ubm arine
arc that connects the Andes of South America and Tierra del Fuego to the mountainous
spine of the An tarctic Peninsula. The island lies between 53·58°5 and 54.53115, placing it to
lhe sou.h of the Polar Fron.al Zone (fo rmerly referred to as the Anta rctic Convergence).

Topography
The island is a lillie over 160km (JOO miles) long, 40km (25 nilles) at its widest part, and
abou t 60% of lhe land is covered by icefields and glaciers, many of which en ter lhe sea a.
lhe head of fjords. A spi ne of high peaks runs along much of lhe illlerior, culminating in
Mount Paget al 2,934 m (9,626 ft ). The north-eastern side of the island contains most of
the low altitude ice-frce coastline, valleys and sheltered fjords. in comparison. the exposed
south-west coast is much less accessible with high cliffs and extensive glaciers. Offshore A l'jew from tilt' Macarnni rolo,,), at Co.'per Btl}' rou't1rds tlt~ crags and TrtSj()cl 4
there are many rocky islets and several larger islands, .he largest being Annenkov Island off Cooper Island.
the mid-south-west coast

8
 The umrn cr snow line in th e n o rlh-ea~ t
of the island) where most or the extensive
vege tation occurs. is b c t\\'~c n 350 dnd 600 In
( 1 .1 4 8- 1 .96~ft J but elsewhere on th e
isl.md it is mu ch lowe r. However, with the
current trend in climate ch;lI1ge there ha. .
been J significant retreat of the glnciers and
snowline. Ice-fret' glacier fo relands and
moralncs are rapidl y becomin g colonized
b)' plants. DC5pite th is. th e actu. 1 area nf
land Ihal ca n ~uppo rt plant communities
is relatively small and rcslriclc:d mainl ). to
the coasta l ma rgin.
A~nal view of"cgclalion colo"ising lhe jcc-
free foregroutJd willi tl,e r«cdJ1JS S"olll of
t". Lydl GIIICler l><yv/ld.
Vi4!h' from Forluna Ba)' art.'" the morame to tht! rctr~ati"g Konig Glacier..
10
ChJracteristic folding of the scdimf!lI1ary I" PosseS.!;;O" 8ay plastered snou' highlighh
nick jr, Cumberland Bny abol'l~ Mai,,"u!tJ. tile stroW of 'he rocks bellmt".
View from M t Duse across Trapped ill tile peat bog behind HUSll,k
King Edward COI'C towards tJJ~ are tile ITrTtartiS of two rcurdecr lach!tt III
coastal belt of vrgclatlO". combar.
Geology and soils
Most of th e- island is composed of metamorph osed qu artzose and tu ifuceolls ~edimentary
rocks. The.'ie arc slates, sil ts and grits which erode to form mainly acidic soils. There are
also occasional bands of impure limestone, whilst south -east of Dryga lski Fjord there is an
igneous co mplex of both acid and basic rocks.
The high preci pitation, low lempera tures and the nature of u.le parent rock result ill
widespread lead li ng of th e soils. In areas of waterlogging, such .15 bogs and wet tussock
grassland. vegetation deco mposes 10 form aCCluDuJatio ns of peJ t which ca n be up to
almost Sm (16 ft ) thi ck.
Climate
Despite lying approximately 350km (1 18 milesl so uth of the Polar Front Zo ne, South
Georgia's coastlinr is usually free of sea ice in summer, particularly on the north -east
side. The climate is classed as cool oceanic. shows no marked seasonal extremes but ca n
experience rapid changes over relatively short periods. There is liLlie seasonal varia tion
in the range of mean monthl y temperature (about O°C (31°F) in August to 4° (39°F)
II
 in january) bu! with extremes rangll1g from aho lll - 19°C (-2·2°F) to :D-5°C (74-3°F) for
a few hours. at <;ea le\'cJ. An overall rise in me.w .lnnUJllempcrature of I O( (1·8 OF) has
occu rred between the peri od s I 905-19S2 (I 'SDC, 35·2 DF) a nd 200 1-1005 (2'S DC, 37·0 DF).
Precipitalion also shows onl y slight seasonal variatio n, wilh J t..;ndency fo r a wint er
maximum. However, [here io;; considerable regional vanil lio n, wilh J nnual values ranging
fro m about 1,000 to 2,000 mm (40 to 79i n ). The no rth -east of the island lies in the ra in-
shadow o f the mo untainous interio r alld ex periences less precipitatio n than the e~--posed
south-west. Rai n is most freq uent in summer and .snow in win ter; however, summer
snow fall can be cons iderable alth ough it ra rely lies for any length of time at ea level.
During \\inter the whole island is snow-covered and dri fting is t:.x tensive and deep_
"mlf"IT s"""'fi,U 011 lire King Penguin colotl}' '" SI Andrews Btl}'_

A group on tire Cremr Glacierseclion Oflht

A rYltIUtwr irebt.·rg blowtJ ;1110 Harpou Bay Tlte ce"tfld mOrmlf1lllS 5fltlg the prrmj/iuK
from lite m/"mg SIIOul of ,lte Neumnycr CI""b~rs rt!lwuiugfmm Paulsen POlk du~ Slwckletoll Crossillg cxptTitncinK sc"-crc
",catlt~r wl,,'d, lefll'Cs t"~ tlortlr-£llStcm Imys gusts of wi"d from III~ ce/aml fIIcJuntains.
,,, II rapul drrer;onJllotl III cotJdilioPls.
Glacier; with llnt"'- conllui(lns.
Although perm afrost probabl), existed in
the pastr there is none today.
fost depressions originate over the Drake
Passage and, as it result, the south-west
coast is exposed to the bruni of the weather.
The north-east coast is relatjvely sheltered,
in particular Cumberland and Stromness
Bay~ where the vegetatiun i.s particularly
abundant and well-developed. Barometric
pre",,,urc ra nges betwee n the extremes of Orogmpllic c/ou(llormmiolls m'rT tlu;
93 2 and I,035·5 millibars and is subject to Al1md)'ct~ Rflllg(' lrr.J-"IIId a group of clllnbt,rJ
ver)' frequent and r<lpid fluctuations_ As allOW' till- M'/mlll)," Glnc;tr.
the prevailing wi nds arc forced over the
high mountain ranges such pressure changes cause sudden and se\ere .g~15. The warm
fohn winds produce gusts of d ry air whid, can Sign ifi ca ntl y drop humldtt),. The), sweep
down the leewa rd slopes when air masses <irc lifted over m o untJIn S and In l~e process
lose their moisture. Gales occur frequently aU rea r ro und, and the monthl y. wlild speed
a, erages 7-10 kno ts o n the sheltered ' ide o f th e island. A cloud )' sk)' predominates wh.dS!
th e island's ~\tremc topography is responsible for In impressl\'e dlve rs~l-Y and ~lstT1bunon
'\~lIcmulrks orr tlrl! ",oraWl are evidence that Gulbmrulscn Lake was onct milch lurger. of cloud form ations, the most dramatic of whi h ", urel), th e celesual lenttcular cloud
Drlmmc(l by tht rerrctllt1lg cuma)'IT Glacier. lire fake now drams during summer ",ell. burn ished by illumination of a setting sun.
12
History of Botanical Exploration
The first l'U1ding on South Georgia \t{3S made in Possession
Bay by Captam ,amesCookon 17 January 1775. Heclaimed
.he island for King George [II of Greal Britain, and was the
first to make reference to the island's veget.tlion:
.. 01 (.tree IIor slrntb 11'115 t.J be see", no "of el'en big
ellough to make" toothpIck. Our bot,,,,ists jlJl/1Ulllerc
Dilly ,lifer plams. tllf! OtiC is II conr'St' stT01lg-iJltUied grass
IV/ltd. grolVs i/J wfis, \ ViM Bllmett, ami (i Plant like MO$S
w/ucl. grows 011 tlte foeb ...The fatUI or rocks iJorder;"E 01/
the Sea Coast, WfJ.; 1101 coI'ered witll SIIOW lih' ,fle i"lmu/ Captam Cook.
PtlftS, but all tIle " egetmiofl we could see all tilE clear
places was che grass mentiolled ab01't:"':
The first documt:nted botanical observatiol1S;1nd collections
were made by Cook's naturalists, John Reinhold Forster,
his son George, and Anders Sparrman, the laller a pupil of
unnaeus and the onJy trained botanist. I!ither G. Forster,
nor Sparrman mention Cook's "Plant like Moss': Sparrm~lfl
only noted that "A few tussocks which had been manured
by se'Jbirds were green with Dactylis g/omcrlIta and a uew
SlJ1rglJisorl}a~ while according to G. Forster they ..... c1imbed
upon a lillie hummock. about eight yards high, where we
found 2 species of plants; one was lhl! grass which grow': "\Vild Burnett"
(Sa ngUl!lorba ) now
plentifully on the New Year'; Isle (Dactylis glomerata) and
known tIS Gremer burnet
the other a kind of burnet (SlIlIgllisorbn),:
(Acnena magelillnical.

\\'nntlcrHlg Albmross illl/,e "Co/lrse slrong-MadfiJ gr(llj" (Dacl) lis g1omerata) nnw brow" as
Tussnc gnus (ParodiochJo3 nnbellata J.

--
 The ~a rli esl collection of plant!. from IWlher than being motivnted by a sci~nlific quest for knowledge, these instructions reflecl
outh Georgia wa... maJe by I.R. an d the ImperiaJ Admir.,Hty Department's inlerest in Limber during that period and its use
G. ForSler in 1775 during Cook'. first in naval const"rudion. In an)' case. Ibe enlisted naturalists withdrew from the expedilion
landing in P05scs::.ion B<lY. rhc~e an: now prior to embarkation and no willing British botanist ouJd be found when the ship
held in th e N.llural 11i.lOry Mu>eum, CJlled ,It Portsmouth despite aD appeal to the president of The Iloyal Society, Sir Joseph
London. The only pl.nt which has Banks. Ilellingshausen recorded:
survi\'ed is the Sn"gl/;sorbtl now refarl!d to "1" ,Iris way Ollr IlOpes of makillg dISCOI'er;l!s ", lite field of IUltflrnl histor), were
as th e Greater hurn et (Amcna ",lIgellmJlca) dLlSI,e,1 10 Ill e ground ami wt' had 10 CDIISO/1! ourseh'e5 willi tile mleruioll ofdomg
SO th e identity of the olher phlJ]l~ muM
our best to collect all we couln fiud {wd, Ofl O/lr rem"" 10 submit it to spccin/islS10
be speculati\'e. However, exa mination of distinguish betlVc:etl the krwwlIlHul,he lIukuoll'''.''
so me oflhe material of Dllcl),lis(oLieCled by
"Plan( tiki' Mo.ss" was possibl), Amarc1lc By December 1819 Bellingshausen had arrived inouth Georgia's waters and had begun 10
Forster on "The ew Yea r's Isles" leaves little Pcmfwort (ColobaDlhu~ quilcn.sis ).
doubt L1lllt his South Georgi;.lIl grJ 5 was survey the south-west coast. He did not land but noted
the Tu!.Sac grass (Parodiodlloa flabellata). "0" snilmg along more tl"m halfuf IIII! sout"em fOast of the islaml, we sow tlOI a
As to tbe identity of Cook's "Plant like single slrrub nor all}' l'egf'tatlOfI: el'c!r),llliug was cOI'eren witll 51101\1 nnd ice."
Moss", it has been suggested most likely
to have been a species of Pearlwort Earlier, however, when referring to Anncnkov Island he record ed that
(Colobill/tlllls) or even a moss of the genus "'n,c s/rore of th,. isfmu/l',slblc from our pOS;II01I l"C1l1siSb of rock)' ";Us. tile tops
Polytriclmm. cOI'errn wit" snow, nfld 1111 tile I'alleys filled wi", iLl!. Aft/WI/STIll'/' kept dose 11lotlg the
Throughout his voyages. Cook often made s1lOrc, we looked i" I'a;". el'et/ witll telescopes, fo r (111)' l"fgetatiOtJ. £"(cc!pti1lK herr: mId
reference to the supposed anti-scorbutic II,err d yellowlsll-green moss, we SllW 'lOt/e."
properties of the plants collected. Despite It is likel y that this veget.alion was acruall )1 the tops of Tussac grass emerging from the
the publication in 1753 by James Lind \\ inter snO\\I5. There is aJso another mention of mosses in one of the bays at th e western
recommending the juice of lemons to end of the island, thougb which plant he was specifically referring to is undea r.
treat scurvy, Cook preferred 10 use fresh
vege tables when pos ible. For a long In .,;senee, from January 1775 until tJ,e Inlernational I'ol.r-Year of 1882-83, the island's
time it was well understood that Ihe cure huml1J1 Ilistory has b~en dominated by co mmerciaJ exploitation of its abundant and
for scurvy was fresh food but it was not \·<tluable marine mammal.::., Transient scaling expeditions began visiting the islnnd in
unLiI 1932 that Vitamin C W"JS eventually 1778 dnd continued unLilthe early 1800s, by which time the fur and elephant scal tocks
isolated and implicated. or
had been dcvastated. During that era .: . malJ numbers s~nl ers remained lbhore for short
periods, living in sea caves and mak(>- hift encampm~nt:" These working visit:, added little
In I 46/47 theeminent British botani ' t ir though to the meagre botanical information prmrided by Cook.
nu~ 1'I'gt!lat;o" of till.' "Sea Coast" referred
Joseph Dalton Hooker incorporated the
10 by Cook was probdbl,v suell Tussock-ddt!
Forstecs' published data in the second part One act"tion lVas the sealer James Weddell
coastal cllffi. vIewed IIerr 0" ,'U! Barff
of his Flora Ant arctica. This publication pemrrsllfa.
commanding his second VO)..g< to the
represented a synthesis of all the botanical Southern Oceans in 1823. Weddell was
knowledge of the far SOUUl from the time of Dnlk~, allowing the botan ical Ch.lT'dcterlli tics de'drly an ~"plorer;:lt heart and asan excellent
of the region to be seen 3S a whole for the first time. Ie.lder and accurate recorder of observations
he make;!, comment on thc vegetaLion. His
In July 1819, the Russian explorer, Thaddeus Bellingshausen set5ail from RU>sia seeking to account describes how in Undine Harbour
extend the discoveries of Cook in th e P:lcific and Antarctic oceans. The inte ntio n had been at the north-westem end of South Georgia
to pick up IWo foreign scientists in Copenhagen (osked (called "Adventure Bay" by him )
"to gather fI ((Jllectioll ofplmlts together wilh ,hei, descnptions. ami tI coltcctimr of "Iris crew fed plclIlt-'UJI.SI), Oil greelJ5
siIIllples ofel'ery specres of trl!i!. It WOIIIII bi' I/sef"l to k,row sametl,IIIS of lite slrellgth which. aftflOugh bitter, tire llery SlI1uwr},.
fIIul {l"aliry ofsuch SpCCIf!S as are su {clf little. ":"oum': Afltarctic bllttemlp (Ran1.ln cu lu~ bi t ern at ll~'.
beiflg nn cxallctll tlntiscorbutic..::

16

--- ----
----------------
 The plants he refers to arc 1110St Iikcl) to Skou>berg published the first ecological account of Lhe island's vegetation. He also
have been the IC3vesofBurnet (A((1{'ml) and discovered the Lesser rush (jtUlCUS inconspicuous ) bringing the total number of known
pos!)ibly Butlcrclip (Rm uwcu!us). Whilst vascular plants to twenty, OIneteen of whidl were nalive. On venturing further norul to
there \,'015 plenty of rum on board fur the Bar of Isles he noles lhat despite the snow cover the vegetation seemed
the sailors. the expcditjon ran short uf
"(Illite it!et/t;mlw;tlltlllH jowul ill O""bcrlmuj or Royal 811y..::
edible ratioll~ ami scurvy \Va~ a scrioU!>
cuncern. lie later goes ull to say When H~IS SappllO, under the command ofC.'ptain M. Hodges, visited in 1906, a collection
of eight ~13nl5 was sent to Kew G~r~ens .. Although small, this cullection is important for
"The tops of tile IIWflfl/aI1lS fire t()}i),.
interpretmg later repor:t; .a~d thcJf Idenufi~lion of certain species. During the 1912-13
filld perpe/uaJly mwretl with SIIOW; ill
"wnmer season, when VIsIting South Georg!.' On the whaling brig Dmsy, Robert Cushman
1/1{' v{llll.,),s elurillg 'he Sillmller seaS(JII, Murphy of the American Museum of Nat ural History made a ,mall plallt collecllol1 ill Lhe
l'cgelal101I is mtller "bumlfllll.AI",ost
north-west of the island; this was publi hcd in a report by N. Taylor. He dlso obtained
,he Dill}' IWlIIml prorillctioll of the soil
specimens. at Cumberland Jnd Possession Blty which prmrided new distribution data for
is {l slrollg bladcd grass. tile ICllgth of
somt' speaes.
IVh;ch is ill gellenli (,bow IWO [L'CI; il
grows III wfrs 01' mounds Ihrer or four The Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey lVas established in 1945 (fornlerly known as
feet fro", ,"e grail lid': Lh~ war-time Naval expedition "Operation Tabarin" and in 1962 re-named the British
Antarctic Survey (BAS)). It was then possible for visiting personnel Lo make botanical
Scientific focus on outh Georgia began in collections 011 outh Georgia. In the 1950s Nigel Bonner, William Sladen and Jeremy
1882 when the German International Polar- mith made collection.s of both the native and alien nora. D. Philcox reported on these
Vear Expedition established a rescarch findings which recorded pecies not previollsly known and bringing the total number of
station at Mollke Harbour, Royal Bay. species to thirry-four. twenty -two being accepted as native. Almost all the aliens at that
Based here for J )'Car. scientists made time were confined to the vicinities of the whaling stations.
important astronomical, geological and
biological observations and collections. It
appears that the field work was restricted
to the southern shores of Royal Bay, the
uHoch-Plateau" Mound Sacramento Bight
and parts of St. Audrew's Bay. The
expedition's botanist. Hermann Will.
made the first survey here of tbe island's
vegetation. Asa result of this work. sixteen
species of vascular plants were identified
induding three ferns.
In 1902, C.,rl kotlSbcrg, the botanist on the
Swedish South Polar Expedition, carried
out a detailed survey of Cumberland
Bay where some of the best developed
and most extensive plant communi Lies
exist. He also visited Grytviken and
explored the ,treil of RorJI Bay where the
Germalt base had been. He added three
new species of vascular nora one of which
was interestingly the alien weed Annual " law" of AlJtardic llair-grass
meadow-grass (Pon nmIlUl). During roeschampsin antarcticaJ flourishing at
Dartmowh Poml 011 tht Gree,., Ptll;nsu/a. TlJt'l'egetarion o[CulIIberlfllld B"y Ulr/udes .somt' of lhe best developed plum comnllm;ties of
his second visit to the island in 1909, thi' uland.

18

-----------------
- ---
 lV '"<.- ....." .... , ..................... " ..... .... J . .... " .... ,
Greene in )960-61 and courdin:"IIed
by the Falkland Islands Dependenoe,
Surve y. Many part~ of the island were
visited, to collect plan Is and thedist ribution
pattern of all vascular plant species was
determined. This resulled in i1 definitive
account of tht" va!'ocular plant flora of
South Georgia which created a ba~eline
(rom which all later botanical ..-Iudit.!."
could evolve. Planb, seed and "pores Tlte BAS base ,UI Bird Isla"d.
were returned to the UK for culti\'iltion
and e.~eriment3.1 sl-udies at Birmingham University. ince that time comprehensive and
n"tenslve colJectlons of the island's vascular plants, bryophytcs and lichens hU\-e bCl'n
made and these are housed and managed in the BA herbarium, C.,mbridge.
Following.the ~niti~d 1960--61 botanical survey, a field research programme was developed.
c_ommenclI~g [J1 19~3. In 1969. the Falkland Islands Government settlement at King
Edward POlJ1t (KEI ) was handed o\'er to the BAS. Under the leadership of Ron,lld
LeWIS- . mJt~ the botanical survey of the island continued for a few yean., and" long-
term biological programme W3S initiated involving experimental and analytical studies
of all aspecLS of the terrestrial ecosystem. Concurren~y, laboratory-based studi es were
conducted al th~ BAS' headquarters in Cambridge. Field investigations continued unLiI
lhe BAS opera lions al KEP ceased as a resull of the Falklands war in 1982 (research
conllJ1ued as normal at the BAS base on Bird Island during the period). This resuiled in
the BAS research station at KEJ) being utilised subsequently b)1 British l1liJi t.lry personnel.
IIltl'rmith:nuy Qun llg UIt: I :t~u;:,. '-''';)'''-1
,It the (ormer manager's villa <It Husvik
wbilling station. Ilowcvcr. when Ute BA
returned 10 KEP in 2000. resources wen:
l.1Tgeted orn)" Jt fisheries' science.
As I'.rt of a British chools Exploration
Society (8 ES) Expedition in December
1003, the current author made a collectioo
or It\'e naLh-c vascul.1f plants in the I-Iusvi.k
CollCCliflg 1U1Iil'l." plallts III tllt slope above
area. li.\·enty one o( the 25 species were Husv.k in 2003.
fiUCCC full)1 identified and rrnnsported to
the UK for cultivation in Dundee University's Bolanical Gardens. These are on display to
the public as well as being a. source for physiological researdl. Ilerb'lrium vourners and
P. specimens were provided for lbe /odrelllaboratory data bank at Kew.
In 2008/09 a team from Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew undertook a survey for
b;c,eline information Oil introduced !lora as part of the Sou Lh Atlantic Invasive Species
Project (SAl Pl. ThiS was co-ordinated b)' th e Ro)'al Society for the Protection of Birds
and funded b)' the European Commission. Herharium specimens were made for Kewand
British Antarctic ~urvey herbaria. DNA sa lllple~ were taken for addition to the 'odIeU
Llboratory DNA bank and seed was coUected for storage in Kew's Millennium Seed
Bank. One new species. the Narrowoatgrass (TrisetJllIl spicatum) which had not previously
been recorded on outh Georgi;!. was found in Slromness. \'''ith funding from the South
Georgia Heritage Trust (SGI-JT) and the Overseas Territories Environmental Programme
(OTE!'), RBG Kew's UK Oversea, Territories (U KOTs) programme is developing a UKOTs
on-line herbarium to make specimen images and data easily accessible.

T"t former mmlllger's "illa Ul 1IIIsl';1 "as rtecml), b«IJ rClloratflJ by ,I.e Som" Georgia \ljeh' of HUSl'ik 8a)' from Husdal. The IIlIU"t I'l'grtatioll 111 'he area is &:t'lrtmdi' '"'"fled alld
Hcnragc TrIISI (SGHT). Ivril dn.eloptd.

20

-'-'-~c;;:::-;.::...-::;-:::-::...-- -- --_--_-=-_-_-_--_-_-
 of a more tropical nature, but olherwise
Nature of Sub-Antarctic fO!lsil plants Jre relatively sparse. Such
Vegetation exotic nora would have developed during a
\t{3rmer epoch as did intermittently occur
All islands located in the sub-Anuuctic during cyclical climate change over the
region (i.e. between about 45 ° and 55°S) r. lst t 0--50 million years. During the last
surrounding the continent of Antarctica ile age the island was covered by a vast icc
have similar harsh growing environments ,.1p !haL l'-nended f,r beyond Lhe preselll
and signific.ml diurnal fluctuations in ~oastline, It is lherefore very unlike!)Tthat
weather throughout the year. Consequently, an)' plant specie:, survived, although a fe\\
"TI,e Great Nunatak" ruing out of,l,t
all plants native 10 these islands are adapted mosses Jnd lichens may hm'e done so on
Crea" GI(lcir!r named b)' Worsle}' Oil ri,e
to the hostile conditions. ' n1C seeds and nunafuks projecting through lhe icesheet. Shacklcton Crosslllg,
spores of these floras were borne from the The lasl ice age ended around 12.000 10
nearest major land-masses to each island. 10,000 years ago. and the flora which colonized the islands in the sub-Antarctic bot3Llical
This explains why Lhe native vascular wne (i.e. Sou!h Georgia and the SOUlh Sandwich IsbnJs. Prince Edward and Marion
Dora of. for example. Macquarie Island. 1,lands.lies Crozet. lies Kerguelen. Heard and Macdonald [sbnds and Macquarie Island)
localed over 1.500 km (932 miles) south- are restricted in diversity also because of the relatively short lime for colonization aDd
easL of Tasmania. possesses a flora largely the harsh climate. Thus, the vegetation comprises only a small numbe.r of herbaceous
originating from that region. and that .ngio>perms (llowering pl.mts) and (ryplogafils (spore-bearing plants) such as ferns.
of Sou!h Georgia has a sou!hern SouLh clubmo,s!,e5, mosses, liverworts and lichens. There are no woody species (Le, shrubs or
American provenance. Lreol. Dwarf shrub-dominated oceanic heath anJ cushion bog. characleristic of !he
A fringe of coasral Tussock g;\'(!S ,,'ar f(I

The fossil record of SouLh Georgia tire gmssta"d a/low-Iritlg hillsides witll LuklanJ Islands and elsewhere in the southern cool temperate 7.one at similar Inlitudes,
contains evidence of cycads. plant species Mount Paget J'" rllt: background a.re J.b~enL

Plums from MacqlUirie J.s!a"d growIIIg in "It c/imatr-cuntrollai SUbll1ltllrctic Planl House
In Hobarr'$ Ro)'tJl Tr,smtllliilrl Botanical Gnrrleni. Afllcqlwric Islmlll L-dbb"ge (Stilbocarpa
Tilt sllehered 100vla1llis arollnd Cnrlrm Ba}' pIny /rast to II plam romnultJu)' in delicate
polari~), a" flu.-Ieft. grows 0'1 coasldl dopes 11IId WclS used b)' sealers tIS a source o[Vitamm C
balcwcL' with tht' llOstil" collditiofiS tllat rm'lIge most of Ille Islmul,

22
 Major Habitats and Vegetation Types of South Georgia
The va:.cular plant-dolnlll.IICd vegetation of South G~orgia comprise~ sb. principal
plant formations or communities that Com be defined by their distinct h.lbitats. These
communitic,) are rcp lic<llcd. with some v.triation in species composition, on :111 the sub-
Antarctic islands.

littoral zone
Thisis the-part Oflhl'coaSI between the high tidemarkand th e uppermost Illllrginofland th.lt
is affected direclJy by the sea, i.t:. spray. inundation, salt deposition, eiC. The communities
are seldom extensive and species usuallr o~cur a~cattered pl,m15 (e.g. Antarctic starwort
(Callilrjc1/(~ tllltarclim), Lesser pearlwort (Coiabal1 lJllIs subultltllS), Antarctic h.tir-grass
(Desc/wlllpsia mJlarclicn). Tussac grass (Parodioch/oa flabella/a)) growing amongst lichcn-
encrusLed rocks and on mised beaches. In more sheltered locations this zone merges with
the following habitat.

Coastal flats and slopes

Beyond the littoral 20ne. coaslal flats and slopes are domina led by Ule ~IJrilime Tussac
Grass Formation dominaled by lall Tuss<1C grass (Parodioc"'oa flabelltl/{l). In areas strongly
inJluenced by nutrienls from seal and penguin colonies. Ihis grass locally develops a dense
closed canopy (up 10 1·5 m (5 ft) high). wilh individual plant' forming lall peaty pedestals ulloml ::!onl" abtn'l! tl.e high tide mtlrk slJoWing Itdlen, n,ssock and Antarctfc Ird;r.grass
beneaUl the living grass. More commonly Ihough. beyond the commuoities influence of j)~.'l(.hampsiil anlarctlca).
the sea. Lhis grass forms an open formaLioo where Ihe density and heighl of plants are
lower. This habitat is favoured by many species of nesting petrels and albatrosses, as well
as by elephanl and fur seals. Damp. level. raj ed beaches and tream margins are often
domi.nall'd by Antarctic hair-grass (Descllflmpsin amnrctka).

Coastal flats and slopes prol.idc a comnrunrr,' of ,'egetatian tlUII creates an important habitat
Coastal/1ars domuUJleJ b •'hi Maritime Tussa( Gross Forwmum, Harpon BtW (01 wild/if..
-~-------'

24
 Inland Hillsides and Valley Slopes
Sheltered inland slopes are often extensive)' co\'~rctl by thl! species-rich Dry Gra~'!'land
Formation dominated by th e short. Tufted fc~cuc grass (Festum cotllmclil). II de\elops
op"im.llyon rel.lively <lr)' slable v.lley slopes wilh good drainage. The IighL brown colnur
of the grass gives the vegelation a dea I appearance, but this is becallse each plant rel.lins
a large proportion of its dead foliage for several years. 'A'here th e moisture content of
the ground changes. lhi.!! formation grades into several other com munities or formtllions
depending on habitat wetness. notably th ose dominated hy Greater burnet (Amelia
magellr",im) and TUSs..1C grass (ParodioclJloa j1a/Jellriln) and, locall y. thick compact moss
turf formed by PoJ)'tric/III'" strictum.
Seepage Slopes and Valley Floors
combination of Ih e high precipitallon, meltwater from th e wimer snow and impeded
drainage creates d significant amou nt of surface watcr in the c ilchment area5, especially on
Ihe valley floors. Such wei areas support variou5colllmunitiesof mire (on sloping ground)
and bog (on levd ground and valle), noors). Mires .lre dominaLed by mosses. especially
the reddish-brow" )'utricilia robusra, Greater native rush U'UlCUS scilclIchz.erioidcs). and
LJreater burnet (Acaerlll magellmucll). Bogs are usually welter and dominated by various
mos:')es and itvcnV'orls ami the Brown rush (I?oslkovia "lfIgetln"im), and overlie deep
dCcUIDulalion of saturated peal.

D..lr1 .;tmns "long tlte miley roh'arru Brow" nls/r (Rostkovia magellanical) bog
Greater burtJrt (Acaenn mage:lhmica) I' mnru sJrow calc/rllle", flrellS from grmlmg ''''0 Trlfted /escur grass
cnrpets II steep hillside emerald greeu, Jt D l~rr slopCj. n:C5tuca cOlltrncta).
rufted jesOle (Festuc. conlracta) gmsslalld.

GrcalfT burnet (Acacna magcUanica) amongst Tufted fescue grass (feslUca contracta). ,\ bog ro",,,,Utllly of nlsltes. mosses llIullm:rworls below fcllfit!1d grass/mrd.

26
 Glacial Deposits, Scree and Inland Rock
Windswept dr)' tony habitats with shJllow mineral soil USUJlly bave \ Cf) scattered \'~cular
plaIlts (mostly gra.'lses, burnets and the ~tagellani( dubmoss (LyCOpOtllllfll 11wgelllUl/wm))
frOI11 ncar sea IC\leI It. about 500 m ( J .640 fl ) altitude. Communi lies ill t.hese habitats are
often rcferrl'd to as Fcllfield . Rock outcrop'!' and facC's oflcn support moss and lichen
communities. Both upland dnd lowland rock-ledge communities Gill exhibit considerable
diversity of spccic!I depend ing on tht, ~hcltcr and water supply avaiJablc; 1110St of the:
island's ferns occup>, this habital.
GrenIer bumcl (Acacna mageUlinica) on the.' rocky fIaaro! a lugh l1IoWlwi" mIlt.·y ill early spring.
28
Sea Cliffs
Rock!. dnd cliffs d ose to !he shore are often subjected to eXlrClllc condiuons of wind, pray
JnJ Slll! deposition. These habitats ure often devoid of vascular plants althuugh. where
there is adequate soil in crevices and on ledges. species of the Littoral Zone mar tolerat(, the
inhospitable conditions. Coastal rocks are often densely covered with colourful encrusting
li(hens. no tably orange species of Caloplnca and Xaltthor;t1.
TllS.Sac grass (parodinchloa tlabelluta ) grows where adcqwllc :ioil aUOII's.
The Native Flora of South Georgia
The vasCtiL1T flora . or Soulh Georgi. rerers Iu Ihose ' "I,,·'"'.he r " pIan15 \\' h·Ie b h 3\ e a
!I~cialized cond.uelmg s:stem of cells fO.f lr':ln~p(l~tlng water, nutrients and the pmdtld~
01 pholOsynlheslS Ihrough Ihe plant, unilke lower plants which hdve no sUlh specialia"<i
ttssues (e.g. mosses, liverworts, lichens). There cue 25 native vOl'iCular plant species
,omprising 5 grasses, 3 rushes, I sedge, 9 dicotyledon herbs. 6 fc:rns ilnd I dubmoss. While
the first four plant Cillcgor!es prod.uce flowers or innorescences <lnd reproduce by seeds.
I~rns and c1ubmosses have IIlconsplCUOUS structures that produce microscopIc spo~.

The native flora or outh Georgia has been derived from thal or the Falkland Islands,
Tierra del Fuego and Palagonia, although some are also widespread on moS! or the 01 her
sub-Antarctic islands. A few have a bipolar distribution (e.g. Alpine C3,'s·tail (Phlfum
,Jipmllm ), Waler blinks (Molltia fOllllmn )), while Ihe Brittle bladder-rom (Cysroprens
j ragil;,) bas a worldwide distribulion.

The only plant endemic, and Ihu5 unique, to Soulh Georgia is the hybridised rorm or
the: burnet (Amelia), a cross betw'cen the Greater burnet (Acael1a magellatlica) and the
Lt..... "er burnet (Acaetla {e"era }. The only 11.\10 vascular plants that occur on the contint!f1l of
Antarctica are both native to Soutb Georgia - Anlardic pearlwort (Colobantlws qllitf!Usis)
and Antarctic hair-grass (Desc1zampsitl ntltarctica ).

escriplion of the Species

The following accounts provide a basic description for each pedes and where it may
lyrically be found and is intended as a guide for identific-.nion and familiarisation uf the
or
nati\'c vascular flora Soulh Georgia.

\\,intt.·,. 5110"' melts 10 rt'1'ral AmaraJc pt,,,lwort (Colobanthus qUitensi.sJ.

 Greater Burne t Acaena magellanica Common .lnd abundant lesser Burnet Acaena lenera Common, hut I7Ireiv clhundant

This prominent prostrate shrub-like herb
is very common and covers eXlensive
swathes of ground as a ,,"Suit of the Lr..iling
intertwining woody stems. The pinnalt~
Icaves comprise 7-9 leaOets or pinnae
which are pale bluish-green. edged with
short reddish teelh. The leaves of planls
growi.ng in moist sheltered habitats are
large and floppy. whereas Ihose of planls
in dry exposed siles lend to be smaller
aDd more compact. The globu lar fl ower
imUJT to Grea ter burnet (Amelll1 The nower head, are less compacl than
heads or burr are up 10 2·5c111 (1 in) in Lhose of Grea ler burnet (ACilel/a
magrllanica) in il s general structure but
diameter, and are borne on distinctive magel/aI/ira). They have similarly barbed
sm.t1Jt!r tn all its parts. Its lea\es are a
reddish slalks up 10 20cm (8in) lall. Each seeds attached '0.he globular nower
cLukrr ememJd green with distinct red
flore t within the flower head produces a heads. and which also readily attach 10
margms. and the leaOels have more deeply
seed wilh four barbed spines which readily clothing.
m(i,ed margins.
attach 10 clothing. Extricating these can
be very Lime-consuming! Greater burnet,
as mentioned earlier, was used b)' whalers
and sealers LO supplemen. the Vitamin C
in take of their rations which often wasn't
sufficient 10 combat scurvy.

WHERE TO FIND: II develops dense swards on mOist sheltered slopes. but Is
also frequenl on screes and moraines. In Festuca grassland. amongst Tussock
formations. in seepage areas. in bog and on wet rock ledges. as well as in
exposed areas of Fellfield.
AlTITUDE: 0-225m (750ft) with scaltered plants up to 400m (l .325ft).
,\ HERE TO FIND: A species Iyplcal of scree near junctions wilh rock faces.
<caUered amongst Festuca grassland. in exposed Fellfield communities and
.15 a pioneer planl in recently deglacialed areas. II occu" occasionallv on
lamp and peaty soi Is.
\lTITUDE: 0-{, I 0 111 (2.000 ft).

32
 Hybrid Burnet AcaE'na magE'lIallica x A. lE'IlfHa Re ahVl' y common Antarctic 5tarwort Callilriche anlarctica Common

This is lhe onl)' h)·brid in the large Soulh

American-New Zealand genus Acnena,
being the cross bern'cen the Iwo Dative
Soulh Georgia species.
It occurs particularly where the two native
A ~mal1 plant forming prostrate mats with
species grow in dose proximity. In general.
its appearance is similar to Greater burnet
leafy shoots. The muhi-branched creeping
,h<lots are 3--8 em long ( 1-3 in), bUI can be
(Arnello IIItlg,lInlllrn), bUI lhe leaves and
much longer when growing in water, and
globular flower heads are a Iiltle smaller.
have smnll. brighl green paired leaves wilh
The main dislinguishing characI.r of Ihe rounded lips. The solilary liny flowers
hybrid is a small Aower head bome in lhe are Inconspicuous as they have no petals,
:uil of a small leaf aboul half way up the but are nOliceable by their while or pale
stem, below the main terminal flower head~ ) <lIow anthers. The appearance of Ihe
The hybrid typically develops a distinctive plants varies considerably depending on
whe re they grow. Those growing in pools
zone at the margin orCreaterburnet
(Acae,w magellmJica) swards, especially ir
and streams hnve long straggling shools
WIth widely separaled leaves. whereas
it is in close proximity to denser patches
those found in terrestrial habitats are more
of Lesser burnet (AcnelUlle1lern). It also
compact and Aeshyand may be confused
occurs as scallered plants in Fell field
wllh Water blinks ( Morltin JOllralln ).
communities.
This plant has been grown in trials in
TIJt' photo upposire 51,01\'5 Cremer bUrIIl'I (top Australia for consideration as a saJad crop.
left), l.l'55cr bUrlier (bollom right ) atJd Hybrid
h,m/t" (circled ).
WHERE TO FIND: Growing mainly in coastal Tussock communities. especially
where disturbed by elephant seals; also in seepage areas and at stream and
WHERE TO FIND: It grows mainly on scree and grassy hillsides, bolh dry and damp. pool margins, extending into the water.
ALTITUDE: 0--215 m (750 ft). ALTITUDE: 0--75m (250fl).

34

- ~ ---
 Antarctic Pearlwort Coloban thus quilC'nsis Common lesser Pearlwort Colobanthus subulatus Common. hut !oeldom .lhund.lnt
Sess ile Pea rl wo rt, Emera ld Bog

A loosely compact plant rorming cushions TillS is a more compact planl Ulan
or mats (up 10 5cm (2 in) high by IS cm AntJrctic pearlwort (ColobaHlhus
(6 in) diameler), which orten coalesce fJllltfmis ), forming huger, lower and
to produce larger colonies. The planl d,nsa, cushions (up 10 3-8cm (1-3 in)
cornpri!\cs rosettes or small. narrow and high by 15--50cm (6-10 in) diameter).
tapered leaves. The small fl owers are h. . leaves are small (3-5 nun x I mm
borne singly on a short or very shori stalk (O·I-lJ·2 XO·04 in), rigid and dense with
< I em (O·3in) long. The Oowers are 6rsl sha rp pointed tip , and arranged in tighl
visible as smaUgreen buds thai open 10 ro~ettes. The cushions are bright emerald
reveal 4 or 5 sbort, green triangular sepals, green, and during summer it produces
but there are no petals. inconspicuous f)owers without petals.
r~mbling those of Antard ic pearlwort
(Cofabmtthll5 quiteusis) but not projecting
above the leaves.

WHERE TO FIND: Growing mainly on dry, gravelly and stony ground on moraines, WHERE TO FIND: II is most common on rocks close to Ihe shore where liS cushions
raised beaches and stream banks. Occasionally grows in seepage areas and on orten coalesce 10 form quile large palches. It is rarely found inland.
eroded peat and mud by inland pools. ~LTtTUDE: Allilude 0-50m (165 ft), bUI extending 10 100m 1300 il) where drifting
ALTITUDE: 0-500m (1 .650(0. rarely 10 600m (2,000rU. 'oed spray influences the rocks.

36
 Antarcti c Bedstraw Galium anlarUiwm Locally frequenl Wa ter Blinks Monlia iOlllana luully common

A smalilrailing Ilanl wilh a sparingl y
branched delicale Slem. 'n,c leaves are
widely spaced along the Slem and arranged
in whorls of 4; Ihey are small (3- 10 mm
x 1-2 mm (O· I~J.4 x 0·04-0·08 in).
narrowly elliplical and dark green in
colour. The small (2-3 mm (0·08-0· 10 in)
diameter}, delicate creamy-white !lowers
wi th 4 (occasionally 3) pelals are usually
produced al Ihe ends of the shoot.
The flowers have a mild vanilla scenL
It is often raLher inconspicuous. trailing
amongst other plants, especially in FestilCtl
grassland. although it also forms a more
"1 his is the only annual herb on Ihe island.
alt hough many planls appear 10 be
bienniaL It has prostrate or short erect
leafy shoolS and yellow-green. somewhat
succuJent leaves which may be strongl y
tinged reddish-purple early in the season.
The leaves are dislinctl y spoon·shaped.
o1rranged in opposite pairs along the stem
Jnd have a pinkish centra l vein.
The diminutive flowers are white with
hve unequal petals. In the absence of
tlowers it may be confused with Antarctic
compaCLand prominent plant in rocky
habi .. lS.
.Iarwort (Calli,.rie"e IItllarcriea ). although
the shape. neshiness and pink veins
of Water blinks leaves sbould separale
the Iwo species. Water blinks exiSIS in
various forms depending on the nature
of ils habitat; in water at stream and
pool margins illends 10 ha ve elongated
straggHngstems. while in mires and other
weL siles plants are more compact and
Inat-forming with denser lea\'es, II can be
eaten in a salad but tastes bitter if growing
in a dry sunny position.

WHERE TO FIND: Usually amongsl FesluCB grassland and dryTussock communities,
but also on rock ledges and the foot of rock faces. It is locally frequent on the mid-
north side of Ihe island. bul rare elsewhere.
ALTITUDE: 0-250 m (825 ft).
WHERE TO FIND: Typically growing .lIthe sides of streams and pool margins, in
seepage areas, and on wet rock ledges and crevices, rocks and around pools in
Tussock grassland. Generally infrequent, but locally common. mainly on the
mid-north side of the island.
~LmU D[: 0-150 m (500 fll.

38
 Antarctic Buttercup Ranunculu5 bilemallis Frequent, locall y abundant Antarcti c Foxtail Alopecuru5 magel/anicu local

This is a smail prostrate plnnt with
creeping, leafy hairless <tems. The bright-
to dark-green leaves comprise a group of
3 leaflets each subdivided into 3 pointed
lobes which gives them a deeply dissected
appearance. The leaves have a sharp
biller taste, ilnd have been used as an
antiscorbutic br sailors. The bright yeUow
solitary flowers, up to 10 mm (0·4 in )
diameter. have 5 (occasio nally 4) round-
tipped petals. These are the largest and
most colourful flowers produced by any
plant on South Georgia. In late sumrne.r a
distinctive reddish-purple berry-like frillt
1 his tall, slender perennial herb has
(Ji!ltinctive greenish-blue. flattened.
t...hanndled leaves. Its flowering shoots can
Ioe 50cm (20in) tall and the small, tufted
tl Tminai inflorescence gh'es the plant its
na me. The colollr of this grass should
be sufficient to identify it from the other
na tive grasses. but its distinct in fl orescence
l.Jn be confused with that of Alpine cat's-
ta d (Ph/em" aipillllw). However, the laller
I!! much more bristly than the soft, silky
. . pike of the Antarctic foxtail.
is produced, consisting of a cluster of 10 or
more achenes.

WHERE TO FIND: 1\ grows on damp ground such as seepage are-1S, stream and
pool banks, wet rock ledges, beneath overhanging rocks, and amongst Tussac
grass Parodiochloa flabellala. II sometimes forms an understorey beneath larger
plants (e.g. Greater burnet Acaena magell,lnica).
ALTITUDE: 0-250 m (825 ftl.
WHERE TO FIND: II grows mainly in seepage areas and b)' sueams. In places,
where Ihe ground is moist, swathes of hillside may be covered by thts grass.
Locally frequent in the Stromness Bay area and one small stte on the south coast
~LTITUDE: 0-75 m (250ft).

40
 Antarctic Hair-grass Oe<champ<ia anWrccica Common and ,ahundant Tufted Fescue Festuca con lfaCla
Abundant

This bright, often yellowish-green, gl1l5S
forms short tufts which coalesce to form
dense swards. especially near the sea.
The leaf blades are 3-10("01 (1-4 in) long
and are usually flattened or compressed
with distinct ridges on the upper
surface. The flowcring shoots can be up
20cI11 (8in) long with a terminal, loosely
branched, spreading and delicate drooping
inflorescence. Plants growing in coastal
sites disturbed by the movement of seals
usually develop a flattened growth form ,
bUI the grass is tolerant of such impacl.
"his is 3n erect. densely lufted grass.
he leaf blades arc stiff. usually rolled
In to a cylindrical shape in crOSoe; section.
nh fine ridges and minute hairs on the
lppcr surface. The flowering shoots are
lightly longer, rcadling 25 cm (lOin)
10 tnd terminating in 11 finc.J)· poillled
nflorescence. Early in the summer lhe
~rass (e,.r;;pecially the inflorescence) has a
Jistinnly purplish or bluish tinge caused
hy the produClion pigments thai protect
the tissues from ullraviolet light.

WHERE TO AND: A Widespread species growing in most habitats, Including scree and
moraines, and as a pioneer plant on recenlly deglaciated terrain and occasionally al
high alJiJude. Also commonly found in seepage areas, by streams, on beaches, in
rock crevices, in bogs and amongslTussac grass Parodiochloa flabellata .
ALTtTUDE: 0-500 m (1 ,650 fl).
WHERE TO FIND: Ii occurs mainly on well drained htllslde ,lI1d stabl., serres. and
sparsely in mires and bogs, often forming extensive grassland. especially on the
north side of Ihe island.
ALTITUDE: 0-75 m (250ft).

42
 Tussock/ Tussac Grass Parocfiochloa flabellala Common and abundanl Alpine Cat's-lail Phleum alpinum locall" (ammon

This robusl pedestal-forming grass is the
largest, most abundant and most distincth'c
planl on South Georgia. Each plaol
comprises an aggreg;ltion of shoots whid1
forms a stool or pedeslal crowned b)' a
mass of long, broad leaves. In damp.
nutrient-enriched coastal Hats near the
shore individual planls can re-dch I m (3 ft)
or more in diameler and up 10 1·5 m (5 fl)
high. The grass commonl), sufTers damage
by ""a1s and wben severely eroded around
Ihe pedestal-base plants may r<..eh a relallve
height of 1 III (6·5 ft) - qttile exceptional
for the, pan of the wo rld! The l"'lfblades
ar< generailyaboul 50-75 cm 110-30 in)
and Ihe flowering hoots up 10 1111 (3 ft) 111
length. The flowers begin de,eloping early
in summer and have J busby cylindrical
appeamnce. The leaf bases are edible, wilh
a nutty flavour. and are a favoured food
of reindeer, rats and mice. Tussac grass
has also been 3 source of nutritioD for
marooneu parties of seamen, scalers and
whalers during the 20th cenlury.
rhis is It tufted grass with erect shooLS.
It has conspicuousl)' broad. pale green
leaf blades. 5-9 = (2·0-3·5 in) lang
Jnd prominenl basallcaf sheaths on
Ihe flowering stems, IO-t8=14-7io)
loog. The shari cylindrical inflorescence
IS covered with downy hairs and forms
a shari pale green spiky luft. In early
summer both the leaves and inf]orescence
have 3 purplish tinge.

l'llHER[ TO fiND: llle grass occurs mainly on raised beaches and olher low coaslal
areas where it often forms a disllnct zone oi vegetalion communities behind
beaches. bUI it also grows on sleep slopes rising from Ihe shore. II is particularly
luxuriant wherever there is nutrienl inpul from colonies of seals, penguins and
other seabirds; here it is distinctly darker green than elsewhere. It grows on dry
or wei peal. screes and rock crevices though rarely extends iar II1land.
ALTITUDE: 0-150m 1500ft).
WHERE TO FI 0: It usually occurs as scallered Individual plant> on screes aod
moraines, in dry r-eslUca grassland. in rock crevices and on rock ledge., and
occasionally in bogs and by streams. Common. and sometime. abundan~ on
the mid-north coast but rare elsewhere.
ALTITUDE: 0-225m (750 it).

44
 Smith's Sedge Uncinia macro/epi; Locally fr«luenl Greater Native Rush /uncus scheuchzeroides Common and abundant

This grass-like plant, with creeping This low growing plant is found
rhizomes, has curved leafy shoots abundantly in weI habitats. The spiky,
which, as is characteristic of sedges, are hollow cylindrical leaves are filled wilh
triangular in cross-section. The leaf white pith, and arc jointed along their
blades, 8--l2cm (3-5 in) long and up 10 length. These joints can be relt by running
O·5cm (O·2 in ) broad, arc dark green wilh the thumbnail along a leaf. The leaves
a dislinct central channel and V-shaped J.rise from a long underground rhizome,
cross-sectioni the leaf margins are finely and range in colour from green to brown,
serrated. The flower spike is borne on a but in early summer are wiuaJly red
short stem and has promlllcni hooked or purple. The small brown feathery-
.ppendages called awns protruding from flowered inflorescences are borne on leaf
the smaU fruits. stems during summer. Later, these develop
into small orange-brown seed capsules.

WHERE TO fiND: Il is mosl typical of dry FeslUca grassland, bUl also occurs WHERE TO fiND: found in damp lO wel mires and bogs on hillsides, valley 1100rs,
scaUered in damp lo wel mires on seepage slopes. along stream and pool margins and siles of lale-Iying snow patches; also often on
dry moss turf (Polytrichum strictum)_
ALTITUDE: 5- 170 m(1 5-560 roo ALTITUDE: 0-75 m (250ft).

46
 Un(omlnon Shi e ld-fe rn Po/yslichum mohrioide~ localh common
l esser Rush Juncus incompiclius

This is simil.lf to, but more diminutive

than , the Greater nalive rllsh (JUtlCll5
sc/zelld,ufouies): they are aimosl
indistinguishable. It is vcry short and
inconspicuous.

WHERE TO FIND: It typically grows

amongst short mosses on dry, fine
gravelly outwash areas on stream
banks or below late snow beds.
Ea ily overlooked.
ALTITUDE: IS-100m (45-J30it).

Brown (or Short) Rush Rostkovia magellanica Cumnmn and abundanl

This distinctive rush produces ered spiky
shoots with dark brownish-green rigid
leaves up 10 20 em (8 in) or more, arising
from an underground rhizome. In early
summer it produces small brown Oowers
wilh a pale. narrow margin and these
develop promineOi shiny reddish-brown
to black spherical seed C1psules later ill the
season.
WHERE TO FIND: Typical of damp and
wet boggy ground, seepage areas,
stream and lake margins and sparsely
scattered in dry Festuca grassland.
,.
Plants consist of dense c1u~tcrs of rigid,
uprighl, bright green lealhery fromb up 10
25011 (JOin) long. The pinnae (multi-
divided leanels arising from bOlh sides of
, lhe frond stem) are crowded, overlapping,
.'\, , 'I
slighlly waxy "nu dislinclly loothed nearer
the base of the fronds. As the new fronds
.... ' , " y/ 4 "
lI11furllhey have a crozier shape.
The underside of (he pinnae is covered
with dusters of brown spores. The Ih,jng
'\
foliage is usuall y surrounded by Ihe dead
fronds of previous years.
. 1/ ,
I .'
I,',
•
"HERE TO FIND: Usually iound at the junction of screes and rock fJcc> and on dry
hillsides and stable scree, especiall) on north-iaclng slopes. MO'1 (ommon on Ihe

ALTITUDE: ~22S m (7S0fO.

I!;! "
"
,
,
.
,- . north side of the islJnd.
ALTITUDE: lS-30Sm ( S~l ,OOOill,

48
 Filmy-fern Hymenophyllum rall..landlcunn Locally frequent Small-fern Blechnum penna-marina Very local

This inconspicuous mal-forming fern This low rather prostrate, dark-evergreen

produces a dense milSS of very short erect fern produces rosettes of pinnate fronds
leaf-like fronds and intertwining black from ;-15 ern (2-{i in) long; in places. it
threadlike sIems. Although smaU forms dense mats. There is a netvvork
plants resemble a moss or Jjverwort, of underground rhizomes. New fronds
they are readily distinguished by their emerge in early summer and are bright
filmy, translucent, dark green leaves. red to reddish-green. Fertile fronds.
The pinnate fronch are I-Jcm (O·4- I·Oin) which produce clusters of spores on the
long with U1C pinnae being dther single or underside of the pinnae, arise from the
2-lobed. Each of the delicately tran lucent prostrate plant and can be lip to 1;-20cm
pinnae has a toothed margin and a (~8 in ) high.
prominent central vein. Spores are
produced in a small. black spherical
ca psule.

WHERE TO FIND: Typical of damp shaded rock crevices and on rock (aces benealh WHERE TO FIND: Found mainly amongst FeSlUca grassland on dry, stony
overhangs. north-facing hillsides, and occasionally on shingle at stream Sides.
Known only in the vicinity of Husvik Harbour where It IS locally IrequcnL
AlTITUDE: 3-500111 J1 0-1 ,650 h) ALTITUDE: 10-50 m (30-'165 ft) .

50
 Brittle Bladder-fern Cy'topteris fragilis
A small, yellowi~h -green fe:Jthery fern
with a brittle bl:.lck stem, each plant
comprising "n aggregation orlacy fronds
which I.lper towards the tip. Th ~ slightly
lOathed pinnar (individuallcallcts) are
overlapping.
WHERE TO AND: Gro", In rock
crevices often III clumps and at the
junction between rock faces and
screes with a northerly aspect.
AlTtTUDE: 5-170 m t 15-560 ft).
Strap Fern Grammitis poeppigeana
Thb \cry small prostrate fern ha) narrow,
slrap-shaped fronds which fonn small
mats or tufts. The smooth-edged) round-
lipped fronds are narrower at the base ;md
widen towards the ,lPex, and arc up to 3cm
(I in) long and O·Scm (0·2 in) wide.
It be,lrs some resemblance to thalloid
ISlrap-,haped) li,erworlS. Spores are
clustered along a cenlraJline on the
underside of the frond.
WHERE TO FIND: Grows in shaded
rock crevices. usually inland.
Easily overlooked.
ALTITUDE: 25--375m (80- 1.230fl1.
52
-
locally frequ enl Adder's-Iongue Ophioglossum croralophorOides Infrequent
Rare
A very distinctive and unusual plant but
difficult 10 find. Small groups of
individual plants arise in mid-summer
from an underground rhizome system.
Each planl comprises a single fleshy, green,
e1liplic, curved spoon-shaped frond, up
10 4 em (1·6in) long by 2cm (0·8 in) wide,
and borne on J slem of up 10 5cm (2in)
tall, but often appearing much shorter as
il is usuaUy hidden amongsl mO>5. Unlike
the olher ferns, which beOlr their spores on
the underside of their fronds. this species Ihe base of the frond. This dong,lIed,
produces a unique reproductive structure. cylindrical, ribhed, yellOl' -green 'pike
up 10 10cm 14 in) long. arising from produces the sporc!I.
WHERE TO FtND: It grows m.inly in north-facing wet seepage area, and late
snow beds, by stream banks, and also rarely on moist moraln(..,. It IS often
inconspicuous ,15 It grows amongst tall mosses \\ hieh lend to obscure Ihe lern.
Found most I) on the nonh side of the island.
ALTITUDE: 15-120 m (50--400 fll.
 Magella ni c C1ubmoss Lycopodium magellafJicum Loc.-.lIy frequent Introduced Flora

Approximalely 70 species of inlroduced flowering pl. llI, mostl ) weed species, have been
recorded since about 1960. These "al ien" species OCcur mainly around the abandoned
whaling stations and Lhe selliemenl on King Edward PoinL ueh plants are deemed La
ha ve been in troduced by humans and almost aU unintentionally. Native plants are those
",hich have arrh",d by natural agents of dispersal and bave been esLabllsbed since before
Lhe island's hun", " occupation. Allbaugh balf of Lhese alien species survived for only a
few yea rs (referred La as transieot aliens), about 37 still exist on Ule island. MaS! of thes<
have become n<l tura1iz.ed, that is, they bave persisted in one or more places for several
decades. ome of these species are kn own to bave been present in the Grytviken area for
over 50 years, while those at Prince Olav Harbour and Ocean Ilarbour must have become
established before Lhese stations were abandoned in about 1930.
As a direct can equence of human occupation of the island there has been an inevitable
effect on the native flora and fauna. At each of the whaling stations domestic animals were
imported, from Europe, the l:alklanc6 and South America, to provide a varied source of
fresh meat. These included cattlc, sheep, pigs and poultry. while horses were occasionally
used for travel from one station to another or for haulage within the stations. ThoSf
horses len at Grytviken by Filcbner are known La have run wild. To sU5tain Lhese animals
through the long winters various fonus of fodder were also imported, and these contained
viable weed seeds, some of which became establisbed as alien plants. In the earl y 1900s,
at two locations on the island, Norwegian reindeer were released and these freely roamed
the hillsides and vaIJeys, increasing in number to several thousand animaJs. Rats we.re an
accidental arrival from ships and have in fested much of the island, while house mice were
This plam has a yellowi h-green creeping. introduced at isolated localities from where they are now beginning to spread.
much-branched stem covered with very
sm. ll, Iria ngular, rigid, scale-like leaves.
Cylindrical spore-produci ng "cones" or
slrobili arise verticall y from Ihe ends of
some of the branches. The spores are
prod uced in liny cream-coloured spherical
structures borne in the axils of very small
sc.lle leaves along each slrobil us. After Lhe
spores have dispersed, Lhe slrobili become
Iigh l brown and wilher. II is Ihe only
species in the island's nora which develops
a distinctive autulll nal colouring when Ihe
scale-like leaves ch:mge from a )'cUow-green
10 brighl orange and yellow.

WHERE TO AND: Grows mostl), in dry exposed fell field and open Fesruca
grassland communities, but also colonizes moraines and glacial outwash areas.
Restricted mainly to the north side 01 the island.
ALTtTUDE: 5-250 m ( I 5-825 It). DfUuleliotfs (Taraxacum officinaJi.5) grow ",rdisturb,d l,clrin" tlrt: rhllrr/r In Gn,.'rkell.

54
 ince the end oflhe whaling era (1965) lhe only introduced mammals to survive have been The \lery re~ent introduction and rapid
the raLS, mice and reindeer. J-ie.avy gnzing and trampling by the reindeer are detrimental spread of Wavy bincrcress (C,lrdnmj"e
to soil stability and have caused severe damage to fragile plant communitics, notably those jlexllosn) al King Edward Point is cl~ar
dominated by Ttlss.c grass (Parodiochlon J1obdllltn) and Burnet (Acne/Ill). while most eviden e of the prohlem of inv<lsi\'e
macro-lichens have been eradicated (rom the grating areas. Reindeer increase the range species. rr such species are aggressive
uf alien species by spreading viable seeds by transponing them ~uough direct adherence immigrants. they may have a potentially
and also through passage 111 their dung. A5 the reindeer's range increases further with serious eITed by displacing naLive species
more areas becoming accessible due to glacial recession, species of introduced plants arc in some communities.
increasing their range and invading n3tive communities.
On a global 5<.-.le. TI,e World Conservation
As would be expected, alien microbes, algae. fungi, mosses, lichens and invertebrates Union (previously the International Union
have also found their way onto Lhe Island. There arc many ways such species can be for the Consen"ation of alure and still "in'}' b.trcrcrru (Cardarrune Ilexuosa J fit
Ki1lg Edw,ml PO;lIt.
unmtentionally introduced: attached to clothing and footwear, imported cargo, vehicles rererred to as the IUCN) has proclaimed
and building materials. and on fresh produce. as well as attached to the hulls. anchors. invasive aliens species to he the greafl!st ducal to biodiversity after habitat loss. So far,
chains and in ballast water of ships. TIle addition or such small and seemingly innocuous fortunately, on South Georgia there is no evidence of any alien plant competing vigorously
species call have a dramatic influence on the delicate balance of the ecosystem and have an with native plants, However, where the introduced reindeer have overgrazed areas of
irreversible effect on the composition and stabili t), or nalive habitats. den e Tussac grass (Pllroriiocillon J1nbcllfltlll and burnet (Acnelln). these species have been
virtually eradicated and replaced by Lhe alien Annual meaJow-grass (Poa ",IIIUO). which
Over the ycars there has also been a deliberate but limited introduction or plants. These
forms extensive "lawns" tolerant of intensive grazing and trampling.
have been grown as house plants and in greenhouses ror food ••IS well as in small-scale
field research experiments. Strict controls ensured that none of Ihese plants escaped their The UK Joint Natu.re Conservation Committee is creating a d,lIub3se of introduced
confines. even if they had been able to urvivc the outdoor winter conditions. species in the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, with the intention of
developing methods for enllancing practical management of problem species. The
The success onnt rod uced plants implies that they a re physiologicall) toleran t of the relativel)'
Governmenl of SOU~' Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (G G 51) ha gll.. n
severe growing conditions compared with those from where they originated. ~lost became
careful consideration to the potential impact or introduced species to ~te ISland. In their
established on disturbed ground and in the sheller of building; but f<w have succeeded in
Environmental Management Plan (2006) they state as their fir t k<)' policy "to prevent
noweringorat lea~l in producing viableseed,and have thus been unable tospre,:Id, However,
further inlroduction of alien biota and to eradiCJte or control previously inlroduced
with the current trend in increasing temperatures. espedally in summu. il is likely Ihat
species that affect or endanger native species or habitats". As a test case, the eradkation of
many species of the ;:!lien flora will become more reproductively successful and spread
\Vavy bittercress (Cirrdamine jlcxllosa) is in progre.'is. This relatlvdy recent "rriva] was first
beyond their present sites. Indeed. there is ample evidence of this happening since around
noticed in 1001 growing beside the track at King Edward Point. and bl' 2008 it had .pread
2000. Aided by severe human impact in and around Gr)1viken and King Edwnrd Point,
towards Grytviken. Most recently it has been identified across tl,e Cove to ~,e east of the
SOme species have suddenly extended their range weU beyond these sites of habitation,
cemetery. In addition. ~,C GSGSSI in collaboration with ~1C South Georgia Heritage Tru.<t
e.g. Dandelion (Timlxllcwn oJfidrmfe) and Common mouse-ear (Cemslillm [OIwlllllm).
is currently consiJering the implementation of a <tep-wise approach ror ~le removal of
both reindeer and rats from the island.
As a result of Royal Botanic Garden
Kew's UK Overseas Territories (UKOT,)
recent baseline survey, bo[anists have
recommended the eradication of all
introducl'<l plant .pecies on South Georgia
with recognition though that some species
are now so widespread that this would be
impmcticaJ. A vJ.rietyof mcthodshave been
propo>ed to remove 20 of the 24 introduced
spl'Cies recorded during the survey, many
of which are currcnt.l)r restricted to small Remlfet°r on tl fawn o[
Evu/c"c~ of'"",uJIJ i",Pi/d ,rroulId Gryn·;ken \V/raU"H S""lOn. populatiuns in Grrtviken. Atlnu,,1 menllow·gm55 {Poa annua)

56
 Yarrow Adllllea m,ltliollUm Cow parsley AlllllriSCIIS s)'ll't:srris Shcpbcrd's-purse Capscila bllrsa-pastoris

Procumbent pearlwort Sagimr pmcufflbetls reeplng pratia Pralia repcru Tbyme-le'lVI.:d speedwell \'eror,;ca serp),lIifolia

Curled dock RUlUa crisplU Commnn ~ITCI Rul1tl!.X tlrellJ51dlc' Mat-grass Nardus slnnt'

.
".
,'- .... -
•
..'
t' -

Cn:eping buttercup Ramlllcil/us n:pe"s DanJelion 1I.ra.:mmm offiolll1/is mooth mcadow-grass Poll pmlensis \nnuai mcadcw. -gra.),~ Poll dnnfll'

58
 Current list of Naturalized Alien Vascular Plants
Key to dlstnbullon code. a: abundant or wide5pread; f: IrL"quent or 5tJtlered; Biosecurity
0: occasional or Sp.I~; r: rme or very restricted.
During the past few decade!>, and
HERBS cspeciall}' since 111l!' mjd - 1 990~. SOllth
Yarrow Achillea mill.follum r Georgia hOls been uperiencing significant
Snrezewort Achillea plarmica dim.He warming. This has resulted in
lddl"s manlle Alchemilla monuro/a r considerable retreat and thinning or
Cow parsle\' AnthriscU5 sY/'vesu-is r gladt'rs ,1Ild ice fields, prmriding new
Common mouse-ear Cerastium lontanum r terrain ror plant colonization, longer
Diddled.. Empetrum rubrum r grO\\'ing SC'lsons .md more favourable
Hawkweed I-lieraceum sp. r growing conditions_ \Vitb the rapidly
Square-stemmed SI. lohn's-wort Hypencum tetrdplt'rum r increasing numbers of visitors (tourists,
Creeping pT1llia PraUa repens r dimbers. :-.cienlisls) to the isb nd, there i~ :t greJtly increased thre:lI or new species
Meadow buttercup Ranunculu't dais 0 being introduced, becoming established aTld th en sprei.1ding. Indeed, evidencl' suggests
RiJnuncuJus repem: II relationship between the numbers of hum:m visilorl; and the numbers or introduced
Creeping bUllercup 0
Common sorrel Rumc\ acelOsella f species Ihnl ha ve become est.ablished. Consequently, the introduction ilnd djspersal of
r lloll-n;Jti\"e species to SouLh Georgia is of great concern.
Curled dock Rumex crispu,'i
Procumbenl pcarlwort Sagina procumben~ 0 To combat this, mi:lndi:llory biosecurity mcasure~ ha\'c rccentl}' been implemented by the
Dandelion Taraxacum oifinndlts a South Georgia Government for all visitors. vehicle~, materia.ls and stores landing on the
White clover Trifolium repens r i'iland. In addition, thc British Antarctic Sun'c)' re~carch 'itation at IGng Edward Point
Cowberry Vaccinium \'itis·idJea r has introduced rolici~ and procedures in line with tlle government's Environmental
Charter. These include inspecting and wa hing frc~h produce on arriva l and any suspected
GRASSES non-native species arc sent 10 BAS headquarter!» in Cambridge for identification.
Couch grass Agrop) ron repens 0
/\;. pari of Ihis process all visilors 10 Ihe i land are required 10 foUow the self-check
Brown bent
Common benl
Agro tIS vlnea/is
Agro~tl' tenuis
•r instructions intended (0 prevent the introduction or transfer uf li ve organisms onto Lhe
S..... eet vernal grass AnthO>.anthum odorllwm r
Tuiled h.ir-gras, Deschampsia caeSp,IOS.1
Wavy hair-grass Deschampsia lIexuosrl r
Sheep's fescue feswca ovina r
Creeping fescue Festuca rubra
Mal-grass Ndrdu slricla r
Annual meadow·grass Paa annua a
Smoolh meado\\'-grJss Poa prafensis
Paa Lrt\';alis
•r
Rough meadow-grass
Narrow OalgT1lss rri. elUm splcaLUm r
SEDGES AND RUSHES
Marsh sedge Care\ aquatilis r
Common sedge Care): nigra r
Rush Juncu~ iilitorm;s r
As i) rec;:ult (If localiled m,llor environmental dlsturbilnce C;InCf." JU{)O. ("·8· duE" 10 conslrucllon prolects,
c:cve,../ alien spt."'Cies h.wE" appeared In recent \'ea~ In particular around Gryt\ iken. These Include r\ J",lmlrl~ CUr-rMltl.,· &ISls bctll'&!en plmJlJ fwd wjMIi(e. A grnlo(l pt'ugum c:ololJ)' crrdJes IJ
ChlCkwl't.'d Stl'lfatlil med,., Thvme--le.1Vefl !lpeedwell t~romca wfp)"hfoha. Shcph('rd '~ pu~ Cap,>ella
buniJ'pasto,,<j .1nd WaY)· blltcrcr~ Cilrdamine- fle ,\ lIO.'iJ
c1eu,mg III ,Itt n,s...<nc gmS5IParodiochloa flahdlataJ.
60
 SGSSI 8iosecurity Protocol for
Vi itors before each landing:
• Scrub your boo ts and re move illl soil
and organic mailer
• I"specl clolhing for so il and seeds
especially cuffs, Velcro, pockels and
seams
• I"spec l equipment and luggage
including wa lking poles and tripods
• Empty, vacuum-dean a nd inspect
inside bags
• Remove all fresh llrodu ce from bags
and garm ents
island. This serves to lessen the risk of
introducing further nun-native species
and spreading alien species between
landing sites; in turn, thus minimising the
need to combat new invasive species and
ensuring fUlure pro;ecl~ to tackle existing
invasive species can be sustained.
To afford maximum protection to and
conservation of the island's sensitive flora
and vegetation. collection ur destruction
of native nora is prohibited. except
lInder permit issued by the Government
for strictly specified reasons. Wherever
pos!'tiblc, walking over vegetation should
be avoided. hut where this is impracticable
care should be taken to minimise trampling
impact. In areas where fragile vegetation
requires protection, future projects m<l)'
need to include the building of boardwalks
etc. to manage visitor access.
Certain ~itcs on South Georgia have been
design.lted as Specially Protected Areas
(SPAs) and entry into these is prohibited
unless a site-specific permit has been
issued by the government. This high
I('\'cl of protection has been deemed
necessary ill areas of special conservation
or scientific interest, areas which are rat -
[rec, areas restricted due to health and
safety concerns, heritage sites .lOd sites
designaled for biological monitoring.
62
Greater b,mrcl (Acaena magellanica)
IlIImmocks gmud by mlS.
Seeds arc designed to trawL
TIle burrs or jlnwers ofGrealer burrier
(Acaena mage.Uauka) arr made lip
o[harpootl shaped seeds rlull mlDri.
rliemSt.lvfs readily to (Jllyll,iI'g!
References
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AIIUlrCtlC Seas, 1819-11. Hakluyt Soclely.Ser. 1I.9t (2591'1') and 92 (474I'P), London.)
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Dlscol'eI)'. 2. Th~ 1'0)'II8r o[th" Resollllioll 01111 Acll'Clltll,..,. 1772-1775, Ilakluyt &'octy,
No 35 (Extra Senes). 1021 1'1'.• C.,mbndge.)
Forster, Lit and G. Forster. 1776. Clwrnaeres Grlll'rum PlfHllarum quas i" l'mac ad
hlsultls.ttlaris Allstra!;s. col1egenmt, desscripsenml, flIlllis 1772-1775. 153 pp., London,
B. While. T. Cadell and P. Elm,ly.
Forster, G. 1777. A I'o)'<lg< Jlollild tlte \Vorldlll His Britalllllc Majest),'s Sloop "Resolw'OPI"
QlI/lllllllld.,1 bl' Gnptalll /111116 Cook. Dllrillg the Years /771. J. 4 (md 5. 2607pp_.
London. B. White. R. Robson. P. Eltmly and G. Robinson.
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Iss ue 3. NOI. Part ofTuatura: Journal of the Biological Society.
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Reports, No. 45. t-58.
Ileadiand. R.K. 1984. TIIC LsID/,d o[Sowl, Georgia. Cambridge University Press.
Cambridge. pp. 195-103.
Lawrenson. R. 2004. 1\ledical Prncli« in New Zealand 1769-IS60. VesaIiIlS, X, I, pp. 4-9.
Leader-Williams, N. 1988. Reindeer on South Georgia. The ecology of an introduced
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Mcintosh, E. and D.W.H. Walton. 2000. EUI';rolllllclIlal Mn"agemelll 1'lall for Soul11
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Georgia and South andwich Islands. 105 pp.
McKee. R. 2008. Biosecurity. III Government of Soulh Georgia and SOUUl Sandwich
Islands Updale for lhe 19 th Annual General Meeling of the Internalional Association of
Antarctica Tour Operators (JAATO). April200S, pp. 4-5.
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O\'erseas Territories programme at the Roynillolanic Gardens, Kcwa.< part of the
South AUantic InYnsiy. peeies Project (SAl Pl. hup:llwww.lu:w.orglgis/downloaclsl
South%20Georgia%20Inlroduces%20Vascular%20PlanlS%202009.pdf
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21106 - 20/0. British Anlarctic urvey. Cambridge. on behalf of the Governm<!l1t of
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Poncel, S. and K. Crosbie. 2005. A Visitors Guide 10 olllh Gcorgrn.
WildGuides Ltd. Maidenhead. Berkshire. PI'. 168-169.
 ~kotLSbcrg, C. 1902. The Geographical DislribUlion ofVcgetatioll U1 South
Georgia. GeogmpIIlCliI /ollrtlal. 20. No.5, 498-502.
Skottsberg, C. 191 2.. The Vegt!lation in South Georgia. \ \~sseIl5dljtlichl' Ergcll/lissc tlt'r
selllv,discilell SlIdpol",·Expecllt,oIl1901-1903, Bd. 4, Lief. 12, 1-30.
parrman. A. 19-" _. (I" RUIIe-r• O. t\ Vot·ngi.'
J
ROlHull/,e World with• CnpurUl JtII1I/.'S kCook
.. III
H.A I.S Resollfr;oll by Am/l!rs Sparr",nlJ. Translated by H. BcamlSh and A. M.1C enzlc-
Grieve, 214 pp., Londun, Rob<rt Hale LId.)
l:,),lor, N. 1914. PlanlS Collceled on the South Georgia Expedition. (1" ~Iurphy, R.C., A
report on the South Gt!orgia ExpcJition. SciflJlijrr BIIIINHI Ofllu~ Bn,okl),ulmtlllltc. II ,
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UKOTs on-line herbarium: hllp:lldps.plolnts.ox.Jc.uklbol!southgeorgia
\'llrnham. K. 2004. Alien spccic~ in South Georgia: IdcllIifring pr?blems ~n~ prioriliz.ing
action; Test case: eradicating nn introduced plant. SOllfll Georgln AssOClnfW" Nl'lVslettt·r.
No.7. p. 4,5.
W.lton, D.W.H. and R.!. L Smi'h. 1973. Statll' of tile aliell flam Oil Dutil Georgia British
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lI'all, j. 1979. Medical Aspects and Consequences or Cook's Voyages. Cal'''"11 Cook a",1
His Trill"', pp. 129- 158. Ediled by R. Fisher and H. johnston.
Weddell, J. 1825. A \ 'D),ag_ Towards tile SOlltl, Pole Perforllled ill tile Yellrs 1822-14.
276 pp., London, Longman,l-furst, Ret:S, Orme, Brown and Green.
Will. H. 1890. VcgetaLions - Verhaltnissc lId-Ger~r~i~n.). In ~ie intern(lf~mlnl
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64
Acknowledgements
I .Im hugely indebted to Ron U'\\is-Sm ith who has helped enormoLL~ly in the creation of
this book. It is a pleasure to acknowledge his unique and scholarl), expenise and to thank
him sincerel), for tirelessly rC\'ising and re-revising lhis text. He JI.so most generously
provided many of the botanical photogrnphs from his extensive coiled ion.
I sincerd} acknowledge the late David Nichol1~ for his suppon and encouragement 111
making il pos1tiblc for me to revisit Soulh Georgia. As expedition iLoader of the British
Schools uplorntion Societ), Expedition 10 oUlh Georgia, 2003, David gave me the
opportullity to ulldertake the botallieal field "ork thai led to the creation of tim book. 1
also \\--ish to thank him through his pivotal role in the creation of the outh Georgia
Herilage Trust (SG HT) which has generously funded this publicalion.
Very many thanks 10 Robert BUrion for his highly skilled proof reading and precision
ediling of the finalte" and whose eye fur detail is hugely appreciated.
t\ty t.hanks arc also due to Jonathan Shanklin for his generosil), in permitting the
reproduelion of a selectiun of his pholos for the book.
Thank ),ou 10 ~ Ii ke Richardson and Sarah Lurcock both of whom most obligingly, and
wilh extreme efficiency and effectiveness, helped proof-read the lext for final publication.
Finally, I muS! thank the TrUSlees of the SGHT who have, over sCl'eral years, encouraged the
creal ion of this book and whose palience and financial supporl has enabled publiCltioD.
Killg Edward Co1'f'
 ~),)gl.' 1-:' AnlaK11( bunercup \R.lnullcu/us blterniHu5): DG
Photographic Credits P.:I~t' 18 .'\.'{It..'!tlills ofTu5Stlc glilli ol!t nOled b, \Veddcll . The§(> can groo 1I1) 102m· RLS
Ilw hlJI at SI Andrew.. Bay, one of 'oCVl!ral !tll n rnalnlalnt>d on the- B.lrf{ ~nl l'b~la; AC.
ThC' produclLon 01 (hi" '"K)!')!.. would nut h<t\e been pU'isible wlIhoullhe hdp Jnd cfI·npt.-'f<lHOn 01 the A lawn (If AnlartliC halr.gr.tss IDt ... champ~Io1.lnldfctJCal f10urlshmg at O.lrtmouth Poinl on the
phOlogr.lphers \\ho<;(' unag(.><; h.1\e been rl'produced . [vcr)' pholograph puhhshL>d in ,hi .. book is Grrene f'l!l1Insula RL5.
credited In Ih,<; Sf'(110n us'"~ Ill(' phOingrapher's Inlliais. as fol lrn.vs I'age 19 1111' vegeldtlon of Cumbcrl.lnd Bay mduclcs 'iOmf? of Ihe ~t de\.-eIDpl.-'d plant communities of
S.lshtJ 8urochna /S8 1; Andy Clar~ IAq; Oelrclrp Galbraith lOCI; Ton)' Hall (TIll: the Island: DC.
Ron lewis-Smith IRISI; D.I\,d Nicholls IONI; Pal Parsons 1PPJ, Sarah Rohlnson ISRI; I),l~ 20 TIle BAS h.1Sl' un Bird Isl,mel: RI S. Tht> IQrTnt'r m.lnager's Villa at Ilusvik ha!t recently been
lon.llh.ln Sh.lnJ..lin 1151 Rolf ~tJnge IRSI. ref10\i1led "" tlle South GeorgIa II('nlact> Tru~ I ISG I In: TIl
Pagl'll ColiCtIUlR nall\€! pl.l~b (In the ~IOf:teS dlxn-e Hus\,11.. in :?OOl~ 0 View Of Ilusvil Bay from
Ilu<.dJI: DC. The nallve vegetatIon In the .UN I!. exlrelTlE'lv \'afllod and wt"11 developed ON.
Cover. GreJIN hurnet f..ic-.1t'na ma&I{'/I,m;CJI on Ih£' rock, floor of a hiHh mountain VJllcv in r.lfh
~plln~~ DC
NATUKE OF SUBANTARCTIC VEGETATION
rrontJ~pl('('e 'Jew growth uf Credler burnet tAca('nd magt.'ll.JmcJI piercing throu~h oJ hed of mCh): RLS.
P.age 12 A tnnge at (OdSt,,1 Tussock glvcs wa) 10 the grasslJncl 0110\\ IYll1g hillsides wtlh Mount
Pa~e .. A chilling vic\\ 01 rock. snow and dingmg banks 01 sea-log. Im'lards.lhE.' 1~IJnd's ea.s.lem P<lgct III the background: RLS. The sheltered 100\'I.mrl!. dround (.lrlita Bel) pl.ty host 10 a plant
(',<Ifemlll' \\lIh the Barll peninsula In the toreground. laKen trom Gochhul DG. commun lly m delicate balance wuh Ihe hO!ttlle condmons Ihal ra\Jge most of the Island: DG.
I'aRe 11 ":'11(' Cre.al Nunatak- rising out of the (,ean GI.lcier nalned Iyt Worsley on the Shackleton
DESCRII'TION OF SOUTH GEORG IA (rosslng.. DG. PI.lllts from Macquane Islllnd growing In the c1lmale-controlled Subanlarctic
Plant HI}U51' 111 Ilob.lrt.'s Royal Ta.smaman Bot.mical G,lld('ns. Macquarle Island Cilbbage
Acriill viC\v 10 the southwesl across Cumberland B.l)l tmvard!!o Ilw Island's central spine oi ISlifJxxJrpiJ po/.1rI)!. olilhe lefl, grow~ on co.lslal slopes and \4, as used by sealer!. il3 a source
mountains: ON Of Vltamm C: DC
Vil'\\ e.lsl rram Ihe Tndent Cap towards Ihe Crean Glacier calvmg Inlo Antartllc Bay: OG.
Vie<.\ through moraine of the Lyell Glacie! to Pdulsen Pc.lk and the l!!oland's central "pme: DG.
The yal.htl'eldglC Australis laking shelter in Husvil.. Bay:Tony H.111. Sheer rocl.. \\-alls rise sharpl) MAJOR HAIliTATS AND VEGETATION TYPES OF SOUTii GEORG IA
oul of Drygalski Fjord: DC A view from the MJGlroni (olony at Cooper B.lY to\v.lrds the crags Page 2~ Co.lstal Iials dominated b)' the i\.tantlme TusSiJ( Grass Fonuallon, Ilarpan Bay: DC.
and Tusc;ock of Cooper Island: DG. Pa~(' 25 Llllnralione .ll,xr.e the high tide mark shO\\'ing Ii<.hen. ru!>sock .1nd Antardic hair-grass: DG.
P<lge 10 Viev. across the extensive wgetalion of the Bore Valle~' towards Malvlken: RS Co.utal nats .lncl slopes provide i1 community of veget,lIion Ihal pro\ ides an importilnt holbilat
Aerial VIC\\< of vegetation colon ising the ice-tree foreground wilh the recL'<hng sr'lOul 01 the L"ell for \\ ildhte: 1)1'.
Glacier beyond: ON View (rom Ml Duse a(TfJSS King Edward Cove low·ards the c0.1stal belt '''''ge2b Tulled le5Cue grassland \(t>stuca cont/iJclal: RLS. Greater burnet (Acaena magellanical carpel.s.1
01 vegetatIon SB View frum Fortuna 8a) avef th", (OIOOlled moraine to the retreating Konig .,lrep hillSIde emerald green: RLS. Greater burnet (l\(aentJ magellan;ca) amongsl Tufted ies<.ue
CI.lcier: DC. gras!t I F~tu{-iJ contllJcta) : RLS
Page II Characteristic jolding of the sedimentary rock In Cumberland H'ly above M.1I\iken: DC. Dark stains along lhe \alley to\\'ard~ Stromness show catchment areas from seepage !Ilopes: OG.
In ~ion Bay plastered snow hIghlights the STrata of The rocM bcneolth: DG. Drvgalski Fjord Brmyn ru..,h lR05tAo'o'la mdgellan/cal bog grouting Into Tuf!(.'(1 fescue grass 1Fes-1UC3 contractal: RLS.
complex: OC. Trilpped in the peat bog bchmd Husvik are Ihe remJIOS of two reindeer locked A bog communi!) of ru!>hes. mosse. .and li\lef\wrts below Fellfield gr.lssland: DC.
10 combal: DC. Pilge 18 Tutted lec;cue grass rFf;'stuc') cOnlfJctal on el(poscd nxk), ground: DG. Clumps of Shield fern
Pilgl? 12 A remnanl iceberg grounded in Harpon l1av (rom Ihe calving snOll1 of lhe NeumJ)er /PoJ)5tJehu.m mo/lrlOlde.~l on 'itable areas 01scree: RLS. Grcalel burnet V\C'denif magell.mfCdJ on
GlaCIer: DC. The Lentral mountams snag the previlihng we.lther leiJving the NE b.1YS wilh dner the rock} 11001' or a lugh mount.lln valle) In eMI~ spring .. DC.
condItions: DC. Wiucrm.lI'ks on the morame are L'Vidcnce Ih.lt Gulbrandsen l..lke was once Sh. . g nx:IG c'tpcncnce ferocious weather: DC
much I.lrger. Damned by the relreating Neumayer GlaCier, the lake now drainS during ~ u mmer TU"c;.lC ~rass tP.uoc/iochloa t7abelldfa) grO\vs where Jdt>qu3le soil allows: OG.
melt:DG_ fllge 30 CIOS(> lip ofTUSSJC crass: RLS.
Page I J Summer snOWfall at the king penguin colony in 51 Andrews B<I) : DC. Climbers retreating Pagl' } I Winler sno\\ melts to reveal Antarclic Pcarlwon (Co/obilnlllus quilensis): DG.
from Paulsen Peak due to a rapid deterioration In condl iions: DC . A group on the Crean
GlaCIer secllOIl or lhe Shackleton Crossing e\IXmencing 5everc gusls of wmd from the
NATIVE FLOKA
central mountains: DG. OrographiC cloud formations: the Al lard)ce Range under a c.ap of
llage 32 G realer Burnet ACdcna magc/lanit.-iJ
stratocumulus seen 11) cUmbers above the Neumayer GlaCIer: SR
Plants III JlO\\o(,c DG. Close-up of ilower IS. Plant mat: RlS
Page 14 (vemng glow on J lormallon 01 lenticular clouds and lhelr rencctions above Husvik: PP.
Page 33 l esser Burnet Acal'fla tenera
Plants In flower. IS. Close-up 01 tlower: RLS. Planl in habitat Rl5.
HISTORY OF BOTANICAL EXPLORATION Page 3~ Hyhrid Burnet AC"dcnif magel/anica x A. Icnerif
Page 15 lames Cook, portrait I», N.llhaniel Dilnce c.1775: Nallonal M.lnlime Museum, Greenwich Smf;le ilower: IS. FIO\\er clnd stem: RLS. Cre.ller. Lesser and H)'hnd BUmt·[~· Rl5
" \Vild Bumett" f5.1ngUisarbal nQ\\ known .n Greater burnet (Acat'fla mJgellJflIcaJ: DG. Page 35 Antarctic Slarwort Cdllitriche antarctica
Wandenng alhatross III the "COu~ slrOng--bladcd grass"',D<Ktv/is glomerar.l) nO\\ knQ\\'n as rrm\l;'f'S: IS. AI pool margin: RL5. LeJVCS in water cI~up' DC. Mat RL5
Tuc;s.1C- grass tParoclJochlw rlabellatal: 58
rage J(, Antarctic Pc:arlworl Co/oba",hus quitcns;s
Page 16 "PI.,nt like Moss" \VIIS possibly Antarctic IJearl\\'Ort (CoJobanthu~ qUiletlSisl: RLS. The vegetation
of the "'Sc.1 Coast"' referred to by Cook WilS prohablv such TU !t~k< lad coaslal cliffs, viewed Fluwers: J~ Mats: RLS
here on the Bani penHlu"la: DC. P.lge r l esser Pt-arlwort ColoWnllms subulatus
Flowers DC Mat;: RL5.

66
~------
 Antardic Bedstraw G,lliunI dnt.lrdkUnJ
rltJ\\('r~: RlS. PI.1tlt: R15 Index
Pagl' ~<t Waler Ulinks MuntiiJ fo"'iJfIij" OG
Anlarclic Bullcrcup Hanullculwi bitern.ltus-
rlm.. cr clOSI'-up: DC. Plant In Ilm.. er: RLS. This index includes the co mmon English and scielltific name of all the
Antarctic foxt.li l A/opt.'oJrus nfdgcl/olnicu'i: planls includ ed ill the book. Names in bold indica te the native species an
Plant," Ilo\\£'r' RlS FIO\-\erclose-up: I~ .
Pa!,I('·,Q Antarctic Hair.grass Dcsclldmpsia dntoJrclica 80th mlJ~ RLS.
bold figures refe r 10 the main species account. Italicised figures relate to
Page 41 Tufted Fescue FestllCil contracta the page(s) on which a ph otograph may be found . Normal black figures
Pldnt. DC. Flowt'f: Rl5 highlighl 0 1her references to the species.
l'ah'f" ·1--1 TussodJ Tussac Grass P.mxJiochlo.-. nahelliJt,l RIS.
l'iJge45 Alpine Cat's-tail P/JIeum aJpinum Both jmJGt..~· IS.
P.ISC -Ib Smith's St.od!;c Ullci"iiJ macrolcpis: A - -. Mcadow .___ .______..... __________.. ___ .._. _______ /
In hJbll.1l: DC. Flower:: RLS.
Amelia ........_. _ ......._........_.. 18.28.31. 56. 57 C
Page -1 7 GrcillCr Nilliw.' Rush IUflcus scilcudlZcroidcss: Unth ImJ~I~: RI ';
- - 1I1ngelftmicn __ .. _._. _____ /5. 16.26,26.27. Cabb.lg«..', Macquarie bland_ .... ___._ ..__ ....... ~
Pa~(' 48 l esser Rush /uncus inronspiolUS:
PI.lOI: I S.CI~u p (If !luwer: RLS. 28.3 1, 32,33.J4 CII llilr;che nntllrctica ...--....._____ ._ .. _... _._14. J
Brown (or Shorl) Rush Roslkov;.l nlagell.-.nicd: DC_ - - t.ltem .. _._._. __ ._____.___ .. __________ .__ .3 1. 33.34 Caloplacn .__ ._ .. __________ ... _. __ ._______ .. _______._______.._... 2
Pag('49 Shield-fern PolystidlUm mohrioides: Acfl,llClt "'Ifle[olillfll ....... _................ _....... _._58, 60 Capsella bursa-pastoris --.... ________ .__________ 59. ~
PI'lIlt IS. In h.lbltat: RLS_ --plnnllicIJ _.. __....._........ ___......___ .. _._ ......_._.60 Carda",h/(' jlextlOStl ..--.-..._._ ...._...__ ._..57,57. ~
""g(' 10 Fi lmy-rem H,.menophyllum fdlkldnd;cum Addcr's- Iongue _____ ..._... _____ .______ .___ ._ ...._. ___________ . 53 Cnrex aqUtllilts ....._......__ ._ ..___ ._____ .. _._ .._..._. __ 6
In hablt.ll RLS. Close-up. 15_ Agmp)'roll rf!pem .. _._..... ___ ._ ..._. ______.._............. 60 - - lIigra ._ ...____ ._ ...__.... _.. _.._._ ....._._ ..._._.. _._.._6
P.lgt· 51 Small-rern 810chnum penna·marina Both Imagf'<l: RLS. AgroslLS ((mimt .... _...._._ .. __.____ .___._. ____._59.60 Cars-Iail, Alpine ._. _____ .. _________ ._____ 3 1,4 1. 4
Page 52 Briltle Bladder· fern y'SIopter;s fragilis: IS . - - ICflllis ._ ..._._ .. _....._.._.. __._____..._. __ ._ ...... 59. 60 Ceras/illlll /Oll/mllllll .-------..• _.. _._._. ___ 56. 6
Strap Fern Crilmmilis f>Of!ppigeanil: RLS. A/chenzillt, It WI tlifo/a _.. _..... _ .__ .__.._.... ___ ....._ 60 Chickweed --.... _____ .____ .___ .... _________________.59.6
""ge 53 Adders-tongue Ophioglossum crotd/op/JOroidL".
Plant I~ In ml)'.<;: RLS
Alopecllrus mllgell""icus ...... ____ .__ ......__ .. _._.. 41 Llover. Whil e .---.--..._________ .__________ ._.__ .____ 59.6
A",ltoxlltltlwlU odomIll1ll __ .__ .. _.. _..... __. ..._._._ 60 Clubmoss, MageUanic _______.__________ 28, 5
Page 54 Magellanic Clubmoss Lfmpodium maJ,oeIldnicum:
Plant. DG. Close-up Of flower RLS AIIlI,risClts s),iltestris _.. _.._._ ..... ____._._ .._. ___ ... 58, 60 Coloba"lhus _...... _... _.._.... __ .___ .______ .. _.._. __.___ 1
- - 'lUileusis __ ..... _.. _... 16, 31, 31, 36, 37, 3'
INTROOUCED FLORA B - - slJbJlIt~tlls ......._............. _. __ ...__ .. _. __.24, 3'
Page 55 O.lrldehnns gr()\\ undislulhed behind the church in G"'lvl~en DN Bedsl raw. Antarctic .___... _._._._....._...... __ ._ ....._._ 38 Cowberr), _____ . __________________________________________ 61
Page 56 EVidence 01human illlpact ilround Gryt\!lken Whaling Slat Ion: RS Belli, Common .. _..... _.... _..... _.._.....__ ._..... _.. 59. 60 Cystopteris fragilis __________ .________ ._____________ 31. 5.
Pagt>57 W.W\ bltler(res':> f(;J,damtne fleXuOSJl al Kmg Edward Pomt Pl. - - . VclvcL ___ ______ ._. _______ __________________ .__ .59. 60
Rellldeer on .1 I;:l\-vn of 1100 annua RLS.
'arrow: IS. Cow ,ulrslev. IS_ Procumbent peilrlwon: IS. Creepll1~ prilua: 15_ Curled dock: 15_
Billercress. WiW)' ._. ___ ._ ..._. __._ ... ___ ._._.__ 57, 57, 60 o
Common sorrel: IS. Creeping bUliercup: RLS. Dandelion: RLS Bladder-fern, Brinlc _____ ._ ...___ .._..._________ 3 1, 52 Dactyli.. .. ___ ._____ ...._. ______ ._____ ..____________________.. _ II
Shepherd's-pur..;c: J5,. Chlckwet:."'li: /5. Th)mf'-Icdved spl't.'(lwell: RLS Whitt' clovt'r. IS_ Wee/III "", pen "11-"'11';"" .._......_._._ ... ___ ....__ 5 1 - - glmnerota ..._.._._.... _..... ____..__._...___. 15.11
MJ.I-gra~s: IS. Common bent. IS. Smooth meadO\ . . -gr.as.s: IS. Annual mCildO\\ -grass: DG. Blinks. Waler ___ .___....._____ .____ ._____ .__ ._____ .3 1. 35. 39 Dandelion _____________ .________ 56.58,60.55, 51
Bog, Emerald _______ ._ ..__ ._ ..._. ________________ .____________ 37 DescllUmps;a alliarct;ca 18, 24.25.31.41
BIOSECURITY
Burnel ____ .________________.__.. _. 15, 18.28.31,56.57 - - wo!Sptlosa __ ._.___._______________ ____ 6(
Page hi Climbers C,lmp on the Murra, Snowfield DC. A b..llance currenth e>..lsb between plan!>
- - . Greater ._______ ._ ._ ... /5. 16,26,16.17.18, --flexuoSl!. _______ ._____ . .__________.___ 6(
and wildllie. A gentoo r>engurn colon, creates a clearing in the Tu~sa( gra~~ .ParrxilOChlOd
t1.,Ix'lIaral; DC. 3 1, 32,33,34, 40,62 Diddledec ____________ ... _ _ _ _ _ __ .. __ 6CI
Page &2 Check lor R.Jt5 sign RS. Gre.llcl humellllcaena ma~wlldmcdl hummud.'s grazed b) ra.ts: RL5. - -, Hybrid _______________ .___ .. _. ____.... ___ .____________ 34 Dock. CUrlcd ___ .____ .__ ._____.____ 58. 6C
Seed!> are designed 10 travel The bum 01 OO\.. ers of Credler burnet ACdend magell.m/cdl ale - -, Lesser _____ .________.___ ._______________ .__ .3 1. 33. J.I
made- up oj h<upoon !.haped seed~ Ihat attach th('msel\l..'S re.ldil\ In ilm-Ihln~!; DG.
BUllcrcup _____ ._._ ... _. _____ .___________________________________ .__ 18 E
Page 65 Kin~ Ed\\ard Cove: R5
- -, An tarctic ._ .. _... _. _____ .___ .. ______ . Ii, 40 limpetrum rubrum . _.. _ .. __ ._..._._ .. _. __.__.._60
- - , Lr<cp ing .__ .. __ .... __._....._________ 58, 60

68
 I·
Fern, Strap _._..... _..... _ ....._._......_. ..... 52
Fescue. Creeping ........._................. _... .... 60
- - . Sheep's .... _.. _.... ........ _...... _................ 60
- -. Tufted ......... ...... .. ... 16.26.27.28. 4J
Feslllea cou/mela ............. 16, 26.17, 28, 43
- - ovilla ...................... _...... _......... _......_......... 60
- - rub", .. _..... _ ....._ ........ _......... _................. 60
Filmy-fern .. _............._........ _......_ ....... _ ....... 50
Foxtail, Antarctic ............................................. 41
G J'
Gulill'" alllarc/;clI", ................ _...._. __ ..... 38
Gra mmi/;s poeppigell"a ......... _.................... 52
Grass. Co uch ...................................................... 60
- - , Sweet Vernal .................. _ ......._ ........ _ 60
- -, Tussac... 15, 16. 18, 14, 25,26,29,30,
41. 44.56.57.61
- -, Tussock ._......_...... _........._..... _......... _..._44
H Poa all""a ........................................ I8. 57. 59. 60
Hair-grass. Antarctic ......... 18.14. 25. 3 1. 42
- - . Tufled ..........................._......... _......... _.... 60
- - . Wavy ............................. ._ ......................... 60
Hawkweed ................................ _........._............... 60
Hicracellm ._._.... __ .. _._ ................................. 60
Hymellophylll1l11 !alklt/lldiclIlI' ............... _50
Hypericul1l tetmpteru,,, _.............._.........__ ..... 60
r..teadow-grass, Smoot h .. ,_ ....._59, 60
Mouth, [a matra ..... _...... .... ............ 3 1.35, 39
f.,louse-ear, Common ..... _._...... _......_56. (,O
N - - . ~ larsh ......._............................................. 60
Nan/u s stricti, ........................._._ .... __ .... _5Y. 60
o Shield-fern ............................................_..... 28. 49
Oatgrass. N,lrrow ._ ....._._...... _............ ....__ ...... 11
Opl/;og/ass"", crotalopltoroides ,_ ..._....... 53
Parodiocllloa flabellata ..__ .... 16. 24. 44. 56
Parsle)·. Cow ..........................................._._ 58. 60
Pc.Tiwort .............................._............................. 16
- -. Antarclic _............ 16. 3 1.3 1. 36.37.39
- -, Lesser .......................... _......_._... _. __.. 24, 37
- - , Procumbenl .._................._.............. 58, 60
- -. Sessile ......................... _................. _......... 37
Pili",,,, alpill"'" ..... _.......................... 3 1. 4 1. 45
- - pratellsis ___......_.....__ .....___ .....___... 59. 60
- - tril'ialis ................................................... _.. 60
Polyst;clmm lIIoJ,,;oides ....._........... .... .2B. 49
Pol)'triC/'''''' ...................................................... _.. 16
- - strictum ......._.................. _........ _...... 26.47
Pratta repe"s ___.....__.................................... 58, 60
Prali •• Creeping ....................... _........._ ..... 58. 60
S T
Sagi/l(l procumbetls ..........._...................... 58. 60
Sfl1JEu;Sorbfl _. _..... _........._......... _..... __.............. 15
Sedge. Common ._...... _._ ......_..... _._ ...... _...... 60
- -. Smith's ................ _....._......... _ ... _ .._.46
Shepherd 's-!'urse ... __...... _ ....._._...... _.. 59. 60
SnlaU-fern ....._._.............................................. 5 1
Sneezc\\'ort .............................._ ....................... 60
Sorrel. Com mon ......................................... 58. 60
Speedwell. Thyme-leaved _._.. __ .... .59, 60
SL John's~wort. Squ3re~stemmcd .............. 60
Starwort , Anta.rctic .. _......_........._......._.. 24. 35
Stellarill /IIedi" ........................................... .59. 60
StillJocarp" polari' ..................... _......_............. 23
Syulricl,in rob"sla ......................................... 27
1
TaraxnOlll' offici"aUs .....__... _......_._ ..... 58
Trifolium repells ..... ~..... _._ ....._..... _._ .. _59
Trisell"Tl spicatllt" .._............ _._ ....._ ...... _.. .
U
U"cit,in macrolepis .........._._..._ ....._._... _.
Vnccil1iflm vltis-idac!ll _... _ ...._................._.
\"'rol/ien "rpylli!olia .._..._.-............ __ ._...59.
X
Xa"thoria ... _.. _....__........._....._ ..._ ......._ ..
y
Yarro\v ._...........................................__... _._. 58,

R
jll1lCfl5 filifoml;s _ ... ,... _.................................... 60 RatJ,,"cu/us ....................................._................ 18
IUll eu s iUCOIISpicllllS ............................ _..• 19, 48 - - acns ...... _........................... _......................... 60
ill"' us sc/,euc/lZeroitles ..._......_...... 27, 47, 48 - - bitertJatus ........ _ ........._................__ . 17. 40
- - repe1l5 ..............................................._.58. 60
L Rostkovin mnge.lltwica .................... 27.27, 48
Uchen ... _._....... 10. 23. 24. 25. 28. 19.3 I. 56 Rumex acetoselln ...................................... 58. 60
Lycopodium magellauicum .. _......_...... 18, 54 - - crispu! .................................................. 58, 60
Rush .........._._...... _ ...._._ ...... _ .... _._......_ ....._._ 60
M - -. Brown ...................................... 27.27. 48
Mantle. Lady's _................. _................. _............ 60 - -, Grea ter Native ......................... 17, 47, 48
Mat-grass ....................................................... 59.60 - - . Lesser .._ ......_._................. _............. _ 19. 48 I
Meadow-grass. Annllal .. _._ .. 18. 37.59. 60 - -. Short .........................................._..... _._... 48
- -, Rough ............................................._.._.... 60

70