Vegetation-environment relationships in the regenerating shrubland of Remus Hill, Cass, in the eastern South Island high country

This study investigated the composition and distribution of vegetation on Remus Hill, near Cass, in the eastern South Island, New Zealand. The area was deforested following human activity and converted to pasture, but after the cessation of grazing, shrubland communities are re-establishing. We explored the interactions between vegetation composition and distribution in relation to environmental factors such as soil characteristics and topography. We established 27 5 m × 5 m vegetation plots in a grid pattern across the site and collected soil samples for chemical and physical analyses. The results revealed three distinct vegetation clusters: Discaria toumatou and mixed grassland; Veronica brachysiphon, Cytisus scoparius, and Leptospermum scoparium mixed shrubland; and D. toumatou, Corokia cotoneaster mixed shrubland. Shrub cover was highest in the southeast-facing areas of the site. Exotic grasses such as Agrostis capillaris and Dactylis glomerata were dominant at the site, while the exotic shrub Cytisus scoparius was frequent. To prioritise the future restoration of native vegetation, it is essential to control invasive exotic plant species at this site.