Vascular plants, coastal dunes between Pehuen-có and Monte Hermoso, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

Buenos Aires coastal dune systems undergo an accelerated process of human induced modification, causingloss of native plant species and changes in species composition, cover and/or abundance. We present a species list ofvascular plants recorded in a region of dune landscape between Pehuen-có and Monte Hermoso localities, southernBuenos Aires Atlantic coast. The area comprises fixed and active dune systems, frontal dunes, sandy marine beach andan abrasion platform. Vegetation sampling was performed using line-transects perpendicular to the coastline. Vascularplants were identified and species cover percentage was estimated in 10 m x 10 m plots. 31 families and 75 specieswere registered. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae were best represented. Ten exotic taxa were found. Vegetationstructure is associated to geomorphologic heterogeneity. The site preserves rich flora with high number of nativevascular plants. The presence of Neosparton ephedroides was verified. Conservation guidelines are necessary to protectthe local biodiversity.