5_ Fertilization and Management . Fertilizer response 

 may be less pronounced in the dry climate o£ this region, but fertiliza- 

 tion is essential for rapid establishment of European beachgrass on beach 

 and dune sands. Suggested fertilization rate is 40 to 60 kilograms of 

 nitrogen per hectare from a soluble source. Apply in early spring and 

 repeat the application if needed to maintain healthy color and vigor of 

 the grass. 



Management requirements are protection from foot and vehicular traf- 

 fic, prompt repair and replacement of dead plants, and replanting breaks 

 in the stand. 



(b) Sea Fig . Three forms of this plant occur in the South 

 Pacific region. They are the introduced Hottentot fig [Carpobrotus 

 edutis) , the native sea fig (C. aequ-itaterus') , and hybrids between the 



two species. Hottentot fig is dark green or often red with stiff, pointed 

 leaves 8 centimeters or more long, with white to pale-lavender flowers up 

 to 8 centimeters wide. Native sea fig has fleshy, bluish-green soft leaves 

 about 4 centimeters long, somewhat rounded at the tip, and pink flowers no 

 more than 4 to 5 centimeters wide. The hybrids are usually intermediate 

 size, with pink flowers but with foliage resembling Hottentot fig (Cowan, 

 1975). Hottentot fig and the hybrids are very aggressive, covering dunes 

 and many cliffs along this coast and excluding most other species. . These 

 types have usually been planted because of ease in planting and quick 

 establishment. 



Sea figs are effective sand stabilizers but not good dune builders. 

 The growth above ground will not hold more than 10 to 15 centimeters of 

 sand, usually less, at any one time and the plant cannot withstand much 

 burial. It is only moderately tolerant to salt. Sea figs are the easiest 

 plants to establish in the beach and dune zone. Cuttings 10 to 15 centi- 

 meters long should be set into moist sand about 45 to 60 centimeters apart 

 to quickly take root and provide cover. Successful stands of Hottentot 

 fig have been established by broadcasting plants over the bare sand sur- 

 face without covering during cool, rainy periods (E.T. Crisp, Ranger, 

 Bodega Bay State Park, California, personal communication, 1976) . 



Sea figs become nutrient-deficient on dune sands. The red color 

 often exhibited by the exotic form is probably a response to low nitrogen 

 levels. Occasional applications of nitrogen at the rate of 30 to 40 kilo- 

 grams per hectare are required to maintain vigor and good color. Appli- 

 cations should be adjusted to growth and appearance of the plants. Native 

 sea fig may be readily transplanted to beach and dune areas. It is much 

 slower growing and less vigorous than its exotic relatives and is not 

 available commercially. 



(c) Other Plants . A number of other plants in this region 

 invade the foredune area and contribute in varying degrees to the building 

 and stabilization of dunes. American dunegrass occurs sporadically but 

 because of the difficulty of propagating this species in cooler climates, 

 it should be used as a mixture with native plants (see North Pacific 



92 



