152 
Nancy T. Burbidge 
It was at least two and possibly three years since the plants on the 
]-est of the (]uadrat had germinated. They were about 30-40 cm. high. 
In Fig-ure 4 (50 x 50 links = 10 x 10 metres) the adult tussock stage 
is represented. TriodUi pungens had estal)lished a closed community and 
ephemeral growth was negligible. 
The quadrat was surveyed on ground about two hundred yards from 
the experimental plots. All ephemeral growth Avas dead Avhen the mapping 
was done in June. Observations suggest that it was at least live years 
since this patch of ground had been burnt and probably much longer. The 
])lants were about 70-100 cm. high. 
Country surrounding the (piadrat carried occasional plants of blood- 
wood {Eucalyptus dichromophloia) , kangi {Acacia pyrijoha) and geina 
( Carissa lanceolata ) . 
HECIFNEEATION. 
The germination of Triodia seeds is rapid after rain has suliieiently 
moistened the soil. The process seems to be i elated to soil moisture and not 
to any particular period of the year. However only those ]dants which 
germinate early in the year form a root system extensive enough to support 
it during the drought conditions of the ensuing summer months. 
