Spatial variation in the distribution and abundance of submersed macrophytes in an Australian subtropical river

Spatial variation in the distribution and abundance of submersed macrophytes in the Mary River, a subtropical Australian river, was examined at 29 sites on four occasions (116 samples) over a one year period. Thirteen submersed macrophyte taxa representing seven families were recorded during the study period. Submersed macrophyte cover was generally patchy and mean quadrat cover per sample was below 7% for every recorded taxon. Classification and ordination identified four distinct groups characterised by differences in submersed macrophyte abundance and associated environmental variables.