|
Description: |
DISTRIBUTION: The CDFmm
is restricted to low elevations along southeast
Vancouver Island from Bowser to Victoria, the Gulf
Islands south of Cortes Island, and a narrow strip
along the Sunshine Coast near Halfmoon Bay. Elevational
limits range from sea level to approximately 150
m. CLIMATE: The CDFmm lies in the rainshadow of
the Vancouver Island and Olympic mountains resulting
in warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Growing
seasons are very long and feature pronounced water
deficits on zonal and drier sites. The CDFmm represents
the mildest climate in Canada.
VEGETATION: Forests on zonal sites are dominated
by Fd, as well as Bg and Cw. The understorey is
dominated by salal, dull Oregongrape, ocean-spray,
and Kindbergia oregana. Less prominent species include
baldhip rose, snowberry, western trumpet honeysuckle,
vanillaleaf, and Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus. Drier
sites are characterized by the presence of Garry
oak and arbutus, as well as numerous members of
the lily family.
|
