The vegetation ecology of the Eastern Transvaal Escarpment in the Sabie area. 1. Physical environment

Abstract

The physiography, geology, soil and climate of a broad transect of the Eastern Transvaal Escarpment in the Sabie area are described. The transect extends from Hazyview (530 m elevation) to Mount Anderson (2 280 m elevation). The description provides a contextual framework for the subsequent vegetation classification.

The vegetation ecology of the Eastern Transvaal Escarpment in the Sabie area. 2. Floristic classification

“…Further information on species mentioned in the text but not included in synoptic tables is documented in an annotated checklist (Deall & Backer 1989).…”

A new species of Pearsonia (Fabaceae) from dolomites in Northern Province, South Africa

“…These geomorphological factors are brought about by the results of geological processes. In this case, the escarpment is the cause for the marked differences in climate because it forms a transition area between the warmer Lowveld to the east and the climatically more extreme Highveld plateau to the west (Deall et al 1989). The escarpment is composed of resistant quartzites that are bordered on the west by less resistant dolomites that are more easily weathered.…”

“…Within a regional climate, the transformation of the landscape by physical and chemical irregularities gives rise to a host of discrete habitats and therefore, when microclimates foster a unique flora, the ultimate cause must be considered geological (Kruckeberg & Rabinowitz 1985). The Wolkberg Centre is a region with a great diversity of natural habitats (Deall et al 1989). This diversity elicits the vegetation response reflected in the numerous syntaxa that have been described (Deall & Backer 1989).…”

“…The Wolkberg Centre is a region with a great diversity of natural habitats (Deall et al 1989). This diversity elicits the vegetation response reflected in the numerous syntaxa that have been described (Deall & Backer 1989).…”

Ordination as a tool for substantiating and interpreting floristic classifications: a case study

“…Vegetation response is accordingly towards a closed/open woodland with low vegetal cover (Communities 41 to 44, Figure 3). Supplementary moisture in the form of 'fog-drip' (Deall et al 1989), (Figure 4). This suggests that Vegeta tion Type 4 .2 .4 .1 may be a classificatory artefact, with lithology and physiography playing a much less signifi cant role in community differentiation than is indicated by the phytosociological classification.…”