Original Research

Palynological evidence for vegetation patterns in the Transvaal (South Africa) during the late Pleistocene and Holocene

L. Scott
Bothalia | Vol 14, No 3/4 | a1191 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v14i3/4.1191 | © 1983 L. Scott | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 03 November 1983 | Published: 06 November 1983

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L. Scott, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of the Orange Free State, South Africa

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Abstract

Palynological evidence relating to the nature of Late Quaternary vegetation types and plant migrations in the Transvaal is briefly summarized. It is suggested that, after an early temperate, relatively moist phase and a subsequent relatively dry phase lasting until about 25 000 yr B.P., a vegetation-type with ericaceous elements developed. It resembled belts presently occurring above the treeline and was possibly widespread over the plains of the Transvaal during the last glacial maximum period. In the central parts of the province, warm semi-arid savanna subsequently expanded during the early Holocene and was followed by a more broad-leafed type of woodland in the late Holocene. This change probably resulted from slightly wetter and, at times, also slightly warmer and cooler conditions.


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Crossref Citations

1. ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY POLLEN RAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA—A REVIEW
T. R. Hill
Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa  vol: 50  issue: 1  first page: 27  year: 1995  
doi: 10.1080/00359199509520327