A synecological account of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. I. The phytosociology of the Witwatersrand geological system

Abstract

The vegetation of the Witwatersrand System of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is analysed and classified according to the Braun-Blanquet table method. Descriptions of the plant communities include habitat features, differentiating species groups, as well as prominent and less conspicuous species for the tree, shrub and herbaceous layers. The habitat factors that are associated with differences in vegetation are mainly altitude, aspect and rockiness of the soil surface, but soil depth, soil texture and slope are also factors of considerable importance. The classification results in very natural communities which represent different ecosystems.