Combining floristic and growth form composition in a gradient- directed vegetation survey of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa
The floristically complex vegetation of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve (MNR). which spans the ecotone between the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes in the eastern Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, was surveyed using a gradient-directed transect (gradsect). The gradsect was aligned with a topo-ciimati...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
South African National Biodiversity Institut
2000-09-01
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| Series: | Bothalia: African Biodiversity & Conservation |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://abcjournal.org/index.php/abc/article/view/556 |
| Summary: | The floristically complex vegetation of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve (MNR). which spans the ecotone between the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes in the eastern Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, was surveyed using a gradient-directed transect (gradsect). The gradsect was aligned with a topo-ciimatic aridity gradient across MNR. The vegetation was classified using TWINSPAN. based on a combination of floristic and growth form characteristics, and an understanding of the main ecological gradients controlling vegetation distribution. The final classification described seven robust and eco
logically meaningful communities that represented a trade-off between statistical rigour and practicality for management.
The seven communities were mapped using a geographical information system (GIS). |
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| ISSN: | 0006-8241 2311-9284 |