Habitat factors influencing the distribution of Cymbopogon validus in Mkambati Game Reserve, Transkei

Abstract

The factors influencing the distribution of Cymbopogon validus in Mkambati Game Reserve were investigated using multivariate techniques. C. validus was found to be present on nutrient-rich, clay soils and absent from dystrophic, sandy soils. This could account for the patchy distribution of C. validus in the reserve and may limit its expansion into the surrounding grasslands. There was no correlation between measured soil variables and the density and size of C. validus plants within C. validus sites.

Keywords: botany; clay soils; correspondence analysis; cymbopogon validus; distribution; disturbance; game reserve; grassland; grasslands; habitat conditions; habitat factors; mkambati game reserve; principal component analysis; soils; south africa; technique; transkei

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, Vol. 11(1), pp. 1-6