The grasses of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve: Their habitat preferences and synecological significance.

Abstract

A classification is presented of the vegetation of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, based on the habitat preferences of the grass species, and processed according to the Braun-Blanquet method. Habitat factors correlated with the grasses include geological formation, altitude, aspect, slope, stoniness, soil depth, soil pH and soil texture. The classification comprises 12 vegetation units which mostly coincide with the higher units of a previous classification based on total floristic composition. These ecologically meaningful vegetation units represent practical units which may be valuable in a management programme.

Keywords: altitude; aspect; botany; braun-blanquet; classification; composition; floristic composition; grass; grasses; habitat factors; habitat preferences; management; ph; poaceae; slope; soil depth; soil texture; south africa; suikerbosrand nature reserve; vegetation; vegetation units