Continuum or zonation? Altitudinal gradients in the forest vegetation of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Abstract

Based on the analysis of 600 vegetation plots using the method of Braun-Blanquet (1964) the composition of the whole vascular forest plant flora with about 1220 species was studied in the forests of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The altitudinal distribution of all strata (trees, shrubs, epiphytes, lianas and herbs) along a transect of 2400 m is discussed with respect to altitudinal zonation and ecological factors. With uni-dimensionally constraint clustering significant discontinuities were revealed that occurred simultaneously in the different strata. Thus even in structurally highly complex, multilayered tropical montane forests distinct community units exist that can be surveyed and classified by the Braun-Blanquet approach. This observed zonation was significantly correlated with altitude, temperature and soil acidity (pH); rainfall was of importance in particular for the zonation of epiphytes. Other key factors were humidity (influenced by stable cloud condensation belts) and minimum temperature (in particular the occurrence of frost at 2700 m altitude upslope). The contrary results of other transect studies in East Africa in respect to continuity of change in floristic composition appear to be caused by different sampling methods and intensities or mixing of data from areas with different climate conditions, whereas species richness did not influence the clarity of floristic discontinuities on Kilimanjaro and other parts of East Africa.