Notulae Florae Beninensis, 13—Biogeographical analysis of the vegetation in Benin

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to the understanding of the West African phytogeography, and particularly the vegetation of Benin. We describe the major vegetation types in Benin using numerical analysis, analyse the chorological differentiation of the flora within them using a phytogeographical index and examine the relations between vegetation types, chorological categories and underlying ecological factors using cluster, correspondence and linear regression analyses. Twenty vegetation types grouped into four geographically separated groups are described and patterned along a south—north climatic gradient. We demonstrate the predictive value of vegetation type with regard to chorological categories and underlying ecological factors. Furthermore, we propose a phytochorological map that represents a synthesis reflecting the vegetation, chorological and climatic patterns in Benin.