Abstract
Community structure and composition of the coastal fynbos and rocky headland plant communities south of George, southern Cape, were studied. Vegetation was analysed using standard sampling procedures of the floristic-sociological approach of Braun-Blanquet. The releve data were subject to TWIN SPAN-based divisive classification, and ordinated by Principal Coordinates Analysis with the aim to identify vegetation coenocline subsequently interpreted in terms of underlying environmental gradients. Most of the sampled vegetation was classified as coastal fynbos. The Leucadendron salignum-Tetraria cuspidata Fynbos Community was found to occupy sheltered habitats, whereas the Relhania calyci- na-Passerina vulgaris Fynbos Community was found in exposed habitats The other two communities characterise strongly exposed rocky headlands. The Pterocelastrus tricuspidatus-Ruschia tenella Community is wind-sheared scrub, and the Gazania rigens- Limonium scabrum Rocky Headland Community is a loose-canopy, low-grown herbland, characterised by the occurrence of partly salt-tolerant and succulent herbs. The ordination of the fynbos communities revealed a horseshoe structure allowing a direct recognition of a coenocline spanning two fynbos communities along the Axis 1 interpreted in terms of exposure to wind and salt spray. A considerable amount of alien plant infestation was also present. This appears to be the largest threat to the continued existence of this coastal fynbos.
Highlights
STUDY AREAFynbos occurring in close vicinity of the coast has been studied in detail in many regions of South Africa (Boucher 1977; Van der Merwe 1979; Cowling 1984; Taylor 1985; Hellstrom 1990; Taylor & Boucher 1993; Hoare 1994)
79 km of the central south coast falls into existing protected areas, namely the Goukamma Nature Reserve, the Robberg Nature Reserve and the Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park (Jarman 1986)
The extent of vegeta tion cover outside formally protected areas has been con siderably transformed, and of the remaining natural areas large portions have been invaded by alien species. It was suggested by Cape Nature Conservation (George) that a detailed study be undertaken along the coast south of George to provide information on the local vegetation and flora and possible importance of the study area for conser vation
Summary
Fynbos occurring in close vicinity of the coast has been studied in detail in many regions of South Africa (Boucher 1977; Van der Merwe 1979; Cowling 1984; Taylor 1985; Hellstrom 1990; Taylor & Boucher 1993; Hoare 1994). The extent of vegeta tion cover outside formally protected areas has been con siderably transformed, and of the remaining natural areas large portions have been invaded by alien species It was suggested by Cape Nature Conservation (George) that a detailed study be undertaken along the coast south of George to provide information on the local vegetation and flora and possible importance of the study area for conser vation The coastal cliffs of the study area are Rooiklip Granite-Gneiss of the Kaaimans Group and are pre-Cape intrusive granite rocks (South African Committee for Stratigraphy 1980) These rocks are important because, upon weathering, they form base-rich substrates containing exchangeable cations that are important for soil formation and plant nutrient cycling (Deacon et al 1992). Easterlies and southeasterlies had the second highest importance values, but these were most prevalent during spring and summer (September to March)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
