Original Research

Semi-arid savanna of the Potlake Nature Reserve and surrounding areas in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa

S.J. Siebert, M. Matthee, A.E. van Wyk
Koedoe | Vol 46, No 1 | a42 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v46i1.42 | © 2003 S.J. Siebert, M. Matthee, A.E. van Wyk | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 17 December 2003 | Published: 17 December 2003

About the author(s)

S.J. Siebert, University of Pretoria, South Africa
M. Matthee, University of Pretoria, South Africa
A.E. van Wyk, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Abstract

A hierarchical classification, description, and ecological and floristic interpretations are presented on the vegetation types of the semi-arid northern savanna of the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism. Relevés were compiled in 47 stratified random plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed eight plant communities, classified as four associations, one of which is subdivided into five sub-associations. For each plant community, the floristic richness, endemism and conservation status was determined. Much of the plant community distribution can be ascribed to environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. An ordination (DECORANA), based on floristic data, showed environmental gradients that possibly exist between plant communities and associated habitats. The floristic information, proposed classification, general description and vegetation key, can be used for the identification and monitoring of protected areas, land-use planning, and further conservation research.

Keywords

Biodiversity; Conservation; Limpopo; Phytosociology; Savanna; Sekhukhuneland; Syntaxonomy; Ultramafic

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