Combining floristic and growth form composition in a gradient-directed vegetation survey of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The floristically complex vegetation of Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve (MNR), which spans the ecotone between the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo Biomes in the eastern Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, was surveyed using a gradient-directed transect (gradsect). The gradsect was aligned with a topo-climatic aridity gradient across MNR. The vegetation was classified using TWINSPAN, based on a combination of floristic and growth form characteristics, and an understanding of the main ecological gradients controlling vegetation distribution. The final classifcation described seven robust and ecologically meaningful communities that represented a trade-off between statistical rigour and practicality for management. The seven communities were mapped using a geographical information system (GIS).