The ecology of the False Bay estuarine environments, Cape, South Africa. 1. The coastal vegetation

Abstract

The vegetation in and around eleven estuaries flowing into False Bay was surveyed during 1980 and 1981. Use was made of colour aerial photographs and a combination of dominance and phytosocioiogical techniques. Of the communities established, three are aquatic and four are described as emergent or wetlands. Of the terrestrial communities, five are described as fynbos and four occur on coastal sands. One community consists solely of alien plants. The communities thus classified generally compare well with those discussed by other workers in the area. However, differences due to the destruction and disturbance of the vegetation are commented upon.