A reconnaissance survey of the vegetation of the plains in the Potchefstroom–Fochville–Parys area

Abstract

As part of a research programme on the synthesis of the vegetation of the western Grassland Biome, the plant communities of the Potchefstroom–Fochville–Parys area were investigated. The results of a numerical classification (Twinspan) of 52 relevés were refined by Braun–Blanquet procedures. The analyses revealed seven plant communities which may be grouped into three major plant communities. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the plant communities distinguished, are presented. Die plantgemeenskappe van die Potchefstroom–Fochville–Parysgebied is as deel van ’n navorsings-program oor ’n sintese van die plantegroei van die westelike Grasveldbioom, ondersoek. Die resultate van ’n numeriese klassifikasie (Twinspan) van 52 relevés is met Braun–Blanquet prosedures verfyn. As resultaat is sewe plantgemeenskappe, wat in drie hoofplantgemeenskappe gegroepeer kan word, onderskei. ’n Hiërargiese klassifikasie, beskrywing en ekologiese interpretasie van die plantgemeenskappe word aangebied.