The vegetation of seasonally flooded areas of the Pongolo River Floodplain

Abstract

The Braun-Blanquet method of phytosociological analysis has been used to identify the plant communities of the seasonally flooded areas of the Pongolo River Floodplain. Six communities and two sub-communities, whose distribution is closely related to relative periods of exposure and inundation, were recognized. The structure and interrelationships of the communities are considered and the role of human activities in determining their extent is commented upon. Comparison is made with similar situations elsewhere in Africa.