A Phytosociological synthesis of Acacia Tortilis communities in the North-western savanna of South Africa

Abstract

Data from 29 vegetation studies in the Central Savanna of South Africa were combined into a synoptic data set. Reclassification of this data set resulted in the identification of four major vegetation types, representing phytosociological classes: the Commiphoro mollis-Colophospermetea mopani, the Panico maximi-Acacietea tortilis, the Terminalio sericeae-Combretetea apiculati and the Englerophyto magalismontani-Acacietea caffrae. The results indicate that the Mountain Bushveld is a separate, very diverse vegetation type with many different communities. It may be interpreted that the Arid Sweet Bushveld could be divided into two distinct vegetation types. The species composition of the Panico maximi-Acacietea tortilis suggests an Acacia dominated vegetation on clay soils, as well as on sandy deposits, overlying the clay. A hierarchical syntaxonomy was derived for the Panico maximi-Acacietea tortilis. Two subclasses, four orders, 10 alliances and 36 associations were identified of which two subclasses, three orders, eight alliances and 15 associations were newly described according to the code for syntaxonomic nomenclature.