THE PHYTOSOCIOLOGY OF THE GRASSLANDS OF THE BA AND IB LAND TYPES IN THE PRETORIA-WITBANK-HEIDELBERG AREA

An analysis of the plant communities of the grasslands of the Pretoria -Witbank-Heidelberg area is presented. Releves were compiled in 148 st ratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Br aun-Blanquet procedures, revealed fourteen plant communities, and a hi erarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation o f these plant communities are presented. Each of these plant communiti es may be regarded as an entity with a unique species composition, and with specific environmental relationships and an inherent forage prod uction potential. The identification, classification and description o f these plant communities are not only important for management purpos es, but also for the preservation of biotic diversity.