THE PHYTOSOCIOLOGY AND STRUCTURE OF VEGETATION NEAR VILLA NORA, NORTH-WESTERN TRANSVAAL, SOUTH-AFRICA

The phytosociology and structure of the woody layer of the Mixed and A rid Sweet Bushveld near Villa Nora, north-western Transvaal, is presen ted. Releves were compiled in 46 stratified random sample plots. The B raun-Blanquet procedure and Variable Quadrant Plot Method revealed thr ee distinct plant communities, two sub-communities and six variants wh ich correlated with soil type. A hierarchical classification, descript ion and ecological interpretation of the vegetation units are presente d. The results of a DECORANA ordination corroborate the vegetation uni ts and associated ecological interpretation of the Braun-Blanquet clas sification. Three areas uniform in vegetation and soil type were ident ified as suitable management units for game ranching.