THE SUBHUMID WARM TEMPERATE MOUNTAIN BUSHVELD PLANT-COMMUNITIES OF THE PRETORIA-WITBANK-HEIDELBERG AREA

An analysis of the plant communities d the Sub-humid Warm Temperate Mo untain Bushveld of the Pretoria-Witbank-Heidelberg area is presented. Releves were compiled in 44 stratified random sample plots. A TWINSPAN classification, refined by Braun-Blanquet procedures, revealed six pl ant communities and four variations which can be regarded as distinct ecological units. A hierarchical classification, description and ecolo gical interpretation of the six plant communities and variations are p resented. Each of these plant communities may be regarded as a unique entity with its own species composition and specific environmental rel ationships. The identification, classification and description of thes e plant communities are not only important for vegetation management p urposes but also as a scientific basis for the compilation of policies for the preservation of biotic diversity.