SYNTAXONOMY OF THE VEGETATION OF THE FB LAND TYPE IN THE WESTERN TRANSVAAL GRASSLAND, SOUTH-AFRICA

Relatively little is known about the vegetation of the western Grassla nd Biome in South Africa. The classification of the vegetation of the Fb land type forms part of a research programme on the synthesis of th e vegetation of the western Grassland Biome. Using a numerical classif ication technique (TWINSPAN) as a first approximation, the classificat ion was refined by applying Braun-Blanquet procedures. The result is a phytosociological table where two new alliances and seven new associa tions are recognized. The new syntaxa are ecologically interpreted as well as described. Associated gradients in habitat were identified by using an ordination algorithm (DECORANA). This study should contribute to the present knowledge and ecological understanding of the vegetati on of the western Transvaal grassland.