AN OVERVIEW OF THE VEGETATION OF THE VREDE-MEMEL-WARDEN AREA, NORTH-EASTERN ORANGE-FREE-STATE

An analysis of the major plant communities of the north-eastern Orange Free State is presented. Releves were compiled in 264 stratified rand om sample plots. Refinement of a TWINSPAN classification by Braun-Blan quet procedures revealed six major plant communities, for which a hier archical classification, description and ecological interpretation are given. These major communities are large-scale ecological units, each having its own specific species composition and agricultural potentia l, and each requiring different management strategies for optimal util ization and conservation.