Vegetation and vegetation-environment relationships at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mergili ◽  
S. Privett
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Floristic Diversity ◽  
Rock Cover ◽  
Scrub Forest ◽  
Fire Incidence

The private Grootbos Nature Reserve is located at the Western edge of the Agulhas Plain in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, an area characterized by high habitat and floristic diversity. The Reserve is covered in near-natural fynbos shrublands with a few patches of forest and wetland. The main objective of this study was to classify the vegetation into discrete units and relate them to the prevailing environmental conditions. The vegetation was analysed by numerical means (TWINSPAN, DC A, CCA) and mapped on GIS. At the vegetation type level. Forest Thicket and Fynbos formed distinctive clusters, whereas the wetland releves were intermixed, but without relationships to one of these units. Fire incidence served as the major determinant of the forest-fynbos boundary. The Forest Thicket grouping was separated into Thicket (as transitional to fynbos), Afromontane Forest and Milkwood Scrub Forest. Two broad complexes were distinguished within the Fynbos grouping, the Alkaline Sand Fynbos Complex corresponding to Coastal Fynbos. and the Acid Sand Fynbos Complex corresponding to Mountain Fynbos. They discriminated along gradients of pH. soil depth and rock cover. The complexes were further subdivided into formations by using one or a few subjectively chosen dominant species as indicators. The transitions between these formations were rather continuous than discrete. The vegetation type and complex levels correspond well to existing fynbos-wide classifications. Comparing the formations to the results of other vegetation studies is problematic even on the scale of the Agulhas Plain, due to the high regional plant diversity in the Fynbos Biome.

A Phytosociological Study of the Cape Fynbos and other Vegetation at Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch

Bothalia ◽  
1972 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. A. Werger ◽  
F. J. Kruger ◽  
H. C. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
The South ◽  
Cape Fynbos ◽  
Phytosociological Study

The Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method was tested in the complex Fynbos vegetation of the South-western Cape Region o f South Africa. In the Swartboschkloof Nature Reserve, Jonkers- hoek, the Fynbos, riverine scrub and forest vegetation was classified preliminarily into eight com­munities, which are described floristically and related to habitat. The results hold promise, and the possibilities of classifying the Cape Fynbos in a formal phytosociological system are discussed.

Seasonal abundance and parasitism of Mesoclanis seed flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in South Africa, and implications for the biological control of Chrysanthemoides monilifera (Asteraceae) in Australia

1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.B. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Biological Control ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Flowering Period ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Biological Control Agents ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

AbstractThe seasonal abundance and rates of parasitism of three species of Mesoclanis seed flies was studied in South Africa. The three species occur on Chrysanthemoides monilifera, and were recorded during most months of the year, whenever C. monilifera was flowering. At three sites in KwaZulu-Natal, numbers of eggs per capitulum of Mesoclanis polana Munro were highest on C. monilifera rotundata between June and November (winter/spring), towards the end of the main flowering flush. Parasitism of M. polana was between 50% and 90% for most of the year. Two other species of Mesoclanis (M. magnipalpis Bezzi and M. dubia Walker) occurred together on C. m. rotundata in the Eastern Cape (St Francis Bay), where parasitism during the year was between 55% and 95%. Peak numbers of eggs per capitulum (M. magnipalpis and M. dubia combined) occurred in May/June (winter), in the latter part of the main flowering flush. Mesoclanis magnipalpis was the only species recorded on C. m. pisifera in De Hoop Nature Reserve (Western Cape), where there was only one peak of oviposition (May/June), coinciding with the short and discrete flowering period of this subspecies. Parasitism was between 50% and 65%. At least nine species of parasitoid were reared from immature Mesoclanis stages. Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae) was a dominant parasitoid at all sites. Results are discussed in relation to the possible effectiveness of species of Mesoclanis seed flies as biological control agents of C. monilifera in Australia.

The Quality of Biodiversity Inputs to EIA in Areas with High Biodiversity Value — Experience from the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
pp. 1550025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Winston Hallatt ◽  
Francois Pieter Retief ◽  
Luke Alan Sandham
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Public Consultation ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Impact Prediction ◽  
International Trends ◽  
Report Quality ◽  
Insufficient Time

The quality of biodiversity inputs to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in areas with high biodiversity value was investigated by reviewing the quality of a sample of Biodiversity Impact Assessments (BIAs) in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. The results suggest that while the overall performance was satisfactory, several inadequacies were evident, confirming international trends. Inadequacies relate to consideration of alternatives, public consultation, monitoring programmes, and gathering of biodiversity baseline data during inappropriate seasons and over insufficient time periods. Positive outcomes include the incorporation of ecosystems processes in baseline studies and assessment as well as the wide adoption of a precautionary approach to impact prediction. It is recommended that best practice and biodiversity guidance as developed and implemented in the Western Cape Province, be adopted as widely as possible in other provinces, and that the BIA practitioner community be alerted to revealed weakness of BIA report quality.

scholarly journals New scale insects (Homoptera: Coccinea) from the Cape Floristic Region

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilya A. Gavrilov-Zimin ◽  
Philipp E. Chetverikov
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Scale Insect ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Scale Insects ◽  
Insect Species ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
The Family

Three new scale insect species, Coccidohystrix daedalea Gavrilov-Zimin sp. nov., Mirococcopsis ptilura Gavrilov-Zimin sp. nov. (both from the family Pseudococcidae) and Cryptinglisia millari Gavrilov-Zimin sp. nov. (family Coccidae), are described and illustrated from the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

scholarly journals Two new species of Erica (Ericaceae) from the Langeberg, Western Cape, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Turner ◽  
E. G. H. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Type Locality ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Mountain Slope ◽  
The North ◽  
Two New Species

Two new species of the genus Erica L. from the north-facing slopes of the Langeberg are described— E turneri,  known only from the type locality on Zuurbraak Mountain and E. euryphylla,  occurring on the same mountain slope, as well as on the middle north-facing slopes   of Hermitage Peak near Misty Point in the Marloth Nature Reserve above Swellendam.

New species and taxonomic changes within Pentaschistis (Danthonioideae, Poaceae) from Western Cape, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Galley ◽  
H. P. Linder
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
New Species ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Coastal Plains ◽  
Fold Belt ◽  
Western Border ◽  
Taxonomic Changes ◽  
Three New Species ◽  
Cape Fold Belt

Three new species of Pentaschistis (Nees) Stapf are described from the Cape Floristic Region. P. trifida. P clavata and P. horrida. The former has been collected from inland ranges of the Cape Fold Belt, from the Cederberg to the Groot Swartberg. the last two each from single sites in the Koue Bokkeveld:  P. clavata on the wetter western border, and P. horrida on the Baviaansberg. Pentaschistis juncifolia Stapf is re-instated, a species from the coastal plains (Hardeveld) between Bredasdorp and Riversdale, which had been included in P. eriostoma (Nees) Stapf.

scholarly journals The distribution of the dwarf succulent genus Conophytum N.E.Br. (Aizoaceae) in southern Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Young ◽  
Philip G. Desmet
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Conservation Planning ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Geographical Range ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Succulent Karoo ◽  
Winter Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Region

Background: The dwarf succulent genus Conophytum N.E.Br. is one of the most species rich in the Aizoceae. The genus is most closely associated with a region of high floral endemism and biodiversity, the Succulent Karoo biome in south-western Africa.Objectives: To examine the distribution of Conophytum in south-western Namibia and in the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.Method: A database comprising 2798 locality records representing all known species and subspecies of the genus Conophytum has been constructed.Results: The genus is primarily restricted to the arid winter-rainfall region of the Northern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa and south-western Namibia, within the Greater Cape Floristic Region. Whilst taxa are found across all the main biomes in the region (the Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, Desert and Fynbos biomes), 94% of Conophytum taxa are found only in the Succulent Karoo biome and predominantly (88% of taxa) within South Africa. Endemism within specific bioregions is a feature of the genus and ~60% of taxa are endemic to the Succulent Karoo. Approximately 28% of all taxa could be considered point endemics. Whilst the genus has a relatively wide geographical range, we identify a pronounced centre of endemism in the southern Richtersveld.Conclusion: The genus Conophytum can be used as a good botanical model for studying patterns of diversity and speciation in the Succulent Karoo biome, the effects of climate change on dwarf succulents, and for informing conservation planning efforts.

scholarly journals Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) phenology and associated arthropod diversity in the Overberg region, South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonore L. Slabbert ◽  
Rhoda R. Malgas ◽  
Ruan Veldtman ◽  
Pia Addison
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Arthropod Community ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Baseline Knowledge ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
High Level ◽  
Production Areas ◽  
Suction Sampling

Background: Cyclopia is endemic to regions of the Cape Floristic Region across the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa and is commonly known as honeybush. Honeybush has historically been used as an herbal tea, and has proven medicinal properties. Honeybush biomass and extracts are used in the functional foods and cosmetics sectors, both locally and overseas. The growing demand for honeybush calls for increased agricultural production and a shift away from the predominantly wild harvested supply.Objectives: The current study aimed to address the lack of baseline knowledge on honeybush phenology and its associated arthropod community to advance sustainable production of commercially valued plants in the genus.Method: The study was conducted on wild and cultivated Cyclopia species (Cyclopia maculata and Cyclopia genistoides) at respective sites in the Overberg region. Sampling took place from April 2014 to April 2015 using qualitative methods for recording seasonal honeybush phenology and suction sampling for aboveground arthropods. Focal insect taxa (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera) were sorted and identified to family level and classified into functional feeding guilds.Results: Qualitative phenology observations of wild C. maculata and cultivated C. genistoides indicated a high level of congruency in seasonality of phenophase stages. Associated arthropod assemblages contained a diversity of families per functional feeding group, namely phytophagous, zoophagous and omnivorous taxa, with high seasonal variability.Conclusion: Findings highlight the complexity of ecological elements to be taken into consideration for ecologically sound honeybush cultivation. Outcomes can be applied to land management practices and governance policies promoting sustainable agroecosystems in honeybush production areas.

scholarly journals A checklist of the non-acarine arachnids (Chelicerata: Arachnida) of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape Province, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Haddad ◽  
Ansie S. Dippenaar-Schoeman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Coastal Dunes ◽  
Alien Invasive Species ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Habitat Transformation ◽  
Eucalyptus Plantations

As part of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) in conserved areas, arachnids were collected in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. The survey was carried out between 1999 and 2007, and consisted of five intensive surveys between two and 12 days in duration. Arachnids were sampled in five broad habitat types, namely fynbos, wetlands, i.e. De Hoop Vlei, Eucalyptus plantations at Potberg and Cupido’s Kraal, coastal dunes near Koppie Alleen and the intertidal zone at Koppie Alleen. A total of 274 species representing five orders, 65 families and 191 determined genera were collected, of which spiders (Araneae) were the dominant taxon (252 spp., 174 genera, 53 families). The most species rich families collected were the Salticidae (32 spp.), Thomisidae (26 spp.), Gnaphosidae (21 spp.), Araneidae (18 spp.), Theridiidae (16 spp.) and Corinnidae (15 spp.). Notes are provided on the most commonly collected arachnids in each habitat.Conservation implications: This study provides valuable baseline data on arachnids conserved in De Hoop Nature Reserve, which can be used for future assessments of habitat transformation, alien invasive species and climate change on arachnid biodiversity.

Threatened Limestone Fynbos plant communities of Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve, Western Cape

Bothalia ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-102
Author(s):  
M. M. Zietsman ◽  
G. J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Cape Floristic Region ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Floristic Data ◽  
The Relationship

The vegetation of inland plains and hills of the Andrew’s Field and Tsaba-Tsaba Nature Reserve, Bredasdorp District, Western Cape was classified using TWINSPAN and Braun-Blanquet procedures. The resulting four plant communities and nine subcommunities were described and interpreted ecologically. The vegetation was sampled using 97 randomly stratified plots. The floristic composition, Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance of each species, and various environmental variables were recorded in each sample plot. The relationship between the vegetation units and the associated environmental gradients was confirmed by ordination, using the DECORANA computer program, applied to the floristic data set. The conservation priority of each vegetation unit was determined by taking the occurrence of Red Data List species, limestone endemic species and Cape Floristic Region endemic species into consideration. TTie distribution of the plant communities can mainly be ascribed to differences in the clay/sand content of the soil and the degree of exposure of the vegetation to the dominating winds (southeastern and northwestern) of the area.

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