The phytosiology of the natural vegetation occuring in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

The natural vegetation of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site (COH WHS) was classified using Braun-blanquet methodology. This identified 22 distinct plant communities and 2 variants. Sampling took place over two growing seasons with a total of 91 releves being compiled. A stratified random approach to sampling used Land Types as a means of primary area stratification, with terrain position providing the means for further refinement. The grassland comprised of 12 plant communities and 2 variants and the woodland comprised of 10 plant communities. The classification of the woodland areas included some bush clumps associated with the entrances of caves which were also described independently in which seven distinct plant communities were identified A positive linear correlation exists between the size of the cave entrances and the extent to which the surrounding woody vegetation extends. This suggests the likelihood of cave entrance size influencing the surrounding vegetation.