KwaZulu – Natal Vegetation Type Description
Document for Vegetation Map 2011:
kznveg05v2_1_11_wll.shp
Authors:
C.R. Scott Shaw
Dr B. Escott
Scientific
Recommended Citation:
Scott-Shaw, C.R and Escott, B.J. (Eds) (2011) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Pre-Transformation
Vegetation Type Map – 2011. Unpublished GIS Coverage [kznveg05v2_1_11_wll.zip],
Biodiversity Conservation Planning Division, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, P. O. Box 13053,
Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202.
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4
Vegetation Type (VT) Map Changes ......................................................................................... 4
Vegetation Type Descriptions.................................................................................................. 11
Wetlands (Azonal Vegetation)................................................................................................. 11
AZa 7 Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation ............................................................................ 11
AZd 4 Subtropical Seashore Vegetation: ......................................................................... 12
AZf 3 Eastern Temperate Freshwater Wetlands............................................................... 12
AZf 4 Freshwater Wetlands: Drakensberg Wetlands ....................................................... 13
AZf 5 Lesotho Mires ........................................................................................................ 13
AZf 6 Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands .......................................................................... 14
AZi 11 Subtropical Salt Pans............................................................................................ 14
AZm Marine Saline Wetlands: ......................................................................................... 15
Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome: ........................................................................................... 15
AZs 3 Subtropical Dune Thicket ...................................................................................... 15
CB 1 Maputaland Coastal Belt ......................................................................................... 15
CB 2 Maputaland Wooded Grassland .............................................................................. 16
CB 3 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland .................................................................. 16
CB 4 Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld .......................................................... 16
CB 6 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld (New) ...................................................... 17
Forest Biome& Azonal Forests ................................................................................................ 18
FOa 1 Lowveld Riverine Forest ....................................................................................... 18
FOa 2 Swamp Forest ........................................................................................................ 18
FOa 3 Mangrove Forest .................................................................................................... 19
FOz 2 Northern Afrotemperate Forest.............................................................................. 19
FOz 3 Southern Mistbelt Forest........................................................................................ 20
FOz 5 Scarp Forest ........................................................................................................... 20
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FOz 7 Northern Coastal Forest ......................................................................................... 21
FOz 8 Sand Forest ............................................................................................................ 22
Grassland Biome ...................................................................................................................... 23
Gd 4 Southern Drakensberg Highland Grassland............................................................. 23
Gd 5 Northern Drakensberg Highland Grassland............................................................. 23
Gd 6 Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos ......................................................... 24
Gd 7 uKhahlamba Basalt Grassland ................................................................................. 24
Gd 8 Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland......................................................................... 24
Gd 10 Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland ....................................................................... 25
Gm 4 Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland ....................................................................... 26
Gm 5 Basotho Montane Shrubland .................................................................................. 26
Gm 13 Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland .................................................................. 27
Gm 14 Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland ...................................................................... 27
Gm 15 Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland .......................................................................... 28
Gm 16 KaNgwane Montane Grassland ............................................................................ 28
Gs 1 Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland..................................................................... 28
Gs 2 Ithala Quartzite Sourveld ......................................................................................... 29
Gs 3 Low Escarpment Moist Grassland ........................................................................... 29
Gs 4 Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland .............................................................. 29
Gs 6 KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld ....................................................................... 30
Gs 7 Income Sandy Grassland .......................................................................................... 30
Gs 8 Mooi River Highland Grassland .............................................................................. 31
Gs 9 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland ................................................................................... 31
Gs 10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland .................................................................. 31
Gs 11 Southern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland ............................................................ 32
Gs 12 East Griqualand Grassland ..................................................................................... 32
Gs 13 Mabela Sandy Grassland ........................................................................................ 32
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Gs 19 Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland (New) ................................................................. 33
Gs 20 Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland (New) .............................................................. 34
Gs 21 KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld ...................................................................... 35
Savanna Biome ........................................................................................................................ 35
SVl 3 Granite Lowveld ..................................................................................................... 35
SVl 4 Delagoa Lowveld ................................................................................................... 36
SVl 14 Swaziland Sour Bushveld ..................................................................................... 36
SVl 16 Southern Lebombo Bushveld ............................................................................... 36
SVl 17 Lebombo Summit Sourveld.................................................................................. 37
SVl 18 Tembe Sandy Bushveld ........................................................................................ 37
SVl 19 Western Maputaland Sandy Bushveld ................................................................. 38
SVl 20 Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld .................................................................... 38
SVl 21 Makatini Clay Thicket .......................................................................................... 38
SVl 22 Northern Zululand Sourveld ................................................................................. 39
SVl 23 Zululand Lowveld ................................................................................................ 39
SVl 24 Zululand Coastal Thornveld ................................................................................. 40
SVl 25 Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld (New) .......................................................... 40
SVl 26 Muzi Palm Veld and Wooded Grassland (New) .................................................. 41
SVs 1 Thukela Valley Bushveld ....................................................................................... 42
SVs 2 Thukela Thornveld ................................................................................................. 42
SVs 3 KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld ................................................................... 43
SVs 6 Eastern Valley Bushveld ........................................................................................ 43
References: ............................................................................................................................... 44
Appendix1 ................................................................................................................................ 45
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Introduction
Purpose: This product was created to provide an accurate representation of the historical
extent of the vegetation types present in KZN with the most current available information.
A key issue of concern is our current lack of knowledge regarding the historical extents of
both our wetland and forest biomes. Almost all vegetation mapping conducted currently only
displays the current extent of the feature in question. As such, no true understanding as to
rates of loss and or minimum required habitat areas required to ensure persistence can be
accurately determined. This issue further influences our understanding of the
grassland/savannah/bushland matrix (hereafter referred to as the matrix) within which these
features reside. Currently it is assumed that all natural vegetative extent not underlying either
a forest or wetland is by default matrix. With a better understanding of the historic extents’ of
the former two biomes, it is quickly apparent that the historic extent of the matrix
components ‘contracts’ in accordance. This ‘loss’ in extent has an implication as to the status
of the matrix component in question over and above that already determined when taking
habitat loss as a result of transformation* into account.
In order to try and capture both the historic and current extent of key wetland and forest
features, we have introduced a new field called {DESIG}.
*Transformation – in this context, transformation is defined as being a complete removal of natural biodiversity
features through either cultivation, mining or surface hardening practices i.e. roads, industrial developments,
settlement, etc.
Vegetation Type (VT) Map Changes
Why is it different from National VT Map (Mucina and Rutherford (2006))?
The KZN VT map has undergone several changes since the publication of the Mucina and
Rutherford (2006) national VT. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo) has, in collaboration
with various government departments, NGOs, Working Groups and Forums e.g. KZN
Wetland Forum, IAIA (members of the International Association for Impact Assessment),
municipalities and parastatals, refined the KZN VT to develop an accurate representation of
the pre-transformation extent of the vegetation types present. As a result of the finer scale
mapping and classification, KZN VT map has in some cases identified new vegetation types
and or subtypes within the vegetation types identified at national level. These changes have
been peer reviewed and adopted by the National Vegetation Committee, and will be
incorporated into the revised SA Vegmap. These new vegetation types and subtypes
descriptions are described in this document, under the “Vegetation Type Descriptions”
section, also located in the write up file supplied.
Why is there a difference between national and provincial targets?
The vegetation targets utilised within the KZN VT have been derived from various sources
namely:
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-
targets set for national vegetation types of South Africa (Desmet, 2004; Mucina and
Rutherford, 2006)
updated provincial targets for vegetation types (Jewitt, 2009)
forest targets from Berliner (2005)
targets from National Protected Area Expansion Strategy 2008 (Government of South
Africa)
When selecting the targets the higher target from the above list was selected.
In addition the targets utilised in the KZN VT have also been tailored to reflect the following:
-
differences in phytosociological data available at the time of analyses
vegetation types that are endemic to KZN compared to vegetation types that extend
beyond the provincial boundaries
finer scale mapping associated with provincial vegetation map as compared to broad
scale national mapping
the differences between extrapolated targets and calculated targets
Why is then a difference between national and provincial conservation status?
The conservation status for KZN VT was derived using criterion A1 (national list of
ecosystems that are threatened and in need of protection as per section 52(1)(a) of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No.10 of 2004)). The
difference in conservation status between national and provincial VT map is driven mainly
by:
- the fine scale mapping of the historical extent and distribution of VTs
- amalgamation, removal and addition of new provincial VTs
- the use of a provincial transformation dataset, which is of higher resolution, more
accurate and temporally relevant as compared to the national transformation dataset
used to determine the national VT conservation status.
Why is there a difference between 2009 and 2011 KZN VT conservation status?
Ezemvelo is continually improving the dataset as and when more accurate data becomes
available. This includes field verified data, captured by various individuals or organisations
as mentioned above. Through this process, significant improvements in the forest, estuarine
and wetland vegetation type classifications and delineation have been incorporated over the
last couple of years. In the KZN VT 2009 version, which was the last distributed version, the
area of covered by wetland related vegetation types, both fresh and saline, was approximately
118 744 ha (1.25% of the province). In the 2011 version the 428 795 ha (4.52% of the
province) of the province was mapped as being wetland vegetation types. Again note this is
historic distribution of the vegetation and they may have been transformed to date and this is
reflected in the ‘Desig’ field explained in this document.
Apart from the differences in the spatial extents of the VTs for the reasons outlined above,
the transformation surfaces used in the determination of the degree of biodiversity loss differs
between the different VT temporal versions.
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2009 version
-
-
The 2005 v2 land cover was used, this version had errors associated with it, which
were corrected in a later version, 2005 v3.
The transformation dataset which was used to determine level of transformation was
derived solely from the 2005 v2 land cover, included the combined buffered
transformation. The combined buffer was 600m around rural dwellings (low density
settlements) located within sourveld vegetation types, and 200m around rural
dwelling located within sweetveld vegetation types.
Any grassland less than 12ha were removed.
2011 version
-
-
Accumulated transformation derived from the 1994, 2000, 2005 v3 and 2008 land
cover predictions was used to determine the level of transformation. The accumulated
transformation method of analyses ensures that previously transformed areas such old
cultivated fields which have subsequently become abandoned or ‘snail-trail’ mining
(e.g. along the dunes on the north coast) do not revert to a natural category in a later
land cover maps. This is in line with the transformation definition which states that
‘areas that have and will remain permanently and irreversibly altered from a soil and
indigenous floristic species richness and composition perspective’ are considered
transformed. Similarly, untransformed areas are those ‘areas that have had no known
recognisable anthropogenic impacts that have permanently changed indigenous
floristic species richness and composition in the long term (100 years)’ (Jewitt, 2011).
Any patches less than 4ha were removed.
What are the implications of the aforementioned differences?
Fine scale mapping and availability of more accurate historical extent and distribution
information, especially with forest; wetland; and estuarine VTs, has resulted in a
change of the conservation status of many of the VTs within the 2011 KZN VT. It
must be carefully understood the 2009 conservation status is not incorrect but merely
improved with the changes incorporated into the VT map. To illustrate the
repercussions of the refinement of VT boundaries and changes in classification on the
vegetation conservation status, please refer to the diagram 1 below. Table 1, below
illustrates how the change in vegetation boundaries and addition of another vegetation
type changes the status.
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Table 1: Differences between 2009 and 2011 historical extent, conservation target, remaining habitat,
transformed habitat, 4ha area removed and conservation status of Midlands Mistbelt Grassland
VT
Version
Historical
Extent (ha)
Conservation
Target (%)
*Remaining
Habitat (ha)
*Remaining
Habitat (%)
Conservation
Status
Midlands Mistbelt
Grassland
2009
552 151.2
23
113 200.8
20.5
Critically
Endangered
Midlands Mistbelt
Grassland
2011
547 442.8
23
134 137.3
24.5
Eastern Temperate
Wetland
2009
38 527.9
24
25 807.5
66.98
Eastern Temperate
Wetland
2011
54 732
24
32 202
58.8
Endangered
Least
Threatened
Vulnerable
* Remaining habitat is the areas remaining once the transformed areas are removed using transformation
datasets 2005v2 with buffer and 12 ha removed for 2009 version,
Diagram 1: Illustration indicating the result of fine scale mapping and use of field verified
Midlands Mistbelt
and Dry Coast
Hinterland
Grassland historical
distribution reduced
by the addition of
Eastern Temperate
and Temperate
Purpose of “Desig” field
We try, as far as we can, to depict the historic extent of the feature being represented.
Obviously, with continual development, these boundaries do tend to change over time
(usually to the negative). To account for this change, we ‘clip’ into the historic boundary the
areas in which change has occurred e.g., the portion of a forest has been cleared will be
clipped out of the historical extent. This ‘new’ polygon will retain all of the attributes of the
original polygon, only it will receive a designation of “Forest - Cleared” in the {DESIG}
field; the remaining portion of the forest polygon retaining its original designation of “Forest
– Patch”.
Please note. As the vegetation coverage is compared to different temporal imagery sets, any
changes over time can be accounted for by following the same process, only careful note as
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to the sources of the defined change must be accurately captured in the {DATA_SOURC}
and the date of the data source captured in {DATE_CAPTU} fields.
Each Biome has its own unique “Designation” categorical set. These are listed below:
DESIG
DESCRIPTION
Forest Blowout
Associated exclusively with the Maputaland
Dune Forest vegetation type located along
KwaZulu-Natal’s eastern shoreline, these
areas represent ephemeral areas of naturally
disturbed forest caused as a result of dune
progression/retraction (which is itself as
result of the interaction of coastal winds and
the dune systems). Similar in concept to
forest glades, these areas are relatively
temporary disturbances in the forest
vegetation types. Not to be confused with the
wind blown sand areas located along the west
coast.
Forest Cleared
Areas in which forest species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action.
Forest Degraded
Areas in which forest species have been
selectively removed through anthropogenic
action.
Forest Glade
Naturally occurring ephemeral open areas
within forest patches forming as a result of
the natural progression of forest regeneration.
Forest Patch
Original stand of indigenous forest.
Forest Plantation
Areas in which forest species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by forestry.
Matrix
A generic term used to describe all historical
vegetation types not ascribed to the Forest,
Azonal Forest and Wetland biomes. The
extent depicted is pre-transformation.
Matrix Dam
Areas in which matrix species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by dams.
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DESIG
DESCRIPTION
Matrix Dam Breached
Areas in which matrix species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by dams. These dams
have subsequently been identified as having
being breached.
Matrix Degraded
Areas in which matrix species have been
selectively removed/been heavily impacted
upon through anthropogenic action.
Matrix Water Treatment
Areas in which matrix species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by water treatment
facilities/sludge ponds. Although not
comprehensive, these have been singled out
due to the differences in their environmental
influences as opposed to a dam.
Wetland Canal
Areas in which wetland species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by a canal. This
categorisation only identifies the largest
structures (either excavated trenches or
hardened channels) that can be identified
using satellite imagery. Small drainage
networks are not incorporated in this
definition.
Wetland Cultivated
Areas in which wetland species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by cultivation.
Wetland Dam
Areas in which wetland species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by dams.
Wetland Dam Breached
Areas in which wetland species have been
completely removed through anthropogenic
action to be replaced by dams. These dams
have subsequently been identified as having
being breached.
Wetland Degraded
Areas in which wetland species have been
selectively removed/been heavily impacted
upon through anthropogenic action.
Wetland Estuary Water
A natural feature, this refers to a water body
associated with estuarine wetlands.
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DESIG
DESCRIPTION
Wetland Floodplain
A natural feature, this refers to a floodplain
associated with wetlands.
Wetland Mud flats
A natural feature, this refers to mud flats
associated with wetlands.
Wetland Natural
Untransformed wetland area.
Wetland Open Water
A natural feature, this refers to open water
associated with wetlands.
Wetland Pan
A natural feature, this refers to a pan
associated with wetlands.
Wetland Saline Pan
A natural feature, this refers to a saline pan
associated with wetlands.
Wetland Transformed
Transformed wetland area.
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Vegetation Type Descriptions
There are for four main biomes in KZN as described by Mucina and Rutherford (2006) viz.
Grassland; Savannah; Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Forest. The other two significant zones in
KZN are the azonal forests and azonal vegetation. The wetlands have been categorised in the
azonal vegetation zone for reasons explained in Chapter 13 of Mucina and Rutherford (2006).
In order to remain consistent with national vegetation map these zones have listed in the
{KZNVEGBIOM} field as “Azonal Forest” and “Azonal Vegetation”.
A brief description of the vegetation types (and associated SANBI codes) within these
biomes/azonal zones are as follows and unless otherwise stated, the following text has been
extracted from Mucina and Rutherford (2006). For ease of reference, both the page and the
reference image are also provided should the reader wish to follow up in the original text.
It is important to note that during the process of revising the KZN vegetation map (and in
consultation with the national vegetation committee), a number of vegetation types have been
removed and/or amalgamated into larger units, whilst a number of additional vegetation types
have been identified. All of these are also described below. These have also been listed
below, and are clearly identifiable by the suffix ‘(New)’ located at the end of the vegetation
type name.
Wetlands (Azonal Vegetation)
AZa 7 Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 641, Figure 13.28.
Distribution:
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces and in Swaziland: Broad river alluvia
and around some river-fed pans in the subtropical regions of eastern South Africa, in
particular in the Lowveld, Central Bushveld and in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The most
important alluvia include the Limpopo, Luvubu, Olifants, Sabie, Crocodile, Phongolo, Usutu
and Mkuze Rivers. This unit is fully embedded within the Savanna Biome. Altitude ranging
from 0–1 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat alluvial riverine terraces supporting an intricate complex of macrophytic vegetation
(channel of flowing rivers and river-fed pans), marginal reed belts (in sheltered ox-bows and
along very slow-flowing water courses) as well as extensive flooded grasslands, ephemeral
herblands and riverine thickets.
This can also be subdivided into:
•
•
Alluvial Wetlands : Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation : Lowveld Floodplain Grasslands
Alluvial Wetlands : Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation : Lowveld Floodplain Grasslands :
Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands
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•
•
•
•
Alluvial Wetlands : Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation : Lowveld Floodplain Grasslands :
Tall Reed Wetland
Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation
Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation : Midland Alluvial Woodland &
Thicket
Alluvial Wetlands : Temperate Alluvial Vegetation : Midland Floodplain Grasslands
These categories also belong to AZa, but have not been given a specific code in Mucina and
Rutherford (2006).
AZd 4 Subtropical Seashore Vegetation:
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 686. Figure 14.28.
Distribution:
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces: Beaches, coastal dunes, dune slacks and coastal
cliffs of the subtropical coasts of the Indian Ocean (from northeast of Kei Mouth in the
Eastern Cape to the Mozambique border), the region includes South East, Transkei and
KwaZulu-Natal coasts (sensu Tinley, 1985, Lubke et al., 1997).
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Open, grassy, herbaceous and to some extent also dwarf-shrubby, often dominated by a single
species of pioneer character. Various plant communities reflect the age of the substrate and
the natural disturbance regime (moving dunes), distance from the upper tidal mark and the
exposure of dune slopes (leeward versus seaward).
AZf 3 Eastern Temperate Freshwater Wetlands
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 632, Figure 13.18.
Distribution:
Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North-West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZuluNatal Provinces as well as in neighbouring Lesotho and Swaziland: Around water bodies
with stagnant water (lakes, pans, periodically flooded vleis, edges of calmly flowing rivers)
and embedded within the Grassland Biome. Altitude ranging from 750–2 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat landscape of shallow depressions filled with (temporary) water bodies supporting zoned
systems of aquatic and hygrophilous vegetation of temporarily flooded grasslands and
ephemeral herblands.
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AZf 4 Freshwater Wetlands: Drakensberg Wetlands
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 633.
Distribution:
Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces as well as in Lesotho:
Wetlands (vleisand lakes) on broad ridges and narrow alluvia of slow- and fast-flowing
mountain streams in deeply incised valleys. Found from the Stormberg Plateau through the
highlands of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho (Drakensberg range). Outliers
occur also on top of tafelbergs such as Korannaberg, Thaba Nchu and Platberg. Scattered
along the Low Escarpment (between Van Reenen’s Pass and Piet Retief) and then along the
Northern escarpment. The northernmost patch of this wetland type has thus far been
identified on the summit plateau of the Leolo Mountains in Sekhukhuneland. Embedded
within the high-altitude Grassland Biome found at altitudes roughly spanning 1 800–2 500 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Vleis (sometimes with open water bodies such as tarns) and fringes of mountain streams,
supporting tall herb vegetation and shrubby vegetation of medium height (reaching thicket
density in places) along upper reaches of mountain streams. Characteristic feature of the
Drakensberg Wetlands is the frequent occurrence of terrestrial orchids and species of
Kniphofia and Geranium.
AZf 5 Lesotho Mires
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 634.
Distribution:
Lesotho and to a very small extent also South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal Province): Lesotho
Plateau and adjacent mountain ranges—wetlands (locally, in Sesotho, called ‘mokhoabo’)
embedded within grassland units Gd 10 Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland and upper parts
of Gd 8 Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland. Altitude ranging from 2 500–3 400 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Depressions and slight slopes in the high-altitude plateau. Low grass-herb mire complexes
with turf and tussock grassland patches and herblands built of low creeping herbs as well as
luxurious moss cover in places. Small lakes (tarns) support aquatic vegetation covering tarn
bottoms where shallow water column allows deep penetration of light.
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AZf 6 Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 635, Figure 13.21 and Figure 13.22.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North-West, Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provinces
as well as in Swaziland: Wetlands embedded within the Albany Thicket Biome, the Coastal
Belt from Transkei as far as Maputaland as well as those of Lowveld and the Central
Bushveld regions. Altitude ranging from 0–1 400 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat topography supporting low beds dominated by reeds, sedges and rushes, water logged
meadows dominated by grasses. Found typically along edges of often seasonal pools in
Aeolian depressions as well as fringing alluvial backwater pans or artificial dams.
This category is further subdivided into:
•
•
•
•
•
Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Coastal Lakes & Pans :
Lacustrine
Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands
Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands :
Coastal Plain Depression
Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Short Grass/ Sedge Wetlands :
Dune Slack
Freshwater Wetlands : Subtropical Freshwater Wetlands : Tall Grassland/ Sedge/ Reed
Wetlands
AZi 11 Subtropical Salt Pans
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 651.
Distribution:
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces and in Swaziland: Pans in the
subtropical regions of eastern southern Africa, in particular in the Lowveld, Maputaland and
northern KwaZulu-Natal. Altitude ranging from 0–1 400 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Shallow depressions, often found on old alluvial terraces of rivers, surrounded by zones of
bank reeds or low herblands and in more perennial pans also filled with a dense carpet of
macrophytic floating vegetation.
This category can be subdivided into:
•
•
Inland Saline Wetlands : Subtropical Salt Pans : Floodplain Pans (Open)
Inland Saline Wetlands : Subtropical Salt Pans : Rain fed (Endorheic) Pans (Closed)
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AZm Marine Saline Wetlands:
These can be further subdivided into:
•
•
Marine Saline Wetlands : Saline Grassland & Mud Flats
Marine Saline Wetlands : Saline Reed & Sedge Beds
Indian Ocean Coastal Belt Biome:
AZs 3 Subtropical Dune Thicket
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 689.
Distribution:
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces (further north also in Mozambique): Coastal
dune cordons along the subtropical coasts of the Indian Ocean between Kei Mouth and the
KwaZulu-Natal/Mozambique international border’.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Very dense shrubby thickets of spiny shrubs (up to 4m), large-leaved mega-herbs (Strelitzia
nicolai), dwarfed trees (species of Allophylus, Apodytes, Mimusops), abundant vines, and
with poorly developed undergrowth due to the shading effect of the closed canopy. Dwarf
coastal dune shrublands on exposed, wind-blasted and salt-sprayed dune slopes bordering on
tall thickets are also included here.
CB 1 Maputaland Coastal Belt
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 576, Figure 11.3.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province (and continuing also in southern Mozambique): Up to 35 km broad
strip along the coast of the Indian Ocean stretching from the Mozambique border in the north
to Mtunzini in the south. Altitude varies from about 20–120 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat coastal plain originally probably densely forested in places with a wide range of
interspersed non-forest plant communities including dry grasslands (which include palm veld
where special conditions prevail), hygrophilous grasslands and thicket groups. Today the
vegetation landscape is composed of pockets of various forest types (separated into different
vegetation units), thickets, primary and secondary grasslands, extensive timber plantations
and cane fields. The belt of the IOCB immediately inland (only a few kilometres wide) and
parallel to the line of the Northern Coastal Forest has a characteristic appearance of very
irregular dunes with generally open vegetation and Syzygium cordatum dotted predominantly
on the dunes , with many irregular dune slacks interspersed. There is little to suggest that this
part of the vegetation e.g. between Lake Sibaya and Kosi Lake, is secondary. The peculiar
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CB 2 Maputaland Wooded Grassland – still another vegetation unit embedded within the
geographical extent of the Maputaland Coastal Belt – is treated as a separate vegetation unit.
CB 2 Maputaland Wooded Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 577 Figure 11.4.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province and southern Mozambique: In South Africa from the Mozambique
border near KwaNgwanase southwards to Sileza, Sibaya, Mseleni, Mbaz-wana, Sodwana
Bay, Ozabeni, eastern and western shores of Lake St Lucia, KwaMbonambi and as far south
as near Richards Bay. Altitude varies from about 20–120 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Generally flat landscape of the Maputaland coastal plain supporting coastal sandy grasslands
rich in geoxylic suffrutices, dwarf shrubs, small trees and very rich herbaceous flora.
Excluded from this unit are the many inter-dune depression wetlands and hygrophilous
grasslands neighbouring the wooded grasslands.
CB 3 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 578, Figure 11.5.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Long and in places broad coastal strip along the KwaZulu-Natal
coast, from near Mtunzini in the north, via Durban to Margate and just short of Port Edward
in the south. Altitude ranges from about 20–450 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Highly dissected undulating coastal plains which presumably used to be covered to a great
extent with various types of subtropical coastal forest (the remnants of one of which are
described in Chapter 12 as Northern Coastal Forest). Some primary grassland dominated by
Themeda triandra still occurs in hilly, high-rainfall areas where pressure from natural fire and
grazing regimes prevailed. At present the KwaZulu – Natal Coastal Belt is affected by an
intricate mosaic of very extensive sugarcane fields, timber plantations and coastal holiday
resorts, with interspersed secondary Aristida grasslands, thickets and patches of coastal
thornveld.
CB 4 Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 579, Figure 11.6.
Distribution:
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces: Elevated coastal sandstone plateaus from Port
St Johns on the Pondoland coast (Eastern Cape) to the vicinity of Port Shepstone (Ugu
16 | P a g e
District, KwaZulu-Natal), incl. the sourveld of the well-known Oribi Gorge. Altitude ranges
from about 0–600 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Coastal peneplains and partly undulating hills with flat table-lands and very steep slopes of
river gorges. These sites support natural, species-rich grassland punctuated with scattered low
shrubs or small trees (sometimes with bush clumps, especially in small gullies). Rocky
outcrops and krantzes are common and dramatic sea-cliffs occur. Proteaceous trees (Protea,
Faurea) can be locally common where conditions allow. Although less important here, the
geoxylic suffrutex growth form (so typical of CB 2 Maputaland Wooded Grassland), is also
represented in this sourveld.
CB 6 KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Thornveld (New)
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: From near Mandini in the north to Oribi Gorge in the south.
Altitude 30-500 m.
Vegetation and Landscape Features:
Steep valley sides and hilly landscape mainly associated with drier larger river valleys in the
rain shadow of the rain bearing frontal weather systems from the east coast. Bushed
grassland, bushland and bushland thicket and open woodland.
Climate:
Summer rainfall with some rain in winter. MAP about 740 to 940 mm. Summers are hot and
humid and winters mild. Frost does not occur.
Conservation:
Statutorily conserved in Harold Johnson Nature Reserve.
Remarks:
This vegetation unit grades into the SVs 6 Eastern Valley Bushveld and SVs 3 KwaZuluNatal Hinterland Thornveld in the larger river valleys.
References:
Camp (1999a;2001);Scott-Shaw (2011a)
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Forest Biome& Azonal Forests
FOa 1 Lowveld Riverine Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 607, Figure 12.18.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces (as well as in Swaziland and other
countries neighbouring on South Africa): Broad river alluvia of Zululand (Hluhluwe, middle
reaches of Phongolo), Maputaland (Mkuze, lower reaches of Phongolo, Usutu) and numerous
rivers draining the northern provinces of South Africa (Limpopo, Luvuvhu, Phongolo,
Shingwedzi, Letaba, Olifants, Timbavati, Sabie, Crocodile). At low altitudes, from about 20
to 320 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Tall forests fringing larger rivers (gallery forests) and water pans. When dominated by Ficus
sycomorus or Diospyros mespiliformis (alluvial sediments along major rivers), these forests
are dense and tall, structured into several tree layers and with a well-developed dense shrub
layer.
FOa 2 Swamp Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 607, Figure 12.19 and 12.20.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: In pockets and narrow ribbons extending in a
narrow belt along the Indian Ocean coast from Maputaland as far south as Port Grosvenor in
Pondoland. Swamp Forests reach lower latitudes than Mangrove Forests, which suggests that
they are climatically more limited than the mangroves. At low altitude, mainly between 20
and 60 m. This can be further subdivided into Swamp Forests: Ficus trichopoda;
Barringtonia, Voacanga thouarsii and Raphia Swamp Forest.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
12-15 m tall forests with 2 main strata (canopy and shrub layers). The dominating trees
include Ficus trichopoda, Barringtonia racemosa, Casearia gladiiformis, Cassipourea
gummiflua, Syzygium cordatum, Phoenix reclinata and Raphia australis. Understorey is
poorly developed. Some ferns such as Microsorum punctatum and Nephrolepsis bisserata are
of importance and orchids (Eulophia horsfallii) occur frequently.
18 | P a g e
FOa 3 Mangrove Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 608, Figure 12.21 and Figure 12.22.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Coastal lagoons and estuaries of Transkei as far
south as Kobonqaba Estuary—the highest latitude with extant mangroves in the world (Moll
& Werger (1978), Ward & Bunyard (1992) as far north as KwaZulu-Natal/Mozambique
border (Kosi Bay estuary) and beyond to Mozambique and further northwards to tropical East
Africa. At very low altitudes around sea level.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Species-poor and often monospecific, low and dense forests of mangroves (and fringing
thickets of Hibiscus tiliaceus and Acrostichum aureum) in tidal zones of coastal lagoons and
estuaries.
FOz 2 Northern Afrotemperate Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 599, Figure 12.11.
Distribution:
Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North-West, Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces (as
well as Lesotho): Restricted to mountain kloofs and low ridges (Strydpoortberg, Waterberg,
Pilanesberg, Witwatersrand, Magaliesberg, Suikerbosrand, Sekhukhuneland) interrupting the
relatively flat northern highveld. This group also comprises forests found in kloofs along the
northern and eastern flanks of the Drakensberg and those found on the slopes and scarps of
the Low Escarpment between Van Reenen’s Pass and Pongola Bush near Piet Retief. The
westernmost localities of these forests are found in the Koranaberg (close to Thaba ‘Nchu).
The remnants of forests rich in afrotemperate elements in Lesotho might also be classified
within this vegetation unit. Most patches occur at altitudes between 1 450 and 1 900 m, with
outliers as low as 1 100 m and around 2 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Low (in the Low Escarpment region with canopy reaching up to 20m), relatively species-poor
forests of afromontane origin and some of them still showing clear Afromontane character.
Found as small patches in kloofs and on sub-ridge scarps at high altitudes (1 500 - 1 900 m).
Canopy dominated usually by Podocarpus latifolius, Olinia emarginate, Halleria lucida,
Scolopia mundii and rarely also by Widdringtonia nodiflora, in drier facies also by
Pittosporum viridflorum, Celtis Africana, Mimusops zeyheri, Nuxia congesta and Combretum
erythrophyllum. Xymalos monospora sometimes dominate patches of species-poor Mistbelt
forests of northern KwaZulu – Natal.
In the KZNVegetation map, the Drakensberg Montane Forests also uses this SANBI code.
19 | P a g e
FOz 3 Southern Mistbelt Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 600, Figure 12.12.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Forest patches varying in size, occurring in fireshadow habitats on south- and southeast-facing slopes and located along the Great
Escarpment, spanning a large area from Somerset East, the Amathole Mountains, scarps of
Transkei to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands as far east as Ulundi. In KwaZulu-Natal these
forests are found in a wide band sandwiched between the Drakensberg Montane Forests and
Northern KwaZulu-Natal Mistbelt Forests at higher altitudes and Eastern Scarp Forests at
lower altitudes. Belts of forest patches belonging to this vegetation unit occur in the
Baviaanskloof Mountains, Zuurberg Mountains and in the region spanning Grahamstown and
King William’s Town. Found at altitudes spanning 850–1 600 m (most patches between 1
000 and 1 400 m). In the KZNvegetation map, the Eastern Mistbelt Forests belong to this
SANBI category.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
On the Great Escarpment (Amathole, Transkei Escarpment) and in the KwaZulu – Natal
Midlands these forests are tall (15-20m tall) and multi-layered (having two layers of trees, a
dense shrubby understory and a well-developed herb layer). The forests found on low-altitude
scarps are low (in places having the character of a scrub forest), and although less structured
into different tree layers, they are still species-rich. The tall forests show a mix of coarsegrained, canopy gap/disturbance-driven dynamics and fine-grained, regeneration
characteristics. The Amathole Mistbelt forests are dominated by emergent trees of Afrocarpus
falcatus and a range of deciduous and semi-deciduous species such as Celtis Africana,
Calodendrum capense, Vepris lanceolata and Zanthoxylum davyi. Further east (Transkei,
KwaZulu – Natal Midlands) Podocarpus henkelii becomes prominent in the canopy layer.
Deciduous elements play an important role.
FOz 5 Scarp Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 602, Figure 12.14.
Distribution:
Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces as well as in Swaziland (and
possibly also in Mozambique): An archipelago of scattered patches (some of them large, such
as Ongoye) spanning southern Mpumalanga (Crocodile River Gorge), the southern part of
Lebombo Mountains (KwaZulu-Natal) and reaching nearly as far as Kei River Mouth on the
Transkei coast. Patches of this forest lie as far as 140 km inland (Mpumalanga), but extend
increasingly closer to the sea in a southward direction—in Pondoland, and southern Transkei
they occur at the coast or in deep gorges, often associated with krantzes, scarps and coastal
platforms. Most of the patches occur at low altitudes between 50 and 600 m.
20 | P a g e
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Tall (15 – 25 m), species-rich and structurally diverse, multi-layered forests, with welldeveloped canopy and understory tree layers, but a poorly developed herb layer. Buttressed
stems are common in the Scarp Forest. The most conspicuous trees are Buxus macowanii, B.
natalensis, Drypetes gerrardii, Englerophytum natalense, Harpephyllum caffrum, Heywoodia
lucens, Memecylon natalense, Millettia grandis, Oricia bachmannii, Philenoptera
sutherlandii, Rinorea angustifolia, Rothmannia globosa and Umtiza listeriana.
There are five subtypes (Scott-Shaw (2011b)):
•
•
•
•
•
Eastern Scarp Forests : Ngome-Nkandla Scarp Forest
Eastern Scarp Forests : Northern Coastal Scarp Forest
Eastern Scarp Forests : Northern Zululand Lebombo Scarp Forest
Eastern Scarp Forests: Southern Coastal Scarp Forest
Pondoland Scarp Forests
FOz 7 Northern Coastal Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 604, Figure 12.16.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and (to a very small extent) Eastern Cape Province: Especially along the
seaboards of Indian Ocean of KwaZulu-Natal Province and particularly well-developed in
Maputaland. Few patches of the dune forest also occur on the Wild Coast of Transkei
(Eastern Cape Province). Beyond South Africa these forests occur throughout the
Mozambican seaboard as far as southern Tanzania. At low altitudes, from about 10 to 150 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Species-rich, tall/medium-height subtropical coastal forests occur on coastal (rolling) plains
and stabilised coastal dunes. Forests of the coastal plains are dominated by Drypetes
natalensis, Englerophytum natalense, Albizia adianthifolia, Diospyros inhacaensis etc. The
low-tree and shrubby understoreys are species-rich and comprise many taxa of (sub) tropical
provenience. On dunes, these forests have well tree, shrub and herb layers. Mimusops caffra,
Sideroxylon inerme, Dovyalis longispina, Acacia kosiensis and Psydrax obovata subsp.
Obovate are the most common constituents of the tree layer. Brachylaena discolour var.
discolour, Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata, Carissa bispinosa subsp.
bispinosa subsp. bispinosa, Euclea natalensis, E. racemosa, Eugenia capensis, Gymnosporia
nemorosa, Kraussia floribunda, Peddiea Africana, Strelitzia nicolai and Dracaena
aletriformis are frequent in the understorey. The herb layer usually contains by Asystasia
gangetica, Isoglossa woodii, Microsporum scolopendria, Zamiculas zamiifolia and
Oplismenus hirtellus. Herbaceous vines and woody climbers (Acacia kraussiania, Artabotrys
monteiroae, Delbergia armata, Landolphia, kirkii, Monothotaxis caffra, Rhoicissus
tomentose, Rhus nebulosa, Scutia myrtina, Uvaria caffra, Gloria superba etc.) are important
structural determinants in these forests.
21 | P a g e
There are eight subtypes (Scott-Shaw (2011b)):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Dukuduku Moist Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Maputaland Dry Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Maputaland Mesic Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Maputaland Moist Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Mesic Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Forests : Southern Moist Coastal Lowlands Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Dune Forests : East Coast Dune Forest
KwaZulu-Natal Dune Forests : Maputaland Dune Forest
FOz 8 Sand Forest
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 605, Figure 12.17.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province and Mozambique: Occurring in a broad and highly fragmented belt
in South Africa from False Bay Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) in the south to the
national border with Mozambique (Tembe Elephant Park and Ndumo Game Reserve). The
main distribution of this forest is in Maputaland, where still reasonably extensive patches of
this forest can be encountered. Special thicket communities, floristically very close to the
Maputaland sand forest, are found in the northern part of the Kruger National Park—here
imbedded within Nwambyia and Pumbe sandvelds. At low altitudes between 20 and 160 m,
with about half of the area between 100 and 120 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Dense thickets of 5-6 m (‘short forest’ of Matthews et al. (2001)) up to tall forests with the
canopy reaching 15 m (‘tall forest’ of Matthews et al. (2001)), with well-developed shrub
layer and very poorly developed ground layer. The dominant trees are Cleistanthus
schlechteri, Dialium schlechteri and emergent Newtonia hildebrandtii in Maputaland,
whereas Baphia massaiensis subsp. obovata, Cleistanthus schlechteri and Guibourtia
conjugata are most conspicuous in the tree layer in the Nwanbyia and Pumbe regions. The
shrub layer is dominated by Croton pseudopulchellus, Cola greenwayi, Pteleopsis myrtifolia,
Psydrax locuples, Drypetes arguta and the woody climber Uvaria lucida. The most
conspicuous graminoid in the herb layer is Eragrostis moggii. Epiphytic orchids and lichens
festoon the tall trees.
In the KZNVeg map, these forest types also are attributed the same SANBI code.
• Licuati Sand Forests : Eastern Sand Forest
• Licuati Sand Forests : Western Sand Forest
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Grassland Biome
Gd 4 Southern Drakensberg Highland Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 366, Figure 8.14.
Distribution:
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces: An intricate system of patches and corridors
across the highest mountains and ridges of the Stormberg, from Molteno to the surrounds of
Dordrecht, also including the elevated broad valley of the Kraairivier (near Barkly East) and
its tributaries. Further occurring in a broad band (and abutting onto Gd 8 Lesotho Highland
Basalt Grassland at upper boundary) on steep slopes of head-valleys fringing the edge of the
southern Drakensberg Escarpment covering the regions north and northwest of Indwe, Elliot,
Ugie, Maclear, Mt Fletcher (all Eastern Cape) as far as Matatiele (KwaZulu-Natal). From
about the Ramatseliso Nek (pass) north of Matatiele the upper boundary of this unit is formed
by the Gd 7 uKhahlamba Basalt Grassland—from here the Gd 4 Southern Drakensberg
Highland Grassland follows a system of high northwest-southeast-tending ridges as far north
as the south-eastern extension of the Giant’s Castle buttress (KwaThabamnyana). Altitude 1
420–2 080 m, mainly between 1 720–1 840 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Steeply sloping mountainous areas on and below the summit of the Great Escarpment
supporting dense tussock grassland on slopes sometimes with a dwarf-shrubby component
and dwarf shrubland on exposed rocky areas. The tussock grassland is dominated by various
species of Festuca and other grasses such as Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus,
Eragrostis racemosa, Eragrostis chloromelas, E. curvula, Elionurus muticus, Trachypogon
spicatus, Andropogon appendiculatus, Harpochloa falx and Tristachya leucothrix.
Gd 5 Northern Drakensberg Highland Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 367, Figure 8.15 and 8.16.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Free State Provinces: North-eastern and eastern slopes of valleys and
buttresses of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal where most of the region is locally known as
Little Berg, from Giant’s Castle to slopes in any direction in the surrounds of Clarens in the
Free State. Altitude 1 460–2 060 m, mostly 1 780– 1 840 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Mountainous region characterised by steep slopes of broad valleys and supporting mainly
short, sour grasslands, rich in forbs. So-called ‘Protea savannas’- grasslands that contain
widely scattered trees of Protea caffra and occasionally P. roupelliae – fall within this unit.
Sandstone cliffs, a major characteristic of this landscape, create a multitude of special
habitats (often fire-protected) for many special plant communities.
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Gd 6 Drakensberg-Amathole Afromontane Fynbos
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 369, Figure 8.17.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State Provinces (presumably also in Lesotho): Series
of isolated patches in deeply incised Drakensberg valleys (both in the Northern and Southern
Berg) with the southernmost outliers on the Amathole Mountains (Eastern Cape) as well as
odd outliers deep into KwaZulu-Natal at high altitude (e.g. Madlozi Mountain) north of
Qudeni in the Nkandla District. Most patches found at altitudes around 1 660 m, and then
from 1 900–2 060 m, with notable outliers situated as low as 1 520 m and as high as 2 600 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Steep valleys and escarpment slopes at the head of rivers with small stands in stream gullies
and depressions. Evergreen shrublands 1-3m tall, many shrubs with ericoid leaves. The most
prominent shrubland elements comprise genera such as Passerina, Cliffortia, Erica, Euryops,
Helichrysum, Macowania, Protea, Widdringtonia and Ischrolepsis.
Gd 7 uKhahlamba Basalt Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 370, Figure 8.18.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and to a small extent also the Free State and Eastern Cape Provinces and very
slightly in Lesotho: Uppermost slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains just below the edge of
the highland plateau. Altitude 1 820–3 300 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Species-rich grasslands of varying levels of density, forming girlands (terraced tussocks) due
to steepness of slopes. Comprising a series of communities dominated by Bromus speciosus,
Pentaschistis tysoniana, Cymbopogon nardus, Festuca caprina, Rendlia altera and Themeda
triandra that are accompanied by numerous (and in places dominant) herbs (Agapanthus,
Merwilla, Helichrysum) and shrubs (Erica, Helichrysum, Euryops). Deep gullies on basalt
support luxuriant tall-herb vegetation. Steep basalt rock faces and terraces (the most imposing
array of cliffs in southern Africa) are the most dramatic landscape element characteristic of
the uKhahlamba (The Barrier of Spears).
Gd 8 Lesotho Highland Basalt Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 371, Figure 8.19 and 8.20.
Distribution:
Lesotho, Eastern Cape, Free State (and partly also into southern KwaZulu-Natal): Most of the
high dissected basalt plateau of Lesotho, including most of the districts of Mokhotlong,
Thaba-Tseka, Qacha’s Nek and Quthing and the eastern parts of Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Berea,
24 | P a g e
Maseru, Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek. Extends on the basalt from around ’Makholo (Ben
Macdhui) into the Eastern Cape southwards to the vicinity of Barclay East, and westwards
along the Witteberge to the vicinity of Lady Grey. Extends in a small area of the northeastern Free State on the high basalt mountains such as Ribbokkop (within the Golden Gate
Highlands National Park) and on the top of Oorsprongsberg. Altitude about 1 900–2 900 m.
The unit extends to KwaZulu-Natal at the lower parts of the Escarpment edge (e.g. around the
Loteni and Mkhomazi Passes). The areas of Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland (above 2 900
m) are embedded in this unit as are some Lesotho Mires (at higher altitudes). For practical
reasons, the vegetation unit includes a small area of high-altitude sandstone (up to about 2
600 m) that is limited to the eastern edge of Lesotho (notably in the Sehlabathebe National
Park).
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Landscape consists of many plateaus and high ridges of mountains separated by often deep
valleys. Although many valleys are steep, major cliff faces are occasionally encountered,
especially along the main Maloti Mountain chain. Vegetation is closed, short grassland with
many areas also with Passerina montana – dominated shrubland. The much smaller shrubs,
such as Chrysocoma ciliata and Pentzia cooperi, are often very common also in clearly
disturbed areas (especially on the warmer slopes at higher altitudes). Chrysocoma ciliata is
the typical component of ‘sehalahala scrub’ (Anonymous, 2000). Within the considerable
altitude range in the unit there are many plant species that extend to various altitudinal levels
or belts. Also in terms of dominants, for example, Themeda triandra tends to be more
important at the lower and middle elevations and Festuca caprina at higher altitudes,
although there is a considerable altitudinal overlap between these species. Although
Kniphofia caulescens has a wide altitudinal distribution, its large aggregate patches (often
hundreds of square metres in extent) are mostly evident in the upper half of the altitudinal
range corresponding to larger sponge areas (2 500 to 2 900 m with most mass flowering
displays best observed around 2 700 m within Lesotho). The medium-tall distinctive grass
Merxmuellera macowanii occurs along water courses and drainage lines.
Gd 10 Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 374, Figure 8.22.
Distribution:
Lesotho and very marginally also in KwaZulu-Natal Province: The highest plateaus and
mountain ridges above an altitude of about 2 900 m in northeastern Lesotho. This includes
the highest mountain in southern Africa (Thabana-Ntlenyana, 3 482 m). Further away from
the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment it is particularly extensive in the area of the Tlaeen
Pass and Pass of Guns (between Mokhotlong and Oxbow) with good examples visible on the
Kotisephola Pass (between Sani Pass top and Mokhotlong), Mafika-Lisiu Pass (between
Lejone and Pitseng) and Matebeng Pass (between Sehlabathebe and Sehonghong). Altitude
range 2 900–3 400m, mainly 2 980–3 110 m.
25 | P a g e
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Rolling plateaus with steep slopes in places. Very variable but short vegetation from shrubdominated areas, for example by Helichrysum trilineatum, to grassland with shrubs, to
grassland with few shrubs. The most dominant grass is Merxmuellera disticha (Herbst,
1971;Herbst and Roberts, 1974;Morris et al., 1993). Cushion plants (e.g. H. sessiliodes) and
plants forming low mats (e.g. H. praecurrens) are common. As elsewhere in the highlands of
Lesotho, Chrysocoma ciliata is common in disturbed areas and even in some apparently little
disturbed areas. Many Lesotho Mires are embedded in this unit. The medium-tall grass M.
drakensbergensis extends well away from watercourses and drainage lines.
Gm 4 Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 393.
Distribution:
Free State Province, Lesotho and marginally into KwaZulu-Natal Province: Ladybrand (west)
to the base of foothills of the Drakensberg (Maloti) and the Escarpment in the vicinity of
Harrismith (east) and Mafeteng (south). The towns of Marquard, Paul Roux, Bethlehem,
Memel and Vrede bound this unit on its northern border. Altitude 1 520–1 800 m, but
reaching 2 020 m in places.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat to slightly undulating and undulating terrain with streams and rivers that drain the
foothills of the Drakensberg. Closed grassland dominated by Eragrostis curvulam Tristachya
leucothrix and Themeda triandra. Other dominant grasses include E. capensis, E. racemosa,
Cymbopogon pospischilii, Elionurus muticus, Eragrostis plana and Aristida junciformis.
Numerous herb species (especially Asteraceae: species of Helichrysum, Vernonia, Berkheya)
increase alpha diversity considerably. Embedded within many hills and small mountains
carrying Gm 5 Basotho Montane Shrubland. Due to wide range of grazing and fire regimes,
the grassland has a patchy appearance.
Gm 5 Basotho Montane Shrubland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 394, Figure 8.42.
Distribution:
Free State Province, Lesotho and very marginally into KwaZulu-Natal Province: Foothills of
the west-facing Drakensberg (also Maloti) and mainly on the slopes of mesas over a wide
area in the vicinity of Zastron in the southwest, the surrounds of Mafeteng, Hobhouse,
Maseru, Roma, Ladybrand, Clocolan, Excelsior, Ficksburg, Butha-Buthe, Fouriesburg, Paul
Roux, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba as far as Harrismith in the northeast. This shrubland unit
covers extensive areas in deeply incised river valleys of western Lesotho, especially those
opening towards the south and west. Altitude 1 480–1 940 m.
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Vegetation and Landscape features:
Steep talus slopes and kloofs of the mesas and other mountain flanks supporting tall, in places
very dense shrubland dominated by broad-leaved mesophyllous shrubs such as Rhus erosa,
Olea europaea subsp. Africana, Euclea crispa subsp. crispa, Buddleja salviifolia, Leucosidea
sericea, Rhus burchellii, Rhamnus prinoides, Scutia myrtina and Gymnopentzia buxifolia.
Mesas are often encircled by striking upper cliffs of Clarens Sandstone.
Gm 13 Amersfoort Highveld Clay Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 401, Figure 8.48.
Distribution:
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces: This unit extends in a north-south band from
just south of Ermelo, down through Amersfoort to the Memel area in south. Altitude 1 580–1
860 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Compromised of undulating grassland plains, with small scattered patches of dolerite
outcrops in areas. The vegetation is comprised of a short closed grassland cover, largely
dominated by a dense Themeda triandra sward, often severely grazed to form a short lawn.
Gm 14 Wakkerstroom Montane Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 402, Figure 8.49.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces: Occurring from the Escarpment just north of
Sheepmoor (north), to southeast of Utrecht, and then from the vicinity of Volksrust in the
west to Mandhlangampisi Mountain near Luneburg in the east. Altitude 1 440–2 200 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
This unit is a less obvious continuation of the Escarpment that links the southern and northern
Drakensberg escarpments. It straddles this divide and is comprised of low mountains and
undulating plains. The vegetation comprises predominantly short montane grasslands on the
plateaus and the relatively flat areas, with short forest and Leucosidea thickets occurring
along steep, mainly east-facing slopes and drainage areas. L. sericea is the dominant woody
pioneer species that invades areas as a result of grazing mismanagement.
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Gm 15 Paulpietersburg Moist Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 403, Figure 8.50.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces: Broad surrounds of Piet Retief, Paulpietersburg
and Vryheid, extending westwards to east of Wakkerstroom. Occurs in the uppermost
catchments of the Phongolo River. Altitude 920–1 500 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Mainly undulating with moderately steep slopes, but valley basins are wide and flat and
mountainous areas occur mostly along the northern and eastern boundary. Tall closed
grassland rich in forbs and dominated by Tristachya leucothrix, Themeda triandra and
Hyparrhebia hirta. Evergreen woody vegetation is characteristic on rocky outcrops.
Gm 16 KaNgwane Montane Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 403, Figure 8.51.
Distribution:
Mpumalanga and Swaziland, and marginally into northern KwaZulu-Natal: Occurs along the
gentle slopes of the Escarpment, from the Phongolo Valley in the south, northwards to the
Usutu Valley and to the uppermost Lomati Valley near Carolina, including the western
grassland areas of Swaziland. Altitude 880–1 740 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Largely comprised of undulating hills and plains that occur on the eastern edge of the
Escarpment. This unit is transitional between the Highveld and Escarpment that contains
elements of both. The vegetation structure is comprised of a short closed grassland layer with
many forbs, and a few scattered shrubs on the rocky outcrops.
Gs 1 Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 417, Figure 8.62.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Crests and slopes of the Ngome Mountain range and the Ngoje
Mountain surrounding Louwsburg as well as some smaller mountainous areas of Langkrans,
KwaCeza, KwaNtimbankulu and Nhlazatshe. Altitude 780–1 540 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Gentle to steep upper slopes of mountains formed by hard dolerite dykes dominated by
relatively forb-rich, tall sour Themeda triandra grasslands.
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Gs 2 Ithala Quartzite Sourveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 418, Figure 8.63.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces and Swaziland: Confined to large quartzite
patches that occur from Amsterdam, southwards east of Piet Retief and through Mahamba, to
the Paris Dam and Ithala Game Reserve, with isolated outcrops near Magudu. Altitude 440–1
360 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Low mountain ranges and undulating hills with rocky lowlands. The general pattern is a
mosaic of woody shrubs and small trees in rocky areas, interspersed in the grass layer.
Vegetation structure varies according to altitude and rockiness, but the basal density of the
grass sward is relatively low. This unit occurs in the zone between Grassland and Savanna
where the dominant grassland gives way to woodland as elevation decreases. The grasslands
are species-rich covering a variety of altitudes but sharing a common species unique to the
dystrophic quartzite geology.
Gs 3 Low Escarpment Moist Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 418.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga Provinces: Slopes of the Drakensberg, on both
sides of the provincial boundary from Oliviershoek (near Harrismith) to Volksrust. Altitude 1
300–2 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Complex mountain topography. Steep, generally east- and south-facing slopes with a large
altitudinal range. Supporting tall, closed grassland with Hyparrhenia hirta and Themeda
triandra dominant. Protea caffra communities and patches of Leucosidea scrub feature at
higher altitudes.
Gs 4 Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 419, Figure 8.64.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Northern and north-western regions of the Province, where it forms
a discontinuous rim around the upper Thukela Basin and is situated almost entirely within the
catchment of the Thukela River. It lies between the drier Gs 6 KwaZulu-Natal Highland
Thornveld and the moist upland vegetation of mainly Gs 3 Low Escarpment Moist Grassland
to the north and Gs 10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland to the west. The most extensive
areas are in the vicinity of Winterton, Bergville, Fort Mistake, Dannhauser, Dundee, north of
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Ladysmith and west of Newcastle. At higher altitudes this unit is usually surrounded by Gs 3
Low Escarpment Moist Grassland in the north and Gs 10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist
Grassland in the west and south. At lower altitudes Gs 6 KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld
and SVs 2 Thukela Thornveld usually occur to the east. Altitude 1 040–1 440 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Hilly and rolling landscapes supporting tall tussock grassland usually dominated by Themeda
triandra and Hyparrhenia hirta. Open Acacia sieberiana var. woodii savannoid woodlands
encroach up the valleys, usually on disturbed (strongly eroded) sites.
Gs 6 KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 420.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: A series of several patches in the central-northern regions of
KwaZulu-Natal, where it occurs on both dry valleys and moist upland. The most extensive
area is found in the region from Ladysmith, Winterton, Estcourt and Colenso, between Mooi
River and Greytown, between Pomeroy and Babanago, and further north in a triangle
between Vryheid, Paulpietersburg and Louwsburg as well as a large patch around Newcastle.
Altitude 920–1 440 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Hilly, undulating landscapes and broad valleys supporting tall tussock grassland usually
dominated by Hyparrhenia hirta, with occasional savannoid woodlands with scattered Acacia
sieberiana var woodii and in small pockets with A. karroo and A. nilotica.
Gs 7 Income Sandy Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 421.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: In a large triangle between Newcastle, Vryheid and Dundee and
larger polygon in the Wasbank area in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Altitude 880–1 340 m
(mainly 1 120–1 240 m).
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Very flat extensive areas with generally shallow, poorly drained, sandy soils supporting low,
tussock-dominated sourveld forming a mosaic with wooded grasslands (with Acacia
sieberiana var woodii) and on well-drained sites with the trees A. karroo, A. nilotica, A.
caffra and Diospyros lycoides. On disturbed sites A. sieberiana var woodii can form sparse
woodlands. Aristida congesta, Cynodon dactylon and Microchloa caffra are common on
shallow soils (Camp 1999b).
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Gs 8 Mooi River Highland Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 422, Figure 8.65.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Centre of occurrence in the Mooi River Basin, several scattered
large patches near Underberg and Greytown and on the Helpmekaar Plateau southeast of
Dundee. Altitude 1 340–1 620 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Mainly rolling and partly broken landscape, covered in grassland dominated by short bunch
grasses. Heteropogon contortus, Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix and dominant
in well-managed veld.
Gs 9 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 422, Figure 8.66.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: KwaZulu-Natal Midlands—scattered in broad
belt in the form of several major patches including Melmoth-Babanango area, Kranskop and
Greytown, Howick Lions River, Karkloof, Balgowan, Cedara, Edendale, Hilton, Richmond,
the Ixopo-Highflats area, Mount Malowe in the Umzimkhulu enclave of the Eastern Cape
Province and the Harding-Weza area. The south-westernmost section in the Eastern Cape
Province falls in the Bulembu, Gxwaleni, Longweni and Flagstaff areas. Altitude 760–1 400
m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Hilly and rolling landscape mainly associated with a discontinuous east-facing scarp formed
by dolerite intrusions (south of the Thukela River). Dominated by forb-rich, tall, sour
Themeda triandra grasslands transformed by the invasion of native ‘Ngongoni grass (Aristida
junciformis subsp. junciformis). Only a few patches of the original species-rich grasslands
remain.
Gs 10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 423.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Broad arc of Drakensberg piedmonts covering
the surrounds of Bergville in the north, Nottingham Road, Impendle, Bulwer in the east, and
Kokstad, Mount Currie, Underberg (KZN) and the surrounds of Mt Fletcher, Ugie, Maclear
and Elliot (Eastern Cape) in the southwest. Altitude 880– 1 860 m.
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Vegetation and Landscape features:
Moderately rolling and mountainous, much incised by river gorges of drier vegetation types
and by forest, and covered in forb-rich grassland dominated by short bunch grasses including
Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix.
Gs 11 Southern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 424.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Interior valley basins at Creighton, Malenge and
Centocow in the south and the upper Mkomazi River and Howick in the north. Altitude 880–
1 480 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Gently sloping valley bottoms of tall mixed veld dominated by Hyparrhenia hirta and
sparsely scattered Acacia sieberiana. Themeda triandra is the dominant grass on veld that has
been well managed and many species of Gs 10 Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland are
well represented and include Diheteropogon filifolius, Harpochloa falx and Trachypogon
spicatus. Overgrazed areas become dominated by ‘mtshiki’ species such as S. pyramidalis.
Selective overgrazing causes certain wiregrass species (Elionurus muticus and Aristida
junciformis) to become abundant (Camp, 1999a;b).
Gs 12 East Griqualand Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 425, Figure 8.67.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Major portion of this unit covers most of East
Griqualand (with Kokstad and Matatiele as centres). Altitude 920–1 740 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Hilly country with slopes covered by grassland in places , with patches of bush clumps with
Leucosidea sericea (only wet sites) or Diospyros lycioides, Acacia karroo and Ziziphus
mucronata in low-lying and very dry sites.
Gs 13 Mabela Sandy Grassland
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 425.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Cedarville Flats (basin draining into
Umzimvubu River) in the region of Cedarville-Matatiele (south-western KwaZulu-Natal) as
well as a small area in a basin of Simi and Ramohlakoana in the Kinira River Valley in
Transkei (west of Matatiele). Altitude 1 440–1 500 m, but up to 1550 m in a few places.
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Vegetation and Landscape features:
Flat valley basins with a relatively high proportion of poorly drained soils with a generally
low nutrient status. Dominated by species-poor, low tussock-dominated, sour grasslands
without indigenous trees, with Sporobolus pyramidalis and Aristida junciformis as indicator
species.
Gs 19 Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland (New)
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: From Melmoth in the north to near Libode in
the former Transkei (including Camperdown, Umlaas Road, Eston, Bisi, iZingolweni,
Ngqeleni near Mthatha) generally occurring above the SVs 3 KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland
Thornveld, SVs 7 Bisho Thornveld and the SVs 6 Eastern Valley Bushveld. Altitude 450 900 m.
Vegetation and Landscape Features:
Undulating plains and hilly landscape mainly associated with drier coast hinterland valleys in
the rain-shadow of the rain-bearing frontal weather systems from the east coast. Sour sparse
wiry grassland dominated by unpalatable Ngongoni grass (Aristida junciformis) with this
monodominance associated with low species diversity. In good condition dominated by
Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix. Wooded areas are found in valleys at lower
altitudes, where this vegetation unit grades into SVs 3 KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld
and SVs 7 Bisho Thornveld. Termitaria support bush clumps with Acacia species, Cussonia
spicata, Ehretia rigida, Grewia occidentalis and Coddia rudis.
Geology & Soils:
Acid, leached heavy soils are derived from Karoo Super group sediments (including
significant Dwyka tillites) and intrusive Karoo dolerites.
Climate:
Summer rainfall with some rain in winter. Droughts occasional. MAP about 750 to 780 mm.
Frost infrequent, occurring mainly where cold air becomes trapped in valleys.
Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures for Melmoth 37.0 oC and 4.9 oC for
October and July, respectively. Corresponding values for New Hanover 38.2 oC and -0.2 oC
for January and June respectively.
Conservation:
Statutorily conserved in Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
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Remarks:
Herbaceous species richness is much less in Dry Coast Hinterland Grassland compared with
the adjoining vegetation units KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld; Moist Coast Hinterland
Grassland; Midlands Mistbelt Grassland and relatively few of its common species are shared
with these.
References:
Camp (1999a;2001); Scott-Shaw (2011a)
Gs 20 Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland (New)
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: From near Melmoth in the north to near Libode
in the south (including Eshowe, New Hanover, Thornville, Richmond, Harding, Lusikisiki)
generally occurring below Gs 9 Midlands Mistbelt Grassland. Altitude 450 - 900 m.
Vegetation and Landscape Features:
Rolling and hilly landscape. Dense tall sour grassland dominated by unpalatable Ngongoni
grass (Aristida junciformis) with this mono-dominance associated with low species diversity,
when in good condition dominated by Themeda triandra and Tristachya leucothrix.
Photographs Fig. 9.67 page 510 and Fig. 11.5 page 578 in Mucina and Rutherford (2006).
Geology & Soils:
Acid, leached heavy soils are derived from Karoo Supergroup sediments (including
significant Dwyka tillites) and intrusive Karoo dolerites. Shallow sandy soils are derived
from Natal Group Sandstone.
Climate:
Summer rainfall with some rain in winter. MAP about 800 to 1160 mm. Frost infrequent.
Conservation:
Statutorily conserved in Vernon Crookes and Entumeni Nature Reserves.
References:
Camp 1999a, 2001; Scott-Shaw (2011a)
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Gs 21 KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 511, Figure 9.68.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Elevated coastal inland sandstone plateaus from Mapumulo near
Kranskop in the north to St Faiths near Port Shepstone in the south (including Noodsberg,
Hillcrest, Kloof, Table Mountain, Inanda, Stony Hill, Umbumbulu, Mid-Illovo, Dumisa,
Highflats). Altitude 500–1 100 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Short, species-rich grassland with scattered low shrubs and geoxylic suffrutices. Proteaceae
trees and shrubs (Protea, Leucospermum, Faurea) can be locally common. The dominating
landscape features are flat (or rolling) plateau tops and steep slopes commonly forming table
mountains.
Savanna Biome
SVl 3 Granite Lowveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 492, Figure 9.46.
Distribution:
Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, Swaziland and marginally also KwaZulu-Natal: A
north-south belt on the plains east of the escarpment from Thohoyandou in the north,
interrupted in the Bolobedu area, continued in the Bitavi area, with an eastward extension on
the plains around the Murchison Range and southwards to Abel Erasmus Pass, Mica and
Hoedspruit areas to the area east of Bushbuckridge. Substantial parts are found in the Kruger
National Park spanning areas east of Orpen Camp southwards through Skukuza and Mkuhlu,
including undulating terrain west of Skukuza to the basin of the Mbyamiti River. It continues
further southward to the Hectorspruit area with a narrow westward extension up the
Crocodile River Valley past Malelane, Kaapmuiden and the Kaap River Valley, entering
Swaziland between Jeppe’s Reef in the west and the Komati River in the east, through to the
area between Manzini and Siphofaneni, including the Grand Valley, narrowing irregularly
and marginally entering KwaZulu-Natal near Pongola. Altitude 250–700 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Tall shrubland with few trees to moderately dense low woodland on the deep sandy uplands
with Terminalia sericea, Combretum zeyheri and C. apiculatum and ground layer including
Pogonarthria squarrose, Tricholaena monachne and Eragrostis rigidior. Dense thicket top
open savanna in the bottomlands with Acacia nigrescens, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia
bicolour in the woody layer. The dense herbaceous layer contains the dominant Digitaria
eriantha, Panicum maximum and Aristida congesta on fine-textured soils, while brackish
bottomlands support Sporobolus nitens, Urochloa masambicensis and Chloris virgata. At
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seep lines, where convex topography changes to concave, a dense fringe of Terminalia
sericea occurs, with Eragrostis gummiflua in the undergrowth.
SVl 4 Delagoa Lowveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 493, Figure 9.47.
Distribution:
Mpumalanga Province, Swaziland and marginally into KwaZulu-Natal Province: A narrow
strip on plains immediately east of the SVl 3 Granite Lowveld from the Nsemani River west
of Satara in the Kruger National Park southwards to immediately west of Lower Sabie Camp
to the Pomba Guard Post west of Crocodile Bridge Camp to the Strydom Block in the south.
Also a band in Swaziland from Mhlume in the north to Onverwacht Border Post in the south,
extending marginally into KwaZulu-Natal at Pongola. Altitude 150–450 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Dense tree or tall shrub layer dominated by Acacia welwitschia, often forming thickets. Herb
layer has an addition to grass species a wide variety of forbs. Areas are often heavily grazed
which sometimes drastically reduces the grass cover.
SVl 14 Swaziland Sour Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 500, Figure 9.55.
Distribution:
Mpumalanga Province, Swaziland and marginally into KwaZulu-Natal: From Badplaas,
Tjakastad east to Piggs Peak area in the north, southwards through valleys around Manzini
and slopes around the Grand Valley, and some isolated mountain outcrops in the lowveld
plains, for example the Nkambeni Hills and Bulungu Mountains. Altitude 400–1 100 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Open to closed, medium to tall tree layer with closed well-developed grass layer. Very hilly
with moderate to steep slopes, positioned at higher altitudes than the adjacent SVI 3 Granite
Lowveld to the east.
SVl 16 Southern Lebombo Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 501, Figure 9.57.
Distribution:
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces and Swaziland: From Komatipoort, widening
southwards into Swaziland, including the Mbuluzi River Gorge, through Siteki and across the
Isuthu River Gorge into KwaZulu- Natal, extending east of Mkuze and terminating about 10
km north of Hluhluwe in the south. The high-altitude sourvelds are excluded and are SVl 17
Lebombo Summit Sourveld. Relatively small parts of this unit extend into Mozambique,
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mainly at the northern end. Altitude 100–600 m. Small patches are unmapped between the
Mkuze and Msunduzi Rivers.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Open Bushveld with dominant Acacia and Combretum species. Themeda triandra is the
dominant grass on undisturbed sites. On very shallow soils (e.g. slopes of deep gorges or
exposed ridges) with Aloe marlothii, Euphorbia confinalis and thickets of Olea europea
subsp. Africana and Combretum woodii. Combretum woodii. Dry slopes may be dominated
by Androstachys johnsonii in the northern parts.
SVl 17 Lebombo Summit Sourveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 502.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province with small parts in Mpumalanga Province and Swaziland: Localised
high points on the crest of the Lebombo Mountains from Mbuzini (Mpumalanga) in the north
to the Ubombo area immediately north of Mkuze River Gorge in the south. Also occurs in
Mozambique in a very limited area north of Namaacha. Altitude mostly from above 600 to
803 m at the summit of Mananga Mountain.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Ridge plateaus and adjacent slightly sloping flanks covered with open, tall, sour, wiry
grasslands, often dotted with low bushes and solitary savanna trees.
SVl 18 Tembe Sandy Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 502, Figure 9.58.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Part of the Maputaland lowveld, east of the Pongola River. Strip of
land between the Mozambique border and the Tembe Elephant Park in the north extending
south as far as the surrounds of the confluence of the Mkuze and Msunduzi Rivers.
Sandwiched between the SVl 20 Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld in the west and CB 1
Maputaland Coastal Belt in the east. Isolated patch found east of the town of Hluhluwe.
Altitude 40–140 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Extensive flat plains to slightly undulating in places with open to closed woodland with
canopy 5 – 10 m tall, dominated by leguminous woody and Terminalia sericea, with speciesrich shrub layer and grassy undergrowth (Panicum, Perotis, Urelytrum agropyroides,
Hyperthelia dissolute and Diheteropogon species).
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SVl 19 Western Maputaland Sandy Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 503, Figure 9.59.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Isolated patches on the coastal plain in the Maputaland region east
of the Lebombo Mountains from the Ndumo Game Reserve on the Mozambique border in the
north to the Mkhuze Game Reserve (now part of Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) in the south.
Altitude 40–180 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Comprised of mixed, but mainly simple-leaved, short (5 – 10 m) bushlands, woodlands and
wooded grasslands. Occurring on the mid- and lower midslopes of ancient coastal dune
cordons on gently undulating terrain. Extreme variations include open canopy Terminalia
sericea sandvelds on deeper yellow to orange sands, through to Combretum molle- dominated
woodlands on the deep red mesotrophic sands.
SVl 20 Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 504, Figure 9.60.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Maputaland region immediately east of the Lebombo Mountains,
eastwards to the western edge of the SVl 18 Tembe Sandy Bushveld. From the Ndumo Game
Reserve on the Mozambique border, through the Makatini Flats south to Mkhuze Game
Reserve, with a narrower extension to just east of the town Hluhluwe. Altitude 20–200 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Comprises a mixed but mainly compound leaved short (5 – 10 m) woodlands and wooded
grasslands. It occurs on the crests, upper and mid-slopes of gently undulating terrain. This
vegetation unit is dissected by two large alluvial floodplains associated with the Mkuze and
Phongolo Rivers. FOa 1 Lowveld Riverine Forest and woodland dominate these alluvial soils
and numerous small floodplains associated with smaller streams.
SVl 21 Makatini Clay Thicket
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 505, Figure 9.61.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: A number of patches in the Maputaland region, primarily east of
the Lebombo Mountains, from Ndumo Game Reserve on the Mozambique border through the
Makatini Flats south to just east of the town Hluhluwe. Mostly embedded as varying sized
patches within the SVl 20 Western Maputaland Clay Bushveld, where it occurs in bottomland
positions. Small unmapped fragments of Makatini Clay Thicket occur west of the Lebombo
Mountains, embedded within the SVl 23 Zululand Lowveld. Altitude 40–140 m.
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Vegetation and Landscape features:
Comprises a mixed, but mainly simple-leaved short bushland and thicket with emergent trees
up to 10 m and generally dense dominant shrub layer 1 – 4m tall. It occurs on the lower
slopes and bottomland areas of gently undulating terrain. Small clay-bottom, endorheic pans
occur commonly at low points in the terrain.
SVl 22 Northern Zululand Sourveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 505, Figure 9.62.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province and Swaziland: From the Lusthof area in Swaziland southwards
with scattered patches in northern Zululand in the surrounds of Hlomohlomo, east of
Louwsburg, Nongoma and the vicinity of Ulundi including Nkandla. In the HluhluweiMfolozi Park it occurs at highest altitudes in the park. Altitude mainly 450– 900 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
The dominant structural vegetation type is wooded grassland, in places pure sour grasslands
and rarely also dense bushveld thickets. Terrain is mainly low, undulating mountains,
sometimes highly dissected, and also some moderately undulating plains and hills.
SVl 23 Zululand Lowveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 506, Figure 9.63.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province, Swaziland and Mpumalanga Province: Main extent from around
Big Bend south to Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Ulundi to just north of the Ongoye Forest. An isolated
patch is found on the Swaziland– Mpumalanga border. Altitude about 50–450 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Extensive flat or only slightly undulating landscapes supporting complex of various bushveld
units ranging from dense thickets of Dichrostachys cinerea and Acacia species, through parklike savanna with flat-topped A. tortilis to tree dominated woodland with broadleaved open
bushveld with Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra and A. nigrescens. Tall grassveld types with
sparsely scattered solitary trees and shrubs form a mosaic with the typical savanna thornveld,
bushveld and thicket patches.
39 | P a g e
SVl 24 Zululand Coastal Thornveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006)pg 507.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Immediately west of Mtubatuba (in the north) and Empangeni (in
the south) bisected by the iMfolozi River, extending westwards for 10–20 km. Altitude 40–
300 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Gently rolling landscapes supporting wooded grassland dominated by Themeda triandra.
The bush clumps are a strong feature and are more numerous on deeper soils, with Phoenix
reclinata and Gymnosporia senegalensis usually dominant. These plant communities are
species-rich relative to the surrounding vegetation units. They grade into dense Acacia
woodland on dry slopes and riverine bushland thickets and FOa 1 Lowveld Riverine Forest in
valley bottoms.
SVl 25 Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld (New)
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: on the coastal plain in the Maputaland region east of the Pongola
River. North of the Mkuzi River it is aligned with the Muzi swamp and its water catchment
and to the south it extends to near the town of Hluhluwe sandwiched between SV1 18 Tembe
Sandy Bushveld and CB 1 Maputaland Coastal Belt. This unit surrounds most of the Muzi
Palm Veld and Wooded Grassland. Altitude 10 - 90 m, mostly between 40 – 80 m.
Vegetation and Landscape Features:
On ancient coastal dune cordons on gently undulating terrain. Open to closed evergreen
woodland with canopy 5 to 10 m tall and bushlands.
Geology & Soils:
Quaternary sediments of marine origin –mainly grey regic to reddish redistributed sand
dunes. Grey dystrophic regosols. Land type mainly Ha.
Climate:
Summer rainfall with some rain in winter. MAP about 550-800 mm. No incidence of frost.
Conservation:
Statutorily conserved in Tembe Elephant Park and Isimangaliso Wetland Park (Ozabeni
Section). Also conserved in Tshanini Game Reserve and Makasa Game Reserve.
40 | P a g e
Remarks:
The unit extends to the Maputaland part of southern Mozambique. It differs from SV1 18
Tembe Sandy Bushveld in the generally higher clay content of the soils and higher water
table and lower evaporation rates arising from its proximity to the east coast.
The Sclerocarya birrea-Strychnos madagascariensis closed woodland described by Gauris et.
al.(2004)is a plant community common along the western (drier) boundary of the vegetation
type. Small unmapped fragments of Eastern Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld occur
embedded Muzi Palm Veld and Wooded Grassland.
References:
Gaugris et al. (2004), Moll (1978); Matthews et al. (2001); Scott-Shaw (2011a)
SVl 26 Muzi Palm Veld and Wooded Grassland (New)
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: on the coastal plain in the Maputaland region east of the Pongola
River sandwiched between SV1 18 Tembe Sandy Bushveld, Eastern Maputaland Pallid
Sandy Bushveld and CB 1 Maputaland Coastal Belt. Altitude 40 - 90 m.
Vegetation and Landscape Features:
On ancient coastal dune cordons on gently undulating terrain and dry basins all associated
with the Muzi Swamps and Muzi Stream (an ancient shoreline) draining north and south into
the Pongola River and Mkuzi River respectively. Two broad plant communities dominate in a
patchwork pattern: Hyphaene coriacea dominated seasonally wet Palm Veld lacking in
shrubs and herbs and; wooded grassland several to many meters above the water table (in
average rainfall years) rich in shrubs, dwarf shrubs, geoxylic suffrutices and herbs. For
photograph see Fig. 11.3, page 576 in Mucina and Rutherford (2006).
Geology & Soils:
Quaternary sediments of marine origin – mainly grey regic to reddish redistributed sand
dunes. Grey brown to orange grey dystric regosols. Land type mainly Ha.
Climate:
Summer rainfall with some rain in winter. MAP about 550-650 mm. No incidence of frost.
Conservation:
Statutorily conserved in Tembe Elephant Park.
Remarks:
The unit extends to the Maputaland part of southern Mozambique. It differs from Eastern
Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld in the generally higher and very seasonal water table
41 | P a g e
which is unsuitable for bushveld trees. Small unmapped fragments of Muzi Palm Veld and
Wooded Grassland occur embedded in mainly Eastern Maputaland Pallid Sandy Bushveld
between the Mkuzi River and the Nyalazi River. This is the sub-community 3.2.2. Described
in Matthews et al. (2001) p586.
References:
Moll (1978); Matthews et al. (2001); Scott-Shaw (2011a)
SVs 1 Thukela Valley Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 508, Figure 9.65.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Central Thukela River basin upstream of Jameson’s Drift, past
Tugela Ferry to about 20 km southeast of Ladysmith. Also in valleys of several major
tributaries, such as the lower Mooi, Bushmans, Buffels and Sundays Rivers. Altitude about
350–1 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Often rocky rugged slopes and terraces mainly with deciduous trees of short to medium
height (and many large shrubs) including Acacia tortilis, A. nilotica and A. natalitia and
prominent evergreen species such as Olea europaea subsp. Africana, Boscia albitrunca and
Euclea crispa in places. Succulent plants, mainly species of Euphorbia and Aloe occur on
shallow and eroded soils. Relatively limited areas are dominated by succulents such as E.
tirucalli (some hillsides south of the Thukela) and E. ingens on steep slopes, but also
commonly on the valley floor.
SVs 2 Thukela Thornveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 509, Figure 9.66.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Upper Thukela River basin fringing the SVs 1 Thukela Valley
Bushveld on its upper border in a series of discontinuous patches. Largest area east of
Estcourt–Colenso and including Ladysmith. Also some outliers on slopes south of Dundee.
Altitude 900–1 300 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
The dominant landscape features are valley slopes to undulating hills. Vegetation is Acacia –
dominated bushveld of variable density (ranging from wooded grassland to dense thickets)
with dense grassy undergrowth.
42 | P a g e
SVs 3 KwaZulu-Natal Hinterland Thornveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 510.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Patches, scattered immediately above SVs 6 Eastern Valley
Bushveld, at altitudes 450–900 m in river valleys of mainly the Mpisi (in the Thukela River
catchment), Mvoti, Umgeni (below the Howick Falls), Mlazi, and Lufafa (vicinity of Ixopo)
and Mtungwane (tributaries of the Mkomazi).
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Vegetation is open Thornveld dominated by Acacia species on undulating plains found on
upper margins of river valleys.
SVs 6 Eastern Valley Bushveld
Refer to Mucina and Rutherford (2006) pg 512, Figure 9.69.
Distribution:
KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces: Deeply incised valleys of rivers including the
lower reaches of the Thukela, Mvoti, Mgeni, Mlazi, Mkhomazi, Mzimkulu, Mzimkulwana,
Mtamvuna, Mtentu, Msikaba, Mzimvubu (and its several tributaries), Mthatha, Mbhashe,
Shixini, Qhorha and Great Kei. Very seldom extending to the coast. Altitude 100–1 000 m.
Vegetation and Landscape features:
Semi deciduous savanna woodlands in a mosaic with thickets, often succulent and dominated
by species of Euphorbia and Aloe. Most of the river valleys run along a northwest-southeast
axis which results in unequal distribution of rainfall on respective north-facing and southfacing slopes since the rain-bearing winds blow from the south. The steep north-facing slopes
are sheltered from the rain and also receive greater amounts of insulation adding to
xerophilous conditions on these slopes.
43 | P a g e
References:
Anonymous (2000) Biological diversity in Lesotho: a country study. National
Environment Secretariat, Maseru.
Berliner, D. (2005). Systematic Conservation Planning for the forest biome of South
Africa. Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa.
Camp, K. (1999a) The Bioresource Groups of KwaZulu-Natal. Mistbelt. In: Mucina, L.
and Rutherford, M.C. (eds) (2006) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland.Strelitzia19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Camp, K. (1999b) The Bioresource Groups of KwaZulu-Natal. Tall Grassveld. In:
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds) (2006) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland.Strelitzia19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Camp, K. (2001) The classification of the units of the Bioresource Programme of
KwaZulu-Natal (a description of the mapping process). In: Mucina, L. and Rutherford,
M.C. (eds) (2006) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.Strelitzia19,
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Gaugris, J.Y., Matthews, W.S., Van Rooyen, M.W. & Bothma, J. du. P. (2004) The
vegetation of Tshanini Game Reserve and a comparison with equivalent units in the
Tembe Elephant Park in Maputaland, South Africa. Koedoe47(1): 9-29.
Government of South Africa. (2009). National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for
South Africa 2008. Priorities for expanding the protected area network for ecological
sustainability and climate change adaptation. Pretoria, South Africa.
Herbst, S.N. (1971)‘n Ekologiese plantopname van ‘n gedeelte van die Oxbowopvanggebied, Lesotho. M.Sc thesis, Univ. of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
Herbst, S.N. and Roberts, B.R. (1974) The alpine vegetation of the Lesotho Drakensberg:
a study in quantitative floristics at Oxbow.J. S. Afr. Bot.40: 257-267.
Jewitt, D. (2011). Ezemevelo KZN Wildlife Surveillance/Monitoring Plan. Land
Transformation. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Biodiversity Research Division Internal Report.
Queen Elizabeth Park, Pietermaritzburg.
Lubke, R.A., Avis, A.M., Steinke, T.D. and Boucher, C. (1997) Coastal vegetation. In:
Cowling, R.M., Richardson, D.M. and Pierce, S.M. (eds) Vegetation of Southern Africa, pp
300-321. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Matthews, W.S., Van Wyk, A.E., Van Rooyen, N. & Botha G.A. (2001). Vegetation of the
Tembe Elephant Park, Maputaland, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany67:
573-594.
Moll, E.J. (1978). The vegetation of Maputaland. Trees in South Africa29: 31-58.
44 | P a g e
Moll, E. J. and Werger, M.J.A. (1978) Mangrove communities. In: Werger, M.J.A. and Van
Bruggen, A.C. (eds) Biogeography and ecology in southern Africa, pp. 1231-1238. Dr W.
Junk, The Hague.
Morris, C.D., Tainton, N.M. and Boleme, S. (1993) Classification of the eastern alpine
vegetation of Lesotho.Afr. J. Range Forage Sci.10: 47-58.
Mucina, L. and Rutherford, M.C. (eds) (2006) The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and
Swaziland.Strelitzia19, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Rivers-Moore, N.A. and Goodman, P.S. (2010) River and wetland classifications for
freshwater conservation planning in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. African Journal of
Aquatic Science35(1):61 – 72.
Scott-Shaw C. R. (2011a) Descriptions of new Vegetation Types for KwaZulu-Natal.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Biodiversity Research Division Internal Report. Queen Elizabeth
Park, Pietermaritzburg. 6pp.
Scott-Shaw C. R. (2011b) KwaZulu-Natal Forest Map Methodology. Ezemvelo KZN
Wildlife Biodiversity Research Division Internal Report. Queen Elizabeth Park,
Pietermaritzburg. 8pp.
Tinley, K.L. (1985) MorCoastal Dunes of South Africa.S. Afr. Natl. Sci. Progr. Rep. No.
109: 1-300.
Ward, A. and Bunyard, P. (1992) Mangroves of Africa and Madagascar. CEC,
Luxemburg.
45 | P a g e
Appendix1
KZN Wetlands
Alluvial Wetlands
(AZa) [1 000]
Freshwater Wetlands
(AZf) [2 000]
Subtropical Alluvial Vegetation
(AZa7) [1 100]
Inland Saline Wetlands
(AZi) [3 000]
Lesotho Mires
(AZf5) [2 100]
Lowveld Riverine Forest & Bushland (FOa1) [71]
Lowveld Floodplain Grassland[1 120]
Tall Reed Wetland[1 121]
Short Grass/Sedge Wetland[1 122]
Subtropical Salt Pans
(AZi11) [3 100]
Drakensberg Wetland
(AZf4) [2 200]
Floodplain Pans - Open [3110]
Rainfed (Endorheic) PansClosed
[3 120]
Eastern Temperate Wetland
(AZf13) [2 300]
Lakes & Pans [2 310]
Marine Saline Wetlands
(AZm) [4 000]
Magrove Forest & Thicket
(FOa3) [76]
Saline Reeds & Sedge Beds
[4 200]
Saline Grassland & Mud
Flats [4 300]
(AZi11) [3 100]
Endorheic [2 311]
Lacustrine [2 312]
Echinochloa Grassland [1 123]
Subtropical Freshwater Wetland
(AZf6) [2 400]
Temperate Alluvial Vegetation
[1 200]
Swamp Forest (FOa2) [72; 73; 74; 75]
Tall Grassland/Reed/Sedge Wetland [2 420]
Midland Alluvial Woodland & Thicket [1 210]
Short Grassland/Reed/Sedge Wetland [2 430]
North of matigulu River
Midland Floodplain Grassland [1 220]
Dune Slack (Endorheic) [2 431]
North of Durban Bay
Reedbeds [1 221]
Coastal Rain Depression (Endorheic) [2 432]
South of Durban Bay
Inundated grassland [1 222]
Coastal Depression (Endorheic) [2 433]
Coastal Lakes & Pans [2 440]
Endorheic [2 441]
Adapted from Riversmoore, N.A and Goodman, P.S. (2010)
Lacustrine [2 442]
Key
Wetland Classification Name
(SANBI Vegetation Code)
46 | P a[IdrisID]
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