Vegetation of Southern Africa

by Edited by R. M. Cowling , D. M. Richardson , S. M. Pierce , Foreword by B. J. Huntley

• ISBN13: 9780521548014
• ISBN10: 0521548012
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This impressive work is the first comprehensive account of the vegetation of southern Africa. The region contains a remarkable juxtaposition of different ecosystems, yet it forms a cohesive ecological unit with exceptionally high endemism. The book is divided into three major parts: Part I provides the physiographic, climatic, biogeographic and historical background essential for understanding contemporary vegetation patterns and processes. Part II includes systematic descriptions of the characteristics and determinants of major vegetation units (the major terrestrial biomes, coastal vegetation, freshwater wetlands and marine vegetation). Part III elaborates on selected ecological themes of particular importance including grazing, fire, alien plant invasions, conservation and human use of plants. These are discussed in the context of prevailing paradigms in the international literature.

Table of Contents

Foreword B. J. Huntley

Preface

Contributors

Part. Physiography and History: Introduction

1. Evolution of landscapes T. C. Partridge

2. Climate R. E. Schulze

3. Phytogeography, flora and endemism R. M. Cowling, and C. Hilton-Taylor

4. Vegetation history L. Scott, H. M. Anderson, and J. M. Anderson

Part II. Biomes: Introduction

5. Categorization of biomes M. C. Rutherford

6. Fynbos R. M. Cowling, D. M. Richardson, and P. J. Mustart

7. Succulent karoo S. J. Milton, R. I. Yeaton, W. R. J. Dean, and J. H. J. Vlok

8. Nama-karoo A. R. Palmer, and M. T. Hoffman

9. Desert N. Jü

rgens, A. Gü

nster, M. K. Seely, and K. M. Jacobson

10. Grassland T. G. O'Connor, and G. J. Bredenkamp

11. Savanna R. J. Scholes

12. Forest J. J. Midgley, R. M. Cowling, A. H. W. Seydack, and G. F. Van Wyk

13. Coastal vegetation R. A. Lubke, A. M. Avis, T. D. Steinke, and C. Boucher

14. Freshwater wetlands K. H. Rogers

15. Marine vegetation J. J. Bolton and R. J. Anderson

Part III. Ecological Themes: Introduction

16. Plant form and function W. D. Stock, N. Allsopp, F. van der Heyden, and E. T. F. Witkowski

17. Herbivory N. Owen-Smith, and J. E. Danckwerts

18. Fire W. J. Bond

19. Species diversity at the regional scale R. M. Cowling, D. M. Richardson, R. E. Schulze, M. T. Hoffman, J. J. Midgley, and C. Hilton-Taylor

20. Human use of plants A. B. Cunningham, and G. W. Davis

21. Human impacts on vegetation M. T. Hoffman

22. Alien plant invasions D. M. Richardson, I. A. W. Macdonald, J. H. Hoffmann, and L. Henderson

23. Conservation A. G. Rebelo

Glossary

Index.