A vegetation classification and description of Telperion Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Aims : This study identified, classified and mapped the different plant communities found on Telperion Nature Reserve. Study area Reserve, Mpumulanga, South Africa. Methods Using a 1:10,000 aerial photograph, was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units. 294 sample plots (100 m 2 ) were placed in randomly stratified manner within identified Plant species present recorded allocated modified Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale value. Sample plot data captured TURBOVEG exported for editing, classification processing JUICE. A TWINSPAN applied to derive first approximation of synoptic table that refined using procedures. Species manually arranged groups. Diagnostic, constant dominant statistically determined from table. Threshold values fidelity, frequency canopy set final phytosociological produced describing composition communities. Results 22 Telperion. Five major communities, 14 sub-communities 13 variants. The five Cyathea dregei – Ilex mitis ravine woodland, Paspalum urvillei Phragmites australis valley bottom wetland, Diospyros lycioides Combretum erythrophyllum riparian Eragrostis curvula Seriphium plumosum midslope plateau grassland, molle Englerophytum magalismontanum rocky ridge woodland. also described mapped. Conclusions classification, description mapping Telperion’s vegetation provides basis management decision making about wildlife stocking rates, fire planning, management. Findings indicate Bankenveld is heterogeneous with variety habitats including woodland grassland components. has high diversity, it reservoir an important conservation area. Taxonomic reference SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022]. Abbreviations BB = Braun-Blanquet; a.s.l. metres above sea level; Two-way indicator analysis.