A process supported by the utility BBPC for analysing Braun-Blanquet data on a personal computer

Many South African vegetation scientists use utilise the Braun-Blanquet methodology. The main aim of this paper is to describe an affordable, rapid and efficient process for analysing Braun-Blanquet phytosociological data sets on a personal computer. It describes a suite of utilities joining various phases and this makes the entire process possible

A classification of the vegetation of the western Transvaal dolomite and chert grassland, South Africa

Relatively little is known about the vegetation of the western Grassland Biome in South Africa. The classification of the dolomite and chert grassland in the western Transvaal (Fa land type) forms part of a research programme on the syntaxonomic and synecological synthesis of the vegetation of the western Grassland Biome. Using a numerical classification technique (Twinspan) as a first approximation, the classification was refined by applying Braun-Blanquet procedures. The result is a phytosociological table from which two new alliances, six new associations, two new sub-associations and two new communities without syntaxonomic rank are recognized. The new syntaxa are ecologically interpreted as well as described. Associated gradients in habitat were identified by using an ordination algorithm (Decorana). This study should contribute to the present knowledge and ecological understanding of the vegetation of the western Transvaal