8 research outputs found
Biogeographical patterns of grasses (Poaceae) indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini
The ecological and economical importance of African grasses in sustaining animal production prompted studies
to quantify the wealth of grass genetic resources indigenous to southern Africa. Plant collection and occurrence
data were extracted from two southern African datasets, BODATSA and PHYTOBAS, and analysed to establish
biogeographical patterns in the grass flora indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. A total of 1 648 quarter
degree grid cells, representing 674 grass species, were used in an agglomerative hierarchical clustering to determine
biogeographical units being referred to as grasschoria. Six distinct groups formed, mainly following existing biome
vegetation units, termed the Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Fynbos, Savanna, Central Arid Region and
Succulent Karoo grasschoria. The description focuses on associated phytochoria, floristic links, key species, climate
and soil properties. The main gradient distinguishing grasschoria was a rainfall-temperature gradient. The collection,
conservation and breeding of pasture grass species adapted to especially arid and semi-arid environments, could
be managed more efficiently by using these results, but also calling on the need to describe and label infraspecific
genetic variants, including ecotypes.http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tarf20/currentpm2021Plant Production and Soil Scienc
Diversity and biogeographical patterns of legumes (Leguminosae) indigenous to southern Africa
The principal aim of this study was to establish biogeographical patterns in the legume flora of southern
Africa so as to facilitate the selection of species with agricultural potential. Plant collection data from the
National Herbarium, South Africa, were analysed to establish the diversity and areas covered by legumes
(Leguminosae/Fabaceae) indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. A total of 27,322 records
from 1,619 quarter degree grid cells, representing 1,580 species, 122 genera and 24 tribes were included
in the analyses. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was applied to the presence or absence of legume
species in quarter degree grid cells, the resultant natural biogeographical regions (choria) being referred
to as leguminochoria. The description of the 16 uniquely formed leguminochoria focuses on defining
the associated bioregions and biomes, as well as on the key climate and soil properties. Legume species
with a high occurrence in a leguminochorion are listed as key species. The dominant growth form of key
species, species richness and range within each leguminochorion is discussed. Floristic links between the
leguminochoria are established, by examining and comparing key species common to clusters, using a
vegetation classification program. Soil pH and mean annual minimum temperature were found to be the main drivers for distinguishing among legume assemblages. This is the first time that distribution data for
legumes has been used to identify biogeographical areas covered by leguminochoria on the subcontinent.
One potential application of the results of this study is to assist in the selection of legumes for pasture
breeding and soil conservation programs, especially in arid and semi-arid environments.This paper is dedicated to the memory of Robert Howard (Bobby) Westfall
(17 December 1944–21 January 2016), vegetation ecologist and friend
whose sudden death during the preparation of this manuscript deprived
us of an invaluable collaborator.Financial assistance from the University of Pretoria is acknowledged
with thanks.http://phytokeys.pensoft.nethttp://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1.0/am2016Plant Scienc
Diversity and biogeographical patterns of legumes (Leguminosae) indigenous to southern Africa
This paper is dedicated to the memory of Robert Howard (Bobby) Westfall
(17 December 1944–21 January 2016), vegetation ecologist and friend
whose sudden death during the preparation of this manuscript deprived
us of an invaluable collaborator.The principal aim of this study was to establish biogeographical patterns in the legume flora of southern
Africa so as to facilitate the selection of species with agricultural potential. Plant collection data from the
National Herbarium, South Africa, were analysed to establish the diversity and areas covered by legumes
(Leguminosae/Fabaceae) indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. A total of 27,322 records
from 1,619 quarter degree grid cells, representing 1,580 species, 122 genera and 24 tribes were included
in the analyses. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was applied to the presence or absence of legume
species in quarter degree grid cells, the resultant natural biogeographical regions (choria) being referred
to as leguminochoria. The description of the 16 uniquely formed leguminochoria focuses on defining
the associated bioregions and biomes, as well as on the key climate and soil properties. Legume species
with a high occurrence in a leguminochorion are listed as key species. The dominant growth form of key
species, species richness and range within each leguminochorion is discussed. Floristic links between the
leguminochoria are established, by examining and comparing key species common to clusters, using a
vegetation classification program. Soil pH and mean annual minimum temperature were found to be the main drivers for distinguishing among legume assemblages. This is the first time that distribution data for
legumes has been used to identify biogeographical areas covered by leguminochoria on the subcontinent.
One potential application of the results of this study is to assist in the selection of legumes for pasture
breeding and soil conservation programs, especially in arid and semi-arid environments.Financial assistance from the University of Pretoria is acknowledged
with thanks.http://phytokeys.pensoft.nethttp://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1.0/am2016Plant Scienc
Diversity and pasture potential of legumes indigenous to southern Africa
This study records all known legume (Leguminosae/Fabaceae) species indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland to establish distribution patterns and optimum climatic and soil conditions for growth. The main purpose was to propose a list of legume species for further evaluation of their pasture potential.
Collection data supplied by the National Herbarium (PRE) Computerised Information System were recorded to establish the distribution patterns of species based on the bioregions vegetation map. A total of 1 654 species are known to be indigenous, representing 24 tribes and 122 genera.
The grouping of legume species into five main clusters and 16 Leguminochoria is ecologically described, with the highest legume species richness found in the Northern Mistbelt Forest. Key and diagnostic species are provided for each Leguminochorion. Soil pH and mean annual minimum temperature were found to be the main drivers for distinguishing between legume assemblages. The optimum climatic and soil conditions for growth are described as well as the available descriptive attributes for species recorded. Information on the range of tolerance of most species to abiotic factors is presented. Mean annual rainfall and soil pH are highly correlated with the distribution pattern of most species, followed by mean
annual minimum temperature. Legume species adapted to a wide range of soil pH levels and low soil phosphorus levels are recorded.
Existing data on the cultivation and grazing or browsing status of indigenous legumes were used to select 584 species found mainly in the Central Bushveld, Mopane and Lowveld Bioregions to be further evaluated for their pasture potential. Known characteristics were used to categorise species. Species contained in the tribe Phaseoleae are of special interest since it contains most of the genera with present-day agricultural value, i.e. Eriosema, Rhynchosia and Vigna species are listed as having high potential as pasture species.
This study has shown that the descriptive and distribution data accumulated by botanists (notably taxonomists) could be of beneficial use in meeting agricultural objectives. Indigenous legumes are adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions and represent a valuable but largely unexploited natural resource for pasture development and soil conservation practices.Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013.gm2014Plant Scienceunrestricte
Systematics, diversity and forage value of indigenous legumes of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland
The diversity of legumes, indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland is reported using
recorded descriptive and distribution data. A total of 24 tribes, 118 genera and 1662 species were
documented with the majority of genera belonging to subfamily Faboideae, tribe Phaseoleae, and the
majority of species to tribe Crotalarieae. In terms of distribution patterns, most species were present in
the Savanna Biome and Central Bushveld Bioregion. Even though most tribes contain species with
secondary metabolites (mainly non-protein amino acids), tribes containing poisonous species are far
fewer. Herbs are the key growth form, followed by shrubs, dwarf shrubs and trees. The majority of
species are perennials. A map representing the collection intensity for the study area showed that the
majority of legumes species were collected in the Fynbos, Savanna and Grassland Biome. It is
concluded that indigenous South African legumes are extremely diverse and this denotes the
importance of further investigating their forage potential or use in other agricultural practices.http://www.academicjournals.org/AJ
Biogeographical patterns of grasses (Poaceae) indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini
The ecological and economical importance of African grasses in sustaining animal production prompted studies to quantify the wealth of grass genetic resources indigenous to southern Africa. Plant collection and occurrence data were extracted from two southern African datasets, BODATSA and PHYTOBAS, and analysed to establish biogeographical patterns in the grass flora indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. A total of 1 648 quarter degree grid cells, representing 674 grass species, were used in an agglomerative hierarchical clustering to determine biogeographical units being referred to as grasschoria. Six distinct groups formed, mainly following existing biome vegetation units, termed the Grassland, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt, Fynbos, Savanna, Central Arid Region and Succulent Karoo grasschoria. The description focuses on associated phytochoria, floristic links, key species, climate and soil properties. The main gradient distinguishing grasschoria was a rainfall-temperature gradient. The collection, conservation and breeding of pasture grass species adapted to especially arid and semi-arid environments, could be managed more efficiently by using these results, but also calling on the need to describe and label infraspecific genetic variants, including ecotypes
Assessing legumes indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for their pasture potential
In contrast to the exploration and use of southern African grass plant genetic resources over the past century, only a few indigenous legume species are currently used as forages, notwithstanding the vast untapped legume diversity available in southern Africa. The aim of this study was to assess legumes, indigenous to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland and propose a list of species with pasture potential for further evaluation. Towards this end, legume species documented as being cultivated, grazed or browsed as well as plant collection data from the National Herbarium, South Africa, were used. The majority of cultivated, grazed or browsed species were recorded in the Central Bushveld, Lowveld and Mopane Bioregions, the Drakensberg Foothill and Coastal Region, Savanna Group and Northern Mistbelt leguminochoria and is largely enclosed by the Wolkberg Centre of Plant Endemism. The Phaseoleae tribe was found to contain the highest percentage of cultivated legume species. Legume species adapted to low soil phosphorus levels were identified, with 22 of these species previously noted for their pasture potential. It is suggested that the results of this study be used in the continued search for alternative indigenous legumes species for eventual integration into local and international pasture systems.https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tarf20hj2020Plant Production and Soil Scienc