The bryofloristic regions of southern Africa

Abstract

A TWINSPAN classification divides southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland and Lesotho) into two main bryofloristic regions: (1) a subtropical or palaeotropical region in the northern, eastern and southern parts, characterised by a predominantly mesophytic moss flora; and (2) a temperate or austral region in the central and western parts of the study area with a xerophytic moss flora. The subtropical region is subdivided into the Zambezian and Afromontane Regions, and the temperate region into the Karoo-Namib and Highlands Regions. The four regions are further subdivided into eight domains: (1) the Zambezian Region into the Caprivi and Bushveld Domains; (2) the Afromontane Region into the Drakensberg and Cape Domains; (3) the Karoo-Namib Region into the Western Cape and Namaqua Domains; and (4) the Highlands Region into the Drakensberg Alpine and Upper Karoo Domains. Meaningful phytogeographical classification of the arid and semi-arid central and northwestern sectors of the study area is dependent on future plant collecting or sampling efforts.