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The physiography, geology, soil and climate of a broad transect of the Eastern Transvaal Escarpment in the Sabie area are described. The transect extends from Hazyview (530 m elevation) to Mount Anderson (2 280 m elevation). The description provides a contextual framework for the subsequent vegetation classification.

Vegetation studies at various levels of detail and using various methods are briefly reviewed. The approach and procedures of the Zurich-Montpellier school of phytosociology as a standard methodology for regional studies has become increasingly recognized. Progress has been made in regional studies in the fynbos and woodland biomes. but grassland, forest and karoo vegetation have been much neglected. There have also been marked increases in activity over a wide range of additional vegetation studies including new fields of research, particularly ecosystem studies. However, there are still vast gaps in our knowledge of the basic vegetationa! resources of the country. A systematic regional-study programme is being launched to remedy these deficiencies in fundamental knowledge.

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BASELINE DATA FOR THE VEGETATION OF TWO PROTECTED PLOTS AT THE MATIMBA POWER STATION, ELLISRAS, NW TRANSVAAL