A vegetation survey was conducted of the Owen Sitole College of Agriculture (OSCA). Phytosociological data were used to identify plant communities and to determine alpha diversity. Five plant communities were recognised and described. One of these was sub-divided into two sub-communities. An ordination scatter diagram of the distribution of the six vegetation units depicted topographically induced gradients, specifically related to soil depth, rock cover, slope and altitude. Floristic composition of the six vegetation units indicates that this coastal thomveld has affinities to the Grassland, Savanna and Forest biomes. In the study area, closed woodland communities have the highest plant richness and grassland communities the highest plant diversity. Diversity and richness per community compares favourable with the Rocky Highveld Grassland, suggesting that phytodiversity at OSCA was maintained despite a history of multiple disturbances. The habitat on OSCA farm serves as an important refuge for plant species and communities of biological and economic significance, especially the remaining grasslands

A classification of the woody component of the riparian vegetation of Zululand coastal thornveld is analysed using the height classes of different woody species as an indication of age. A total of 43 randomly stratified plots was selected using aerial photographs to include all the different plant communities in this rare and endemic vegetation type. A floristic survey of the woody component was conducted within each sample plot. Species data recorded included tree cover and tree richness. Environmental data recorded included altitude, soil type, soil chemistry, aspect and slope. The data set was analysed with TWINSPAN and four woody-plant assemblages were identified. An ordination using CANOCO was applied to examine the relationships between species distribution and associated environmental gradients. Changes in the species composition of woody assemblages occurred along an environmental gradient determined by soil properties and past land use