Flora and vegetation of the Mbonambi Beach Arcuate Scar on the Zululand dune barrier, Natal, South Africa

Abstract

A hundred and seventy-nine species belonging to 63 families were found in 13 communities in the Mbonambi Arcuate Scar. This is a rare type of dune valley that is described here and its vegetation is mapped. The great botanical diversity in a small area (7 ha) can be related to the variety in ecological conditions and the juxtaposition of pristine and disturbed areas. Because most of the adjacent area has been mined and this type of dune valley is rare, it deserves a high conservation status rating. A Pereskia aculeata infestation was found that requires urgent attention.