types of vegetation in namibia
Under the classification of the word Vegetation are the following; deserves soil crusts, lawns, sphagnum bogs, Primeval redwood forests, cultivated gardens, coastal mangrove stands, sphagnum bogs, desert soil crusts, wheat fields, and roadside weed patches. The rocks and hillsides are covered in zeolites, crystals, granite and silica with occasional clumps of knotgrasses, making for a memorable scene. Travelling through Namibia is like travelling through several different historical epochs, continuously encountering different cultures and experiencing different types of climate and vegetation. The plants occur sporadically throughout this coastal desert from Port Nolloth in South Africa (last recorded in 1925) to Namibe in Southern Angola, with the greatest concentrations around the Kuiseb River Delta, and the most eastern distribution from around Sossusvlei. These include the Euphorbia’s – Damara, Verosa and Mauritania and the unusual looking Bottle trees with their bulbous lower trunks tapering up to small branches that spout out of the top like a bad hair cut! According to Geiss’ vegetation map of Namibia (1971), the ecoregion contains three vegetation types: mopane savanna, semi-desert and savanna transition, and dwarf shrub savanna. The ground is often too cold for plants to set down roots, and … The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. You can I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. The vegetation turns into a lush green. Namibia can be split into four distinct vegetation zones. Land use classifies the types of vegetation on the land. To the east in the Zambezi region one finds Makalani palms, baobab trees and wild figs and in areas some lush riverine vegetation. Its Biome is Zambezi freshwater from river Zambezi. The vegetation of flat-top mountains (mesas) was investigated in northwest Namibia. The main questions were: (1) Are there differences between vegetation types on mountain tops and what is the composition of mountain top vegetation? Pachypodium namaquanum is known as the ‘half-mens’ (half-person) plant to Namibian locals. Namibian Sand Dunes. Unique floral oddities here include the kokerboom (quiver tree), a species of aloe that grows only in southern Namibia. Savannah cover 64% of Namibia, dry woodlands and forests 20%, while desert vegetation is distributed over 16%. Because Namibia is mostly arid, much of the flora is typical African dryland vegetation: scrub brush and succulents, such as euphorbia. The mopane savanna lies to the north of the ecoregion and is characterized by Colophospermum mopane. Associated species with both of these pan types include various annuals such as Hydrodea bossiana and Pentzia heteroensis. Landscape and Vegetation. Premium service from one of the world's most knowledgeable travel companies, Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel, Package Holidays & Package Tours Regulations 1992, Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159, Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197, Fraser House, Southrop, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NR UK 9401 Overlea Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA, The Ultimate Explorer’s safari of Africa by Private Jet, Historic India and Maldives by Private Jet, 10 steps to the perfect Latin America holiday, Namibia - the best value luxury safari holidays for 2016. According to Geiss’ vegetation map of Namibia (1971), the ecoregion contains three vegetation types: mopane savanna, semi-desert and savanna transition, and dwarf shrub savanna. Namibia project. Mar 4, 2020 - Explore Gondwana Collection Namibia's board "Namibia Plants", followed by 3796 people on Pinterest. Interestingly, desert elephants who miraculously live in such difficult and arid conditions, survive by eating the vegetation but never actually harming them or pulling their branches down. An increase in developed land means more areas are covered by buildings, concrete and asphalt. Herbivorous Game Species-Gemsbok Density and (3) What are the likely factors determining the vegetation on mountain tops? From June to September it is winter in Namibia. The temperatures slowly start to drop. Most types of aloe plants grow in a rosette shape. Fairy-tale Forest. Namibia lies in the second driest area in Africa after the Sahara, Namibia is the most arid country in sub-Saharan Africa, the landscape is characterised by deserts and mountains. Botanists advise that the Welwitschia lies in its own genus within the gymnosperm order which is related to pines and larches. It is commonly referred to as a living fossil as some are over 1000 years old. In some years only 110m of rain falls in this region. The main rainy season starts in January (often with thundershowers). Along the coastal plain around Swakopmund are the worldâs most extensive and diverse fields of lichen; they remain dormant during dry periods, but with the addition of water, they burst into colourful bloom. Diversity of terrestrial plants & animals-Plant Diversity. Lonely Planet. Most of the country is covered by tree-dotted, scrub savanna grasses of the genera Stipagrostis, Eragrostis and Aristida. Namibia can be split into four distinct vegetation zones which together support more than 4,000 seed bearing vascular plants, 120 different species of tree, over 200 endemic plant species and 100 varieties of lichen. The Succulent Karoo stretches along the coastal strip of southwestern Namibia and South Africa's Northern Cape Province, where the cold Benguela Current offshore creates frequent fogs. The eastern fringes of Namib-Naukluft Park are dominated by semidesert scrub savanna vegetation, including some rare aloe species (Aloe karasbergensis and Aloe sladeniana). digitata), marula (Sclerocarya birrea), mopane (Colophospermum. Savanna, vegetation type that grows under hot, seasonally dry climatic conditions and is characterized by an open tree canopy (i.e., scattered trees) above a continuous tall grass understory (the vegetation layer between the forest canopy and the ground). Weird and Wonderful Plants of Namibia Half man – half plant. It is also one of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence. This vegetation type was recorded on a number of areas. Some important plant species. People have traditionally given vernacular names to plants that are useful, outstanding, poisonous, etc. 1.1. Camel thorn and mopane trees provide much appreciated shade and food too. This project is based on extensive Although the plant can lie dormant for almost a year, when the rains fall, it comes back to life with beautiful, colourful flowers. All rights reserved. Some species are so rare that they will literally occur on one side of a hill and no where else – at all. The vegetation type is defined in terms of dominant, common as well as rare species, as well as association with landscape features such as soil or geology, topography and climate. Biomes & Vegetation-Biomes & Vegetation Types-Tree/Shrub/Grass Cover-Vegetation Structure-Some Important Plant Species-Average Green Vegetation Biomass Production. During April to May rains might still occur. These include the Euphorbia’s – Damara, Verosa and Mauritania and the unusual looking Bottle trees with their bulbous lower trunks tapering up to small branches that spout out of the top like a bad hair cut! A vegetation inventory of Namibia is in progress, with collaboration from the University of Cologne. Although the species were almost similar to the dense mopane woodland above, this type of vegetation is more open and the trees are not very tall. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) Texas sage is a small, compact shrub that produces purple flowers. On the gravel plains east of the Skeleton Coast grows the bizarre Welwitschia mirabilis, a slow-growing, ground-hugging conifer that lives for more than 1000 years. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. In large parts of the Namib, especially in the south, there are large shifting dunes up to 300 m high and largely devoid of vegetation. In the past thirty years, there has been an increase in developed land and a decrease in cultivated crop land. The largest areas of savanna are found in The Zambezi Region in Namibia's extreme north east is entirely different to the rest of the country in all these respects, especially as regards its history. Namibian Sand Dunes. The Kunene region in the north of Namibia has beautiful and endless landscapes of different colours of soils – red and black volcanic sands blending finely on the western coast with salty sands and here on the northern Angolan border one finds the Kunene River with its riverine vegetation sitting against massive bare sand dunes – its such an incredible and beautiful contrast. Etosha, one of the most visited parks in the country is dominated by its 4731 km2 of salt pan which is surrounded by open grass plains, home to oryx, rhino, elephants, kudu and giraffe. Contact Lonely Planet. On the iron rich red sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib Rand, barking geckos and scrab beetles dash around lime green ostrich spiky grasses that wave in the breeze whilst clinging to the dunes. Namibia Travel Guide This site contains almost all of the text of the 2nd (2004) edition of Namibia: The Bradt Travel Guide, by Chris McIntyre. They seem to instinctively know that the few available trees need to survive too. The vegetation turns into a lush green. Landscape and Vegetation. In large parts of the Namib, especially in the south, there are large shifting dunes up to 300 m high and largely devoid of vegetation. From June to September it is winter in Namibia. Namaqua . Seven vegetation types were described, comprising a sparse to medium cover mix of mainly shrubs and grasses. Distribution of: -Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) -Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis) -Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) -Quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma) -Tsamma melon (Citrullus lanatus) -Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis) Another bottle-shaped succulent, Moringa Ovalifolia grows throughout Namibia. It is based on 1000 m 2 sample plots, surveyed using the Braun-Blanquet methodology. The most well known plant is actually one of the oldest in the world – the Welwitschia mirabilis, which is actually a tree though it looks like a rather large and untidy plant. The mopane savanna lies to the north of the ecoregion and is characterized by Colophospermum mopane. We're friendly and available to chat. Vegetation types differed remarkably between mountain tops, even within the proximity of a few kilometres. You can also grow aloe vera indoors in pots. The Kokerboom is endemic to Keetmanshoop, Namaqualand and can be seen in the Tiras Mountains. Along the coastal plain around Swakopmund are the world’s most extensive and diverse fields of lichen; they remain dormant during dry periods, but with the addition of water, they burst into colourful bloom. Description and distribution of !nara!Nara is a leafless, thorny, melon-bearing bush that is endemic to the Namib Desert. Plants Because Namibia is mostly arid, much of the flora is typical African dryland vegetation: scrub brush and succulents, such as euphorbia. The plants of the namib are some of the most interesting in the world! Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. The Vegetation Survey of Namibia project was initiated in 1996, with the aim to update the rather basic vegetation map created in the 1970s (Giess, 1971) to a more detailed, more accurate map, which also provides a sound baseline of information on the different vegetation types (Strohbach, 2001). In areas with higher rainfall, the characteristic grass savanna gives way to acacia woodlands, and Etosha National Park enjoys two distinct environments: the wooded savanna in the east and thorn-scrub savanna in the west. The vegetation is a mixture of riverine forest, teak forest, acacia fringe woodland on the edge of the drainage lines and open grassland. To download information about the vegetation types and biomes visit the Vegmap page on the SANBI BGIS website . In the south, the grass is interrupted by ephemeral watercourses lined with tamarisks, buffalo thorn and camelthorn. This vegetation type was recorded on a number of areas. The broad Vegetation Types present ecologically similar map units that are largely controlled by climate, topography and underlying substrate. Colophospermum mopane had a relative density of about 40% relative density. Its Biome is … The rocky mountains of Etendeka and Grootberg are home to thick stemmed trees and scrubs. This interesting plant lives in the sand dunes, in rocky landscapes and coastal deserts surviving through severe droughts and windswept environment. When coupled with the abundant supply of water this means that Caprivi is game-rich. vegetation map of Namibia at a scale of 1:1 000 000. The temperatures slowly start to drop. Some important plant species. The makalani palm tree (known as omulunga in … It is interesting to note that historical land use changes have also affected the climate of th… The first edition of this guidebook was published in 1998 – and has been amended several times since. It comprises several types of vegetation of which the most important, Chaco seco is a dry forest with different patterns (detailed below). Reach out to us anytime and we'll happily answer your questions. Geography. This project is based on extensive Shepherd trees, ringwood, mopane with their butterfly leaves and purple pod terminalia are all present. See more ideas about namibia, plants, euphorbia plant. During the months December to March it is generally hot throughout the country. Because Namibia is mostly arid, much of the flora is typical African dryland vegetation: scrub brush and succulents, such as euphorbia. The book is accompanied by a large wall map. Namibia project. The higher rainfall of Caprivi and Kavango sustains extensive mopane woodland and the riverine areas support scattered wetland vegetation, grasslands and stands of acacias. The leaves can be two to four metres long. Namibia has some of the most extraordinary vegetation, all adapted to harsh desert environments. The broad Vegetation Types present ecologically similar map units that are largely controlled by climate, topography and underlying substrate. Associated species with both of these pan types include various annuals such as Hydrodea bossiana and Pentzia heteroensis. There are nearly 2 billion acres of land in the continental United States. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Namibia Travel Guide This site contains almost all of the text of the 2nd (2004) edition of Namibia: The Bradt Travel Guide, by Chris McIntyre. mopane) and the Welwitschia (Welwitschia mirabilis). It is also one of the few countries where animals still roam freely mostly unrestricted by human influence. In Namibia only 1500 of the approximately 4000 indigenous and 200 naturalised plants have common names. Under a very short rainfall gradient, the vegetation abruptly changes from microphyllous Acacia -dominated savannas to mesophyll savannas, dominated by Terminalia sericea and Combretum spp. Bushes are restricted by the desert heat. The Vegetation Survey of Namibia project was initiated in 1996, with the aim to update the rather basic vegetation map created in the 1970s (Giess, 1971) to a more detailed, more accurate map, which also provides a sound baseline of information on the different vegetation types (Strohbach, 2001). Vegetation types The existing Vegetation Type map in Namibia was compiled by Antje Burke, Wynand du Plessis & Ben Strohbach was based on existing information available from diverse resources. In the sandy plains of southeastern Namibia, raisin bushes (Grewia) and candlethorn grow among the scrubby trees, while hillsides are blanketed with green-flowered Aloe viridiflora and camphor bush. Top Namibia Bodies of Water: See reviews and photos of bodies of water in Namibia, Africa on Tripadvisor. 1.1. Objectives of the vegetation survey project: (i) To update and refine the preliminary vegetation map of Namibia (Giess 1971) to a scale of 1:1 000 000. by clicking the Privacy policy link at the bottom of the page. The country has a great mix of desert, semi- desert and savannahs. Vegetation in tundra is limited to a few shrubs, grasses, and mosses. The main rainy season starts in January (often with thundershowers). Short Bushman grass, tall Bushman grass and Kalahari sour grasses live in valleys and over the plains. Vegetation types The existing Vegetation Type map in Namibia was compiled by Antje Burke, Wynand du Plessis & Ben Strohbach was based on existing information available from diverse resources. Welwitschia mirabilis. The translation of the local Afrikaans name is cattle or sheep’s hoof as they resemble little hooves. During the months December to March it is generally hot throughout the country. Other names for this desert-dwelling shrub are wild … Colophospermum mopane had a relative density of about 40% relative density. The first edition of this guidebook was published in 1998 – and has been amended several times since. © 2018 Most of the country is covered by tree-dotted, scrub savanna … The vegetation of flat-top mountains (mesas) was investigated in northwest Namibia. In Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, one finds the remarkable Quiver or Kokerboom tree as well as other desert succulents. The Tree of Life. Grasses are much less abundant in the desert than in the rest of Namibia other than the spiny cladoraphis . Vegetation types found here are; the saline desert, the savanna woodlands, the dwarf shrub savanna and grasslands in the sandy soil. (ii) To classify and describe the veld types of Namibia. Namaqua is a national park located in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa near its border with Namibia. The Namibian landscape consists generally of five geographical areas, each with characteristic abiotic conditions and vegetation with some variation within and overlap between them: the Central Plateau, the Namib Desert, the Great Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari Desert. In fact as the tree grows its long leaves lie on the ground and are swept around and around, with constant baking under searing skies, this combined with the wind makes the ends of the leaves into tasselled fringes. On foggy mornings the wildlife collects condensed droplets of water from the grasses – fundamental for their survival. update your settings Vegetation types found here are; the saline desert, the savanna woodlands, the dwarf shrub savanna and grasslands in the sandy soil. For more experiences on offer in Namibia, visit Namibia - the best value luxury safari holidays for 2016. One of the loveliest succulents are the lithops – tiny and gorgeous pebble looking plants that come in different shapes and colours. we use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Namibia is a very diverse country with an array of habitats and vegetation. Hi there, Scientists estimate roughly 1,700 different species live in the tundra, which isn’t much compared to forests and grasslands. During April to May rains might still occur. Further south there is desert thistle, Pocaleteum bushes and wild sage in the springs that are visited by crowned lapwings, larks and sand grouse. This project is the basis for this paper. The data is captured in a database called TurboVeg (developed and used in South Africa), which allows tabulation, sorting and some statistical manipulation. BUT, more than 8000 names have been recorded for these 1500 plants in almost 40 languages and/or dialects since the 19th century. (2) Do rare species affect the floristic relationship between mountain tops? Six vegetational regions are found in the Namib: (1) the coastal region, with highly succulent vegetation, which uses moisture derived from the fog, (2) the almost completely barren Outer Namib, (3) the steppes of the Inner Namib, which in many years are barren but which in wet years are covered with short grasses, both annual and perennial, (4) the dunes of the Inner Namib, which produce a surprisingly rich flora of … Although the species were almost similar to the dense mopane woodland above, this type of vegetation is more open and the trees are not very tall. The area around Katima Mulilo is dominated by mixed subtropical woodland containing copalwood, Zambezi teak and leadwood, among other hardwood species.