This is a guide to the plants and animals found in the swamp forests of southern Zululand - the coastal area extending from the Tugela to the Mfolozi River.
Swamp forests grow in fresh water. The source of water usually is groundwater seepage - which provides a constant and consistent ...more ↓
This is a guide to the plants and animals found in the swamp forests of southern Zululand - the coastal area extending from the Tugela to the Mfolozi River.
Swamp forests grow in fresh water. The source of water usually is groundwater seepage - which provides a constant and consistent supply. The water level does not vary much. The water does not carry sediment and the substrate is usually sand or accumulated peat.
The different degrees of wetness control variations in the plant species composition in different parts of the swamp. The wettest parts- with abundant standing water - are dominated by Ficus trichopoda. Intermediate wetness is characterised by Voacanga thouarsii, and the drier forests by species such as Bridelia micrantha..
There are relative few animal species in swamp forests and these are not abundant.
WORK IN PROGRESS. This guide is still being developed.
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Swamp Forests of Mtunzini
