Scrubland
Ecologically unrelated areas where the only cover is provided by low shrubs or dense herbaceous plants.
1. MONTANE ERICOID
SCRUB
Found above 1800 m on the top of Castle Beacon and Lion Rock. Dominant species are Erica spp., Protea spp., Strelitzia caudata, Aloe arborescens and Passerina montana . Trees are mostly absent or stunted. Ferns such as Mohria lepigera and Elaphoglossum acrostichioides survive in the shelter of rock crevices.
2. SECONDARY BRACKEN SCRUB
This is a secondary vegetation type, mostly between 1450-1650 m, where it forms an ecotone between forest and grassland. When protected from fire it will probably develop into secondary forest. Cussonia spicata, Bridelia micrantha, Buddleja salvifolia, Erythrina lysistemon, Trema orientalis are occassional trees that might occur in this type of vegetation, together with prolific thorny vines such as Rubus spp., Toddalia asiatica and Smilax anceps. The orchid and fern flora is rather poor in this vegetation type with the exception of the ubiquitous bracken (Pteridium aquilinum).
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SECONDARY DODONAEA-VERNONIA SCRUBLAND
This scrubland type can be found between 1250-1450m, where abandoned coffee plantations are being reclaimed by natural vegetation. A good example is the Greendale Estate within the Leopard Rock Game Reserve. Dominant species are Vernonia myriantha, Dodonaea angustifolia and Trema orientalis. Lantana camara is a serious alien invasive threat, while Gouania longispicata and Cyathula uncinulata are common climbers.
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4. MIXED APHLOIA - THEIFORMIS SCRUBLAND
This rare vegetation type is known from a small,
steeply sloping area
(less than 3 ha) at around 1550m on the Misty Manor property (Muller 2004). Both
forest and open woodland species are present, all not growing any taller than shrub
size. Among the species listed are
Aphloia theiformis, Faurea rochetiana,
Rapanea
melanophloeos, Erica hexandra, Rhus chirindensis and Ochna holstii.