Synthesis of plant phenology in the Fynbos biome

Abstract

This synthesis provides an inventory of plant phenology in the fynbos biome up to February 1983, and an evaluation of the methods used. Phenology of species, genera and families, and also of communities in terms of growth forms, individuals and species is compared and discussed in terms of current theory. This includes speculation about phenological implications of tropical origins and biogeography. The ecophysiological model of Specht et al (1983) which explains the summer growth of certain species in Australian and Cape mediterranean-type ecosystems is refuted for the Cape. Instead, in order to understand plant-function, investigations into root architecture, water budgets, plant-animal interactions and the influence of radiation accumulation are suggested. Synthesis of the data shows that attempts at characterizing seasonality in different growth form types are weak. Also, categorization of species into groups showing particular seasonal patterns is limited. The role of phenology in management of fynbos biome vegetation is discussed and its importance in understanding plant dynamics is stressed. Although the summer growth of proteoids is well-known, similar behaviour by certain ericoids and restioids is also observed. However, there is no evidence that "fynbos" grows in summer and statements concerning the phenology of fynbos biome vegetation types should be more explicit.