The karoo biome: a preliminary synthesis. Part 2- vegetation and history

Abstract

The karoo biome comprises the arid and semi-arid dwarf shrub lands and open grassland of South Africa. In comparison to other South African biomes, ecological patterns and processes in this biom are poorly understood, despite its size and economic importance. One of the task of the project is the synthesis of available information on the structure and functioning of karoo ecosystems. This volume synthesizes available data on vegetation and plant growth and provides an historical perspective essential for understanding present day patterns and processes.