Limpopo flood plain

Floodplains of the Limpopo Valley vary in fine clayey and coarse sandy, alluvial soils supporting variable but often sparse herbaceous, woody and grassy coverings. This vegetation of remarkable diversity survives fluctuations, some seasonal, of abundant rain and drought.

The floristic composition is adapted to particular soil texture, depth, terrain incline, surface stone cover and moisture cycle features, holding numerous localised surprises of incidental species abundance. Slopes involve runoff and variable infiltration of rainwater associated with local variable clay-sand textures, the species mix responding in various ways across the terrain.

Interaction among prevailing factors brings varied vegetation features to microecologies, repeatedly or uniquely. The availability of palatable grazing and browsing plant species in localised areas, combined with farming and land use practices over long periods result in a variety of ecological outcomes, requiring wise land management or light land use (Mostert, 2006).