Forests of KwaZulu-Natal
Encyclopedia
Areas of forest
grow in KwaZulu-Natal
, South Africa
mostly on south facing slopes in higher rainfall areas, and along the humid coastal areas. Different types of forest can be identified by their species composition which depends mostly on the altitude
, latitude
and substrate (soil and rock types) in which they grow. South facing slopes are favourable for the development of forest as they are more shaded, and therefore cooler and retain more moisture than the northern slopes. The extra moisture on the south slopes is not only favoured by forest trees, but also helps to prevent or subdue wildfires. Fires can also be blocked by cliff
faces and rocks or boulders on these slopes, and by streams or rivers at the base of the slopes. The coastal regions are conducive to forest formation because of high rainfall and humidity which are favoured by forest trees and also help to prevent or subdue fires. The rivers of the coastal areas are also broader than further inland, which may often prevent fires from spreading long distances, and fires generally burn uphill and therefore more often away from areas at low altitude.
area. Characteristic tree species include Yellowwoods (Afrocarpus falcatus
and Podocarpus latifolius
), Mountain Hard Pear (Olinia emarginata) and Cape Beech (Rapanea melanophloeos
). Mountain Cypress (Widringtonia nodiflora) may occur on the forest margins.
. Characteristic trees are; Yellowwoods (including Afrocarpus falcatus, Podocarpus latifolius and Podocarpus henkelii
), Natal Krantz Ash (Atalaya natalensis
), Red Stinkwood (Prunus Africana
), Sneezwood (Ptaeroxylon obliquum) and Forest Elder (Nuxia floribunda
). The Forest Tree Fern (Cyathea capensis
) is also found in these forests.
), Forest Bushwillow (Combretum krausii) and Umzimbeet (Millettia grandis
). The Natal Cycad (Encephalartos natalensis) may occur on the forest edges, usually among rocks.
Coastal Lowland Forest
Once found almost continuously along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Trees found here include; Flat-crown (Albizia adianthifolia
), Coastal Goldenleaf (Bridelia micrantha
), Red Beech (Protorhus longifolia), Forest Mahogany (Trichilia dregeana
), Forest Fever-berry (Croton sylvaticus
) and Wild Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata
).
Sand Forest
Found on ancient inland sand dunes in Maputaland
in the north of KwaZulu-Natal. Unique trees include Lebombo Wattle (Newtonia hildebrandtii), Red-heart Tree (Hymenocardia ulmoides), Lavender-leaved Croton (Croton pseudopulchellus) and Stink Bushwillow (Pteleopsis myrtifolia).
Dune Forest
Once found almost continuously along the coastal dunes of KwaZulu-Natal. Characteristic trees are: Coastal Red Milkwood (Mimusops caffra
), Coast Silver Oak (Brachylaena discolor
), Dune Soap-berry (Deinbollia oblongifolia
) and Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai
). The Large-leaved Dragon Tree (Dracaena aletriformis
) is also found here.
, Ficus polita, Quinine Tree (Rauvolfia caffra
) and Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea
). These forests are vulnerable to flooding and many were destroyed by Cyclone Domoina.
) are characteristic species in Maputaland.
), Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) and White Mangrove (Avicennia marina
). The Powder-puff Tree (Barringtonia racemosa
) and the Wild Cotton Tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus) are sometimes classed as mangrove trees, but grow mostly along estuaries that are less tidal. They may form a transition zone between Mangrove Forest and Swamp Forest.
and Samango Monkey, but some are local endemic species like the Dwarf Chameleons (Bradypodion
spp.), Natal Forest Treefrog and Bush Squeaker
frog.
Birds:
Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina), Purple-crested Tauraco (Tauraco porphyreolophus), Forest Weaver (Ploceus bicolor), Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata), Orange Thrush (Zoothera gurneyi) and Delegorgue's Pigeon (Columba delegorguei).
Mammals:
Blue Duiker
, Red Duiker, Bushbuck
, Nyala
, Bushpig
, Leopard
and Samango Monkey.
Reptiles:
Eastern Green Mamba
, Forest Cobra and Gaboon Adder.
Herbaceous ground plants:
Bush Lily (Clivia miniata
), Blood Lily (Scadoxus puniceus
), Mother-in-law's-tongue (Sanseveria hyacinthoides), White Paintbrush (Haemanthus albiflos
), Forest Commelina (Coleotrype natalensis), Small Chlorophytum (Chlorophytum modestum), Buckweed (Isoglossa woodii
), many species of Plectranthus including Plectranthus ambiguus, Plectranthus ecklonii, and Plectranthus fruticosus. Non-flowering plants include; the Ground Cycad (Encephalartos villosus
), Stangeria Cycad (Stangeria eriopus) and various moss
es and fern
s. Some grasses also grow in open forest and glade
s such as Basket Grass (Oplismenus hirtellus), Broad-leaved Panicum (Panicum deustum) and Broad-leaved Bristle Grass (Setaria megaphylla
).
Epiphytes:
Matches Mistletoe (Tapinanthus kraussianus), Hairy-lipped Polystachya (Polystachya pubescens), Leopard Orchid (Ansellia africana), other orchids such as; Mystacidium capense, Mystacidium venosum, Polystachya ottoniana, Angraecum conchiferum
, Cyrtorchis arcuata and Diapananthe caffra. Mosses and ferns may also grow as epiphytes.
Climbers:
Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata
), Wild Cucumber (Coccinia palmata), Climbing Bamboo (Flagellaria guineensis) and Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba).
which is appropriate for paper and pulp production; producing paper with good tensile strength and folding endurance. Another species for closer study is Celtis africana
, which is fast growing and can be used for furniture and panelling. Both of these species could be used as cover for slower growing forest hardwoods which could be interplanted for more long-term production of more valuable timber.
Forests have been a source of medicinal plants for hundreds of years. It is estimated that more than 2100 tonnes of medicinal plants are extracted from forest areas in KwaZulu-Natal each year, which is projected to be unsustainable.
Eco-tourism is the most viable and sustainable option for the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, and several government, private and non-government projects to ensure this are underway or in the planning stages.
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
grow in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994, the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and the homeland of KwaZulu....
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
mostly on south facing slopes in higher rainfall areas, and along the humid coastal areas. Different types of forest can be identified by their species composition which depends mostly on the altitude
Altitude
Altitude or height is defined based on the context in which it is used . As a general definition, altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum and a point or object. The reference datum also often varies according to the context...
, latitude
Latitude
In geography, the latitude of a location on the Earth is the angular distance of that location south or north of the Equator. The latitude is an angle, and is usually measured in degrees . The equator has a latitude of 0°, the North pole has a latitude of 90° north , and the South pole has a...
and substrate (soil and rock types) in which they grow. South facing slopes are favourable for the development of forest as they are more shaded, and therefore cooler and retain more moisture than the northern slopes. The extra moisture on the south slopes is not only favoured by forest trees, but also helps to prevent or subdue wildfires. Fires can also be blocked by cliff
Cliff
In geography and geology, a cliff is a significant vertical, or near vertical, rock exposure. Cliffs are formed as erosion landforms due to the processes of erosion and weathering that produce them. Cliffs are common on coasts, in mountainous areas, escarpments and along rivers. Cliffs are usually...
faces and rocks or boulders on these slopes, and by streams or rivers at the base of the slopes. The coastal regions are conducive to forest formation because of high rainfall and humidity which are favoured by forest trees and also help to prevent or subdue fires. The rivers of the coastal areas are also broader than further inland, which may often prevent fires from spreading long distances, and fires generally burn uphill and therefore more often away from areas at low altitude.
Forest Types
Various forest types can be distinguished, but many of these overlap or integrate with each other for example; Coastal Dune forest can fade into Coastal Lowland Forest, which can in turn fade into Riverine Forest.Montane Forest
Found in secluded valleys in the DrakensbergDrakensberg
The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti...
area. Characteristic tree species include Yellowwoods (Afrocarpus falcatus
Afrocarpus falcatus
Afrocarpus falcatus, commonly known as the Sickle-leaved Yellowwood and False Yellowwood Afrocarpus falcatus, commonly known as the Sickle-leaved Yellowwood and False Yellowwood Afrocarpus falcatus, commonly known as the Sickle-leaved Yellowwood and False Yellowwood (formerly also Outeniqua...
and Podocarpus latifolius
Podocarpus latifolius
Podocarpus latifolius is a large evergreen tree up to 35 m high and 3 m trunk diameter, in the conifer family Podocarpaceae; it is the type species of the genus Podocarpus....
), Mountain Hard Pear (Olinia emarginata) and Cape Beech (Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape Beech, Kaapse Boekenhout or IsiCalabi, is native to the afromontane forests of Southern Africa.-Distribution:...
). Mountain Cypress (Widringtonia nodiflora) may occur on the forest margins.
Mistbelt Forest
Found in secluded valleys in the KwaZulu-Natal MidlandsKwaZulu-Natal Midlands
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is an inland area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa that lies outside of Pietermaritzburg but before the Drakensberg mountain range....
. Characteristic trees are; Yellowwoods (including Afrocarpus falcatus, Podocarpus latifolius and Podocarpus henkelii
Podocarpus henkelii
Podocarpus henkelii is a South African species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. It is grown ornamentally in gardens for its strikingly neat, attractive form and its elegant, drooping foliage....
), Natal Krantz Ash (Atalaya natalensis
Atalaya natalensis
Atalaya natalensis is a species of plant in the Sapindaceae family. It is endemic to South Africa. It is threatened by habitat loss.-References:...
), Red Stinkwood (Prunus Africana
Prunus africana
Prunus africana, or Red Stinkwood , is an evergreen tree native to the montane regions of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Islands of Madagascar, Sao Tome, Fernando Po and Grande Comore at about 900–3400 m. of altitude. The mature tree is 10–25 m. high, open-branched and often pendulous in forest,...
), Sneezwood (Ptaeroxylon obliquum) and Forest Elder (Nuxia floribunda
Nuxia floribunda
Nuxia floribunda is a species of tree, native to Africa. It usually grows to between 3 and 10 metres tall, although it occasionally may grow as tall as 25 metres. It has a crooked trunk, rough flaking bark and a rounded canopy...
). The Forest Tree Fern (Cyathea capensis
Cyathea capensis
Cyathea capensis, also known as the Forest Tree Fern, is a widespread and highly variable species of tree fern. It is divided into two subspecies: C. c. capensis from the Old World Tropics and C. c. polypodioides from the New World Tropics. It is the only member of the family Cyatheaceae found in...
) is also found in these forests.
Coastal Scarp Forest
This type is found on slopes and in secluded valleys between the coast and the Mistbelt. Trees include: White Stinkwood (Celtis africanaCeltis africana
Celtis africana is a tree in the Cannabaceae family. This is a common and widespread forest tree from South Africa to Ethiopia. It is a fast growing and popular garden tree in South Africa and is easily propagated....
), Forest Bushwillow (Combretum krausii) and Umzimbeet (Millettia grandis
Millettia grandis
Millettia grandis is a species of legume in the Fabaceae family from South Africa. It is commonly called Umzimbeet which is a name derived from the isiZulu name umSimbithwa.-Distribution:...
). The Natal Cycad (Encephalartos natalensis) may occur on the forest edges, usually among rocks.
Coastal Lowland ForestKwaZulu-Natal Coastal Lowland ForestKwaZulu-Natal Coastal Lowland Forest is a subtropical forest type that was once found almost continuously along the low-lying coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa...
Once found almost continuously along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Trees found here include; Flat-crown (Albizia adianthifoliaAlbizia adianthifolia
Albizia adianthifolia is a tree in the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the Flat-crown. Its range extends from eastern South Africa to Tropical Africa.-Description:...
), Coastal Goldenleaf (Bridelia micrantha
Bridelia micrantha
Bridelia micrantha, the Mitzeeri or the Coastal Golden-leaf, is a tree in the Phyllanthaceae family and is native to Africa.-Description:...
), Red Beech (Protorhus longifolia), Forest Mahogany (Trichilia dregeana
Trichilia dregeana
Trichilia dregeana is a tree in the family Meliaceae. It is commonly known as the Forest Mahogany. These trees are found in forest areas from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa.- References :...
), Forest Fever-berry (Croton sylvaticus
Croton sylvaticus
Croton sylvaticus is a tree in the Euphorbiaceae family. It is commonly known as the Forest Fever-berry. These trees are distributed in forests from the east coast of South Africa to Tropical Africa.-References:...
) and Wild Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata
Phoenix reclinata
Phoenix reclinata or Senegal Date Palm is a species of flowering plant in the palm family native to tropical Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoro Islands. The plants are found from sea level to 3000 m, in rain forest clearings, monsoonal forests and rocky mountainsides.-Description:P...
).
Sand ForestSouthern African Sand ForestSouthern African Sand Forest is a subtropical forest ecoregion of the Tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests] Biome. It grows on ancient sand dunes in northern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique...
Found on ancient inland sand dunes in MaputalandMaputaland
Maputaland is a region of southern Africa situated in the northern part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and may also refer to the southern-most region of Mozambique. The South African section was also previously known as Tongaland after the Tonga people who live there, and is...
in the north of KwaZulu-Natal. Unique trees include Lebombo Wattle (Newtonia hildebrandtii), Red-heart Tree (Hymenocardia ulmoides), Lavender-leaved Croton (Croton pseudopulchellus) and Stink Bushwillow (Pteleopsis myrtifolia).
Dune ForestKwaZulu-Natal Dune ForestKwaZulu-Natal Dune Forest is a subtropical forest type that was once found almost continuously along the coastal dunes of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This vegetation type develops in sheltered areas behind the littoral zone, where with some protection from the salt wind it may develop with...
Once found almost continuously along the coastal dunes of KwaZulu-Natal. Characteristic trees are: Coastal Red Milkwood (Mimusops caffraMimusops caffra
Mimusops caffra is a species of tree in family Sapotaceae. This tree is commonly known as the Coastal Red Milkwood and is found in coastal dune vegetation from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to southern Mozambique.-Description:...
), Coast Silver Oak (Brachylaena discolor
Brachylaena discolor
Brachylaena discolor is a species of tree in the Asteraceae family. Two varieties are known; var. discolor is commonly known as the Coast Silver Oak or Coastal Silver Oak, and var. transvaalensis is commonly known as the Forest Silver Oak or Natal Silver Oak...
), Dune Soap-berry (Deinbollia oblongifolia
Deinbollia oblongifolia
Deinbollia oblongifolia is a shrub or small tree in the family Sapindaceae. It is commonly known as the Dune Soap-berry and is found in coastal vegetation from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, through KwaZulu-Natal to southern Mozambique and Swaziland.-Description:These plants can grow up to 9 m...
) and Natal Wild Banana (Strelitzia nicolai
Strelitzia nicolai
Strelitzia nicolai, commonly known as the Giant White Bird of Paradise or Wild Banana are banana-like plants with erect woody stems reaching a height of 6 m and the clumps formed can spread as far as 3.5 m ....
). The Large-leaved Dragon Tree (Dracaena aletriformis
Dracaena aletriformis
Dracaena aletriformis is commonly known as the Large-leaved Dragon Tree. These plants are found in forest in the eastern areas of South Africa from Port Elizabeth to northern and eastern Gauteng. They are also found in Swaziland, but are most common in the coastal and dune forests of...
) is also found here.
Riverine Forest
This forest type occurs along natural waterways, even in dry areas that would not normally support forest. Trees found here include; Ficus sycomorusFicus sycomorus
Ficus sycomorus, called the sycamore fig or the fig-mulberry , sycamore, or sycomore, is a fig species that has been cultivated since ancient times...
, Ficus polita, Quinine Tree (Rauvolfia caffra
Rauvolfia caffra
Rauvolfia caffra is a tree in the Apocynaceae family. It is commonly known as the Quinine Tree. These trees are distributed from the Eastern Cape of South Africa to Tropical Africa and are found in low lying forests near rivers and streams and on floodplains.-References:* Pooley, E. . The Complete...
) and Fever Tree (Acacia xanthophloea
Acacia xanthophloea
Acacia xanthophloea is a tree in the Fabaceae family and is commonly known in English as the Fever Tree . This species of Acacia is native to eastern and southern Africa. It can be found in Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe...
). These forests are vulnerable to flooding and many were destroyed by Cyclone Domoina.
Swamp Forest
Found around the edges of lowland lakes and streams. Various fig trees are found here including Ficus sur and Ficus trichopoda, as well as the Wild Swamp Poplar (Macaranga capensis). The Water Fig (Ficus verruculosa) and Kosi Palm (Raphia australisRaphia australis
The Giant Palm or Rafia is a species of raffia palm in the Arecaceae family.It is found in Mozambique and South Africa.It is threatened by habitat loss.-Sources:...
) are characteristic species in Maputaland.
Mangrove Forest
Occurs in favourable tidal estuaries along the coast. Species include the Black Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhizaBruguiera gymnorrhiza
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is a small tree up to 10 m high and belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae. It is found on the seaward side of mangrove swamps, often in the company of Rhizophora. Bark is rough and reddish-brown. The tree develops short prop-roots rather than long stilt-roots. Flowers are...
), Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) and White Mangrove (Avicennia marina
Avicennia marina
Avicennia marina, commonly known as grey mangrove or white mangrove, is a species of mangrove tree classified in the plant family Acanthaceae...
). The Powder-puff Tree (Barringtonia racemosa
Barringtonia racemosa
Barringtonia racemosa is a tree in the family Lecythidaceae. It is commonly known as the Powder-puff Tree. It is found in coastal swamp forests and on the edges of estuaries in the Indian Ocean, starting at the east coast of Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal to Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,...
) and the Wild Cotton Tree (Hibiscus tiliaceus) are sometimes classed as mangrove trees, but grow mostly along estuaries that are less tidal. They may form a transition zone between Mangrove Forest and Swamp Forest.
List of Forests in KwaZulu-Natal
- Entumeni Forest
- Dhlinza Forest
- Gilboa Forest
- Hawaan ForestHawaan ForestThe Hawaan Forest is situated near Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a large remnant of a climax dry coastal dune forest and the last of its kind. This forest grows on a dune that dates back 18,000 years. The Hawaan forest is currently under the guardianship of the Wildlife and...
- Hlabeni Forest
- Hlatikhulu ForestHlatikhulu ForestHlatikulu Forest is a Coastal Scarp Forest in the Lebombo Mountains of South Africa, between Ingwavuma and the Pongola Gorge. The forest is also known as the Gwaliweni Forest.-History:...
- Karkloof ForestKarkloof ForestThe Karkloof Forest is situated in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, 22 km north of Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.This is a large Mistbelt Forest containing Yellowwoods and Stinkwood .Wildlife includes Samango monkey, Blue Duiker and Bushbuck...
- Nkandla Forest
- Ngome ForestNgome ForestNgome Forest is situated to the east of Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.This is a unique forest, being transitional between Mistbelt Forest and Coastal Scarp Forest...
- Ongoye ForestOngoye ForestOngoye Forest is also known as Ngoye Forest or Ngoya Forest. It is situated on a granite ridge; inland from the town of Mtunzini in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.-History:...
- Qudeni Forest
- Sileza Forest
- Soada Forest
- Tuduma Forest
- Umgano Forest
- Weza ForestWeza ForestThe Weza Forest is also known as the Weza-Ngele Forest and is situated near Harding, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This is a large Mistbelt Forest which has long been exploited for timber...
- Xalingena Forest
Additional Areas with Significant Forest
- Umtamvuna Nature ReserveUmtamvuna Nature ReserveThe Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is situated in South Africa on the KwaZulu-Natal side of the Umtamvuna River, and is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife...
- Mbumbazi Nature Reserve
- Oribi Gorge Nature ReserveOribi Gorge Nature ReserveOribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, about 21 km inland from Port Shepstone. The Oribi Gorge is more a canyon than a gorge. It is almost 5 km wide at some points, and over 400 m deep. The reserve is located at the confluence of the Mzimkulu River and Mximkulwana...
- Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve
- Empisini Nature Reserve
- Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
- Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
- Enseleni Nature Reserve
- Amatikulu Nature Reserve
- Umlalazi Nature ReserveUmlalazi Nature ReserveThe Umlalazi Nature Reserve is a coastal reserve situated 1 km from Mtunzini on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. Umlalazi was established as a protected area in 1948 and is in extent. Home of the Palm-nut Vulture, which is one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa.Lagoons can have crocodiles. ...
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Tembe Elephant ParkTembe Elephant ParkTembe Elephant Park is a 300km² game reserve in Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is adjacent to Ndumo Game Reserve.The park was developed by Tembe Tribal Authority and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife....
- Tshanini Nature ReserveTshanini Nature ReserveThe Tshanini Nature Reserve is a Community Conservation Area to the south of Tembe Elephant Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.The reserve protects rare Sand Forest and is notable for a record of a Forest Green Butterfly...
Forest Animals
Several animals are adapted to living in these forests. Many are locally adapted subspecies of animals found further north in Tropical Africa, such as the Blue DuikerBlue Duiker
Blue Duiker is a small forest dwelling duiker found in the Central Africa and southern South Africa.Blue Duikers stand around 35 centimetres tall at the shoulder and weigh 4 kilograms.They are the smallest of the antelope family. Blue Duikers have a brown coat with a slight blue tinge – hence...
and Samango Monkey, but some are local endemic species like the Dwarf Chameleons (Bradypodion
Bradypodion
Bradypodion is one of six genera of chameleons within the "true" or "typical" chameleons . They are native to southern Africa, and are sometimes collectively called South African dwarf chameleons...
spp.), Natal Forest Treefrog and Bush Squeaker
Bush Squeaker
The Bush Squeaker is a species of frog in the Arthroleptidae family.It is found along the coastal areas of eastern South Africa and possibly Mozambique.-Habitat:...
frog.
Birds:
Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina), Purple-crested Tauraco (Tauraco porphyreolophus), Forest Weaver (Ploceus bicolor), Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata), Orange Thrush (Zoothera gurneyi) and Delegorgue's Pigeon (Columba delegorguei).
Mammals:
Blue Duiker
Blue Duiker
Blue Duiker is a small forest dwelling duiker found in the Central Africa and southern South Africa.Blue Duikers stand around 35 centimetres tall at the shoulder and weigh 4 kilograms.They are the smallest of the antelope family. Blue Duikers have a brown coat with a slight blue tinge – hence...
, Red Duiker, Bushbuck
Bushbuck
The bushbuck is the most widespread antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is found in rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaics and bush savannaforest and woodland. Recently, genetic studies have shown that the bushbuck, is in fact a complex of two geographically and phenotypically...
, Nyala
Nyala
The Nyala is a Southern African antelope. It is a spiral-horned dense-forest antelope that is uncomfortable in open spaces and is most often seen at water holes. Nyalas live alone or in small family groups of up to 10 individuals.The male stands up to 110 cm , the female is up to 90 cm ...
, Bushpig
Bushpig
The bushpig, Potamochoerus larvatus, is a member of the pig family and lives in forests, woodland, riverine vegetation and reedbeds in East and Southern Africa. Probably introduced populations are also present in Madagascar and the Comoros archipelago. Bushpigs are mainly nocturnal. There are...
, Leopard
Leopard
The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its...
and Samango Monkey.
Reptiles:
Eastern Green Mamba
Eastern green mamba
The Eastern green mamba is a medium to large arboreal highly venomous snake of the family Elapidae.-Description:...
, Forest Cobra and Gaboon Adder.
Herbaceous Plants
A wide range of herbaceous plants are found in the forests, either as ground cover or in the trees as epiphytes. Various lianas and climbers are also common plants in these forests.Herbaceous ground plants:
Bush Lily (Clivia miniata
Clivia miniata
Clivia miniata is a species of clivia, from South Africa. It grows to a height of about 45cm in the shade of trees and shrubs, and flowers are red, orange or yellow, with a faint, but very sweet perfume...
), Blood Lily (Scadoxus puniceus
Scadoxus puniceus
Scadoxus puniceus , commonly known as the Paintbrush Lily, is a Southern African species bulbous plant also occurring in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Its preferred habitat is in cool, moist leaf litter and thus is found in shady places, such as ravines and forests...
), Mother-in-law's-tongue (Sanseveria hyacinthoides), White Paintbrush (Haemanthus albiflos
Haemanthus albiflos
Haemanthus albiflos Jacq. is an evergreen South African bulbous geophyte in the genus Haemanthus and is prized horticulturally for its unusual appearance and extreme tolerance of neglect. H...
), Forest Commelina (Coleotrype natalensis), Small Chlorophytum (Chlorophytum modestum), Buckweed (Isoglossa woodii
Isoglossa woodii
Isoglossa woodii is commonly known as Buckweed. It is a monocarpic shrub of the family Acanthaceae, growing up to 4m tall. It grows in colonies in coastal forest areas of KwaZulu-Natal and marginally into the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa....
), many species of Plectranthus including Plectranthus ambiguus, Plectranthus ecklonii, and Plectranthus fruticosus. Non-flowering plants include; the Ground Cycad (Encephalartos villosus
Encephalartos villosus
Encephalartos villosus is a South African cycad occurring from the East London vicinity, where it is found near the coast, to the northern border of Swaziland where it may grow as far as 100 km inland. The species is common throughout its range and is the most frequently cultivated in Southern...
), Stangeria Cycad (Stangeria eriopus) and various moss
Moss
Mosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm tall, though some species are much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems...
es and fern
Fern
A fern is any one of a group of about 12,000 species of plants belonging to the botanical group known as Pteridophyta. Unlike mosses, they have xylem and phloem . They have stems, leaves, and roots like other vascular plants...
s. Some grasses also grow in open forest and glade
Glade (geography)
A glade or clearing is an open area within a woodland. Glades are often grassy meadows under the canopy of deciduous trees such as red alder or quaking aspen in western North America. They also represent openings in forests where local conditions such as avalanches, poor soils, or fire damage have...
s such as Basket Grass (Oplismenus hirtellus), Broad-leaved Panicum (Panicum deustum) and Broad-leaved Bristle Grass (Setaria megaphylla
Setaria megaphylla
The Broad-Leaved Bristle Grass is native to south-eastern Africa. It may be found in glades in forested areas and along rivers or streams. It can grow to more than 2m tall and has broad dark green leaves and hairy leaf sheaths...
).
Epiphytes:
Matches Mistletoe (Tapinanthus kraussianus), Hairy-lipped Polystachya (Polystachya pubescens), Leopard Orchid (Ansellia africana), other orchids such as; Mystacidium capense, Mystacidium venosum, Polystachya ottoniana, Angraecum conchiferum
Angraecum conchiferum
Angraecum conchiferum is a species of orchid....
, Cyrtorchis arcuata and Diapananthe caffra. Mosses and ferns may also grow as epiphytes.
Climbers:
Black-eyed Susan (Thunbergia alata
Thunbergia alata
Thunbergia alata, commonly called Black-eyed Susan vine, is a herbaceous perennial climbing plant species in the Acanthaceae family. It is native to Eastern Africa, and has been naturalized in other parts of the world...
), Wild Cucumber (Coccinia palmata), Climbing Bamboo (Flagellaria guineensis) and Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba).
Economic Importance
Coastal Scarp and Mistbelt Forests were the main source of timber in South Africa before the advent of exotic timber plantations. Giant Yellowwoods and Stinkwoods were the most sought-after trees. Most of the larger forests are now protected, but some small scale timber extraction by local communities still takes place. Attempts to grow indigenous trees as timber plantations have so far proven economically unviable compared to exotics, but more research is needed. A promising species is the fast growing Trema orientalisTrema orientalis
Trema orientalis is a species of flowering tree in the hemp family, Cannabaceae. It is known by many common names, including charcoal-tree, Indian charcoal-tree, pigeon wood, and in Hawaii, where it has become naturalized gunpowder tree, or nalita...
which is appropriate for paper and pulp production; producing paper with good tensile strength and folding endurance. Another species for closer study is Celtis africana
Celtis africana
Celtis africana is a tree in the Cannabaceae family. This is a common and widespread forest tree from South Africa to Ethiopia. It is a fast growing and popular garden tree in South Africa and is easily propagated....
, which is fast growing and can be used for furniture and panelling. Both of these species could be used as cover for slower growing forest hardwoods which could be interplanted for more long-term production of more valuable timber.
Forests have been a source of medicinal plants for hundreds of years. It is estimated that more than 2100 tonnes of medicinal plants are extracted from forest areas in KwaZulu-Natal each year, which is projected to be unsustainable.
Eco-tourism is the most viable and sustainable option for the forests of Kwazulu-Natal, and several government, private and non-government projects to ensure this are underway or in the planning stages.
See also
- KwaZulu-Cape coastal forest mosaicKwaZulu-Cape coastal forest mosaicThe Kwazulu-Cape coastal forest mosaic is a subtropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion of South Africa. It covers an area of in South Africa's Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces....
- Maputaland coastal forest mosaicMaputaland coastal forest mosaicThe Maputaland coastal forest mosaic is an ecoregion of the subtropical moist broadleaf forests Biome, in Southern Africa. It covers an area of in southern Mozambique, Swaziland, and the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Mozambique's capital Maputo lies within the ecoregion.The Maputaland...
- Maputaland-Pondoland bushland and thicketsMaputaland-Pondoland bushland and thicketsThe Maputaland-Pondoland bushland and thickets ecoregion, of the montane shrubland Biome, is in South Africa. The ecoregion occupies the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains, covering an area of in South Africa's Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces...
- Estuaries in South Africa