The Ecology of Groenvlei, A South African Fen: Part II. The Secondary Communities

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Abstract
The primary sedge fen is dominated by Cladium mariscus, Schoenus nigricans and other plants showing affinity to European fen, with which comparison is made. Secondary communities arise in response to grazing, trampling and burning. Their floristic and edaphic features are characterised. Hummock fen, dominated by Thelypteris palustris, wet fen meadow dominated mainly by Cyperaceae, dry fen meadow dominated by Stenotaphrum glabratum, and saltmarsh dominated by Arthrocnemum africanum, show modifications in different directions, and are related in a succession diagram to biotic influences, height of water table and soil salinity. The secondary origin of saltmarsh from fen in this manner is believed to be unusual. Peat analysis shows a slight shift from eutrophy towards mesotrophy in the hummock fen.