Abstract
Examples are given showing the confusion in the nomenclature of vegetation types. Neither botanists nor geographers have yet succeeded in developing a generally acceptable system of terminology, and there has even been a question as to the possibility of developing a clear and simple classification of the world''s vegetation. The author believes it possible to develop such a classification and, influenced by the method used in Koppen''s classification of climates, has devised a system having a few basic groups, designated with capital letters, and a larger number of qualifications, designated with small letters. Combinations of capital letters appear primarily in transitions from one type to another. Some of the boundaries are arbitrary. There are 4 primary groups: B, broadleaf evergreen; D, broadleaf deciduous; E, needleleaf evergreen; and N, needleleaf deciduous. To these are added the capitals M for mixed growth of D and E, and S for semideciduous vegetation, composed of B and D. The capitals may be qualified by appropriate small letters, of which there are 4 groups.