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A quantitative analysis of altitudinal zonation in Uganda forests

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Summary

The altitudinal ranges of a sample of Uganda forest trees were estimated from sources of information available in Uganda. Various physiognomic characters were determined for each of the sample species. Altitudinal changes in floristic and physiognomic attributes were analysed for the existence of critical altitudes. The results indicate that, when the country is considered as a whole, forest vegetation in Uganda forms an altitudinal continuum.

Résumé

Les distributions d'altitude de quelques essences forestières d'Uganda ont été estimées provenant de sources d'information en Uganda. Pour chacune de ces espèces les différents caractères physiognomiques ont été déterminés. Les changements en flore et physiognomie par l'altitude ont été analysés pour détecter l'existence des altitudes critiques. Si toute la région est considérée comme ensemble les résultats indiquent que la végétation forestière en Uganda forme un continuum vertical.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biological and Environmental Studies, The New University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, Northern Ireland

    A. C. Hamilton

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  1. A. C. Hamilton
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Additional information

I am grateful to the Curators of the Herbaria of the Botany Department, Makerere University, Uganda, and of the Forest Department, Uganda, for use of their facilities. I wish to thank Dr. B. W. Styles of the Commonwealth Forestry Institute, Oxford, for data concerning the distribution ofMeliaceae. Dr. W. L. Cresswell and Mr. B. S. Rushton gave statistical advice and Dr. R. T. Moore critically read the manuscript.

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Hamilton, A.C. A quantitative analysis of altitudinal zonation in Uganda forests. Plant Ecol 30, 99–106 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02389611

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