A Vegetation Map of Stamford Farm in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The factors underlying tree species and tree size class distribution at Stanford Farm in Mvurwi, Zimbabwe were investigated. Quadrats were laid along belt transects running from a hilltop down a vlei leading to a dam. In each quadrat, tree species and height, soil moisture and depth, as well as rockiness were determined. Human disturbance was also assessed through counting the number of stumps per quadrat. The farm recorded a high species diversity with ten different species identified. It was also noted that soil characteristics determined tree species as well as size class distribution.

Keywords: Human disturbance, Rockiness, Simpson’s index of diversity, soil depth, soil moisture, tree height, tree  species