ABSTRACT
A typological survey on the current vegetation of Manila estate (Naivasha/ Kenya) with a tentative interpretation of environmental variations.
Phytoecological observations carried out in Manila estate (Naivasha/ Kenya) result in a typological description of the vegetation. A structural synthesis based on the method of Troupin (1966) allows us to point out the following physiognomical vegetation types: Reed-bed (A0B0S0 –2H6 –9G1 –6); Flooding meadow with swamp gullies (A0B0S0H1–3G7–9); Riparian forest (A3B1–2S5H3G+); Grass savanna (A0b0S1–3H2G6–8); Subshmb savanna (A0B+S4H1G7); Shrub savanna (A0B6S0–2G6–7); Savanna woodland (A4B1–2S1H3G4); Woodland (A5B2S2H6G1).
Several dominant species such as Acacia drepanolobium Harms ex Sjöstedt and Tarchonanthus comphoratus L. seem to be typical of rather dry sites, as far as the Somalia-Masai regional centre of endemism is concerned. Moreover, palaeoecological data on the hydrographical basins of the Eastern African Rift, support climatic change in the area of Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha which levels are reported to be decreasing since 3000 yr BP. The impact of such modifications on plant communities, mainly due to an intensive human activity, is outlined.
