Taking the scenic route – the southern Great Escarpment (South Africa) as part of the Cape to Cairo floristic highway

摘要: Background: Numerous Cape Floristic Region (CFR) clades are found in the Afromontane region of Africa, causing speculation on source their distribution. The southern Escarpment has been postulated as a key link movement species between CFR and these areas. Aims: strengths three purported connections (the north-west, Matjiesfontein south-east) considered, track itself. Methods: A comprehensive database was compiled from which floristic comparisons multivariate analyses were undertaken. Palaeo-connectivity assessed phylogenetic relationships determined 19 phylogenies. Results: There is evidence both palaeo- current connectivity CFR, most strongly for SE connection. Current along relatively well supported eastern Nuweveldberge Main Drakensberg but not the...