Notulae Florae Beninensis, 13—Biogeographical analysis of the vegetation in Benin

This paper is a contribution to the understanding of the West African
phytogeography, and particularly the vegetation of Benin. We describe the major
vegetation types in Benin using numerical analysis, analyse the chorological differentiation
of the flora within them using a phytogeographical index and examine
the relations between vegetation types, chorological categories and
underlying ecological factors using cluster, correspondence and linear regression
analyses. Twenty vegetation types grouped into four geographically separated
groups are described and patterned along a south-north climatic gradient.
We demonstrate the predictive value of vegetation type with regard to chorological
categories and underlying ecological factors. Furthermore, we propose a
phytochorological map that represents a synthesis reflecting the vegetation, chorological
and climatic patterns in Benin.