B2. Combretum thicket

Combretum thicket is the characteristic thicket type south of the Mwaleshi river in the east of the NLNP and SLNP. Elevation is ca. 600-620m and the terrain is flat with a relief of only a few metres. As with Mixed alluvial thicket (B1), Combretum thicket is found on alluvial, sandy soils close to the Luangwa river and its major tributaries.

Vegetation type B2 comprises thicket forming shrubs, 2-7m in height, which grow in a mosaic of closed and open stands. The grass layer is not well-developed. Tall trees are rare but species such as Manilkara mochisia and Diospyros quiloensis may occur infrequently. Small trees found in Combretum thicket include Schrebera trichoclada and Combretum collinum subsp. gazense. The dominant shrubs are Combretum elaeagnoides, Combretum celastroides, Combretum obovatum, Holarrhena pubescens, Vangueria infausta and Markhamia spp. Grasses and herbs associated with this habitat are the same as those in vegetation type B1.