Abstract

For more than a century collections and observations have been made in the Kenyan and Tanzanian coastal forests.

Coastal forest is defined in terms of its geographical position and geomorphological association. Environmental and human influences are discussed.

Major patterns in the flora are discussed in terms of five ecogeographical elements, relating to distribution of species within and adjacent to coastal forests. The distribution of species outside the coastal region is summarised as well.

Forests are described informally, emphasising local variation and complex patterns. The range of association within both Moist and Dry forests locally is compounded by Northern and Southern elements, defined by species of restricted distribution.

Origins of the observed patterns are discussed. Apart from environmental and human influences, ‘Gleasonian’ factors are likely to have been important. Priorities for conservation measures are suggested.

Historical background

Botanical collections from East Africa's coastal regions started with missionary activity in the mid-19th century. The first mission station on mainland East Africa was established in 1855 close to Mombasa (Krapf, 1860, 1882), and the Rev. Thomas Wakefield soon sent plant specimens to England from this area (see Brewin, 1879; Wakefield, 1904). A few years later, Rev. Charles New provided a vivid, first account (New, 1873) of the natural history of the coastal vegetation (nyika) and of the relationship between the forests and the Mijikenda (the ‘Wanyika’) who lived in and around them.