african savanna
Tropical grasslands (Savanna)
Climate
There are two main seasons in the African savanna- winter, or the “dry season”, and summer, also known as the “wet season”. They are called dry and wet according to the amount of precipitation each season receives. Most of the annual precipitation in the savanna occurs during summer (approx. April to October), while during the winter (approx. November to March) there is almost no rain at all. The annual precipitation is from about 50 to 130 cm. The savanna has a warm but relatively moderate temperature year-round, usually ranging from about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The growing season is from about June to September.
Climatograph of Ethiopia
Vegetation
Trees: The most common types of trees are the members of the umbrella-shaped acacia family (also known as thorn-trees, due to their thorny branches). These include the yellow-fever acacia, the umbrella acacia, and the Senegal acacia. Acacias serve many uses. For example, the seeds and honey are used for food, and has been used in the past as a cure for rabies, incense, and painting. Acacias are commonly used for perfume.
Another common type of tree is the baobab tree. They are tall trees with very wide trunks. The trunks are important because they store water in case of drought (which may be crucial during the dry season of the African savannas. Baobabs are long-living trees and some have been known to live for thousands of years. The fruit of the baobab is known as “monkey bread”, which is why the tree is commonly referred to as the monkey bread tree.
Other trees found in the African savanna include the Jackal Berry tree (which is among the tallest trees in the ecosystem at 80 ft) and the candelabra tree, which is less common.
Acacia (left) and Baobab
Shrubs- Shrubs generally occur near sources of water and along the slopes of hills. One of the common shrubs is the Sickle Bush, which
Climate
There are two main seasons in the African savanna- winter, or the “dry season”, and summer, also known as the “wet season”. They are called dry and wet according to the amount of precipitation each season receives. Most of the annual precipitation in the savanna occurs during summer (approx. April to October), while during the winter (approx. November to March) there is almost no rain at all. The annual precipitation is from about 50 to 130 cm. The savanna has a warm but relatively moderate temperature year-round, usually ranging from about 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The growing season is from about June to September.
Climatograph of Ethiopia
Vegetation
Trees: The most common types of trees are the members of the umbrella-shaped acacia family (also known as thorn-trees, due to their thorny branches). These include the yellow-fever acacia, the umbrella acacia, and the Senegal acacia. Acacias serve many uses. For example, the seeds and honey are used for food, and has been used in the past as a cure for rabies, incense, and painting. Acacias are commonly used for perfume.
Another common type of tree is the baobab tree. They are tall trees with very wide trunks. The trunks are important because they store water in case of drought (which may be crucial during the dry season of the African savannas. Baobabs are long-living trees and some have been known to live for thousands of years. The fruit of the baobab is known as “monkey bread”, which is why the tree is commonly referred to as the monkey bread tree.
Other trees found in the African savanna include the Jackal Berry tree (which is among the tallest trees in the ecosystem at 80 ft) and the candelabra tree, which is less common.
Acacia (left) and Baobab
Shrubs- Shrubs generally occur near sources of water and along the slopes of hills. One of the common shrubs is the Sickle Bush, which