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Information on forest structure is fundamentally important to track successional vegetation dynamics for efficient forest management.This study reports on vegetation characteristics,dominance patts and species height growth in a north mistbelt forest type in South Africa.Common alpha-diversity indices (species richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity),structural vegetation parameters (tree density and basal area),and species importance value index were used.Size class distribution and height-diameter allometry were further examined for the overall stand and most important species.Stem densities (472.0 ± 43.5 and 605.3 ± 28.1 trees ha-1 for ≥ 5 cm to ＜ 10 cm and ≥ 10 cm dbh (diameter at breast height) classes,respectively) and basal area values (1.99 ± 0.19 and 48.07 ± 3.46 m2 ha-1,respectively) are comparable to other Afromontane forests in East Africa.The overall stand showed an inverted-J shaped distribution patt which is a typical feature of stand size class distribution in most natural forests.Most ecologically important species also exhibited an inverted-J shaped distribution patt,suggesting good regeneration and recruitment potential.There were significant differences in species on height,reflecting species-specific height growth patts,possibly a result of intrinsic growth potential and competitive interactions.The present study suggests that conservation and management policies,including protection of surrounding land uses against fire,contribute to maintaining a successful recovery of these forests.However,it should be noted that these forests may be experiencing relatively slow dynamic flux as a result of the overmature state of some trees with several years under relatively strict protection.