Summary
A literature survey is made of the vegetation characteristic of white sand soils, or regosols, in Northern Amazonia. It is shown that in the past there has been much confusion concerning the definitions applied to this vegetation. On the basis of the literature and the author's own experience, this vegetation is here defined as consisting of four distinct types: Campina of the Upper Rio Negro (formerly often called Caatinga), Campinarana of the Upper Rio Negro, Campina proper, and Campinarana. A glossary defining these types of vegetation is also provided.