Core Cape Floristic Region

The Greater Cape Floristic Regions encompasses the winter-rainfall areas of South Africa, and includes the succulent karoo (Extra Cape Floristic Region) and fynbos biomes (Core Cape Floristic Region). The Core Cape Floristic Region, stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape, packs a punch with regards to flower power. The region runs along the country’s southernmost edges, never more than 200km from the sea. Although the area accounts for less than 0.5% of the African continent, the Cape Floral Region holds an astonishing 20% of its flora, most of it indigenous to this specific region. A full 3% of all the world’s plants are found here: the region boasts a spectacular ca. 9500 plant species of which 68% are endemic. Its incredible richness enables South Africa to claim the third-highest level of biodiversity in the world. For this reason, it was declared one of the world’s 34 biodiversity ‘hotspots’, and in 2004, was confirmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Plant life is dominated by ‘fynbos’, a uniquely South African fine-leaved vegetation. Scientists have marvelled at the ability of fynbos to adapt to fire, and at its impressive reproductive strategies. Fynbos families include the Proteaceae (the country’s national flower Protea cynaroides and the IBC 2029 logo), the Ericaceae and the Restionaceae. The region also boasts four endemic families in the Geissolomataceae, Grubbiaceae, Penaeaceae and Roridulaceae. A high diversity of plants in families of horticultural importance, such as Asphodelaceae, Iridaceae, Geraniaceae and Hyacinthaceae, also makes the region a special place of interest.

Encouragingly, 20% of this kingdom is officially conserved, but its sheer diversity means that much remains unprotected.