Plants of South Africa

South Africa has seven distinct biomes. These are unique ecological zones with marked climatic differences and plant and animal life to match. Containing over 20,000 plant species, South Africa is a botanist's treasure-trove.

South Africa's biomes range from arid semi-deserts, acacia-studded savannah grasslands to lush sub-tropical forests. Imported or alien tree plantations, like pine and eucalyptus, are quite common. Many species, like black wattle, Port Jackson and jacaranda, were brought to South Africa from South America, Australia and Europe to try to prevent erosion or for use as windbreaks.

However, a lack of natural enemies for these alien species has meant that South Africa is now one of the worst-affected countries when it comes to alien plant species. Aliens have had detrimental effects on the indigenous plant and animal life and are an added strain on already scarce water resources.

Fynbos

The most renowned biome is probably the Cape Fynbos region. Fynbos ('fine bush') forms its own unique floral kingdom, and although it is the smallest in the world by area, it has an astonishing 9,000 plant species; by way of comparison the whole of Europe contains 12,000.

Fynbos is a hardy, evergreen vegetation, often with small fine leaves. It thrives in the Western Cape's winter-rainfall climate. The three main plant types are proteas, ericas (heathers) and restios (a reed-type plant).

Proteas are the biggest plants in the fynbos kingdom and typically have broader, more leathery leaves than ericas. South Africa's national flower is the King Protea. Its large inflorescence (or 'flower' to the lay person) is actually composed of large pink bracts (modified leaves) with a tight whorl of grayish flowers in the middle.

Another easily identifiable protea is the pincushion. Its star-burst shape is like a firework and the individual 'petals' resemble needles. The colours range from deep red to pale yellow.

A popular plant found in fynbos, and now grown commercially, is Rooibos ('red bush') which is made into a tea. This naturally sweet drink is caffeine-free and is considered by many to relieve ailments such as high blood pressure, headaches, stomach complaints and insomnia.

Infusions of honeybush and buchu are thought to have similar properties. It is always advisable to buy these teas from health shops rather than picking your own.

Grasslands

The most prevalent biome in South Africa is grasslands. Large parts of the country, including the lowveld and parts of the inland plateau are dominated by different types of grasses, low shrubs, acacias and thorn trees synonymous with most people's ideas of an African 'bushveld' landscape.

Namaqualand

Namaqualand in the Northern Cape is a true natural wonder. This part of the country is ordinarily an arid desert littered with massive granite domes and a few succulents. However, after the winter rains, the landscape morphs into a kaleidoscopic display of colourful spring wildflowers.

There are about 4,000 plant species in Namaqualand. Indigenous daisies, perennial shrubs, lilies and succulents all come into bloom, carpeting the ground in a remarkable tapestry.

Forests

South Africa has relatively few forests. Where they do occur along the coastal plains, in places like Knysna and Hogsback, they tend cover only a small area. Indigenous hardwood forest canopies allow very little light to reach the forest floor, and so species like ferns and mosses are common.

You are likely to see indigenous trees like yellowwood, ironwood and stinkwood, all of which are protected.

Karoo

A large part of the inland plateau in the Western and Eastern Cape is dominated by the Karoo. This harsh and hot semi-desert environment is home to a variety of hardy succulents like stone-plants (which literally look like little grey pebbles),euphorbias (cactus-type plants) and aloes.

In the area you'll also see thick tangled scrub and tufty grasslands peppered with various acacias like the sweet-thorn, and smaller perennial flowers like the blue Karoo daisy.

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