South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region is an outstanding area of biodiversity. This region has the highest non-tropical concentration of higher plant species in the world, with 100 species of plants found only there. The region is considered one of the World Heritage Natural Sites by the United Nations. It is also a world-class endemic bird area.

With a large number of habitat types, Cape Floristic Region has one of the highest occurrences of plant species that are threatened by climatic change. There are three major types of habitats: coastal dunes, rugged mountain, and fertile lowlands. Most of the flora in the Cape Floristic Region is found in the latter category. A few of the plants in the coastal dunes, for example, are adapted to the dune environment.

The Cape Floristic Region consists of ninety thousand square kilometers of land and sea. The region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Indian Ocean to the east, and the Boland Mountains to the north. Many of the mountains have little room for southward retreat. Therefore, much of the flora is isolated and climatically stable.

The flora of the Cape Floristic Region contains concentrations of relict endemics, mainly shrubs. These are important in preserving genetic viability of type, since they are able to accommodate large-scale natural processes. Some of the species found in the region, such as the yellow orchid, are confined to only a small area, whereas others occur throughout the entire region.

The region also has a large number of endemic mammals. The geometric tortoise is one of the most endangered species in the world. Another endangered species is the Cape clawed toad. Also endemic to the region is the Cape sugarbird, known as Promerops cafer. Other endemics include the red hill copper butterfly and the orange-breasted sunbird.

The flora of the region is classified into three ecoregions. The Lowland Fynbos and Renosterveld is one of the Global 200 priority ecoregions. It is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, with dozens of flowering sites, including the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

The avifauna of the region is not as diverse as the flora. The Cape of Good Hope and the Table Mountain National Park are two of the best sites to observe birds and insects. During the spring, the region is ablaze in a rainbow of colour. If you’re looking for a tour, there are guided tours available at the flowering sites.

Besides the flora, the Cape Floristic Region also boasts a rich reptile and amphibian fauna. It is home to five species that are endemic to the area, namely the geometric tortoise, the ghost frog, the red hill copper butterfly, the orange-breasted sunbird, and the Cape clawed toad. Despite the richness of the animals, the region has suffered from rapid urban development and habitat loss. However, with constant research by the National Botanical Institute, and constant protection and management of the protected areas, the flora and reptiles will hopefully be in good health in the coming years.