FLORA
Renosterveld
Lowland Renosterveld is the relatively fertile clay-based veld type that occurs in the low-lying areas of the Western Cape, South Africa. Renosterveld is part of the Fynbos Biome, although it is very distinct from Fynbos. The main difference is that it generally lacks, with some exceptions, the three distinct Fynbos elements, i.e. the Proteas, Ericas (heather) and Restios (reeds). Renosterveld is one of the richest ecosystems in the world, mostly due to its extraordinary bulb diversity. However, the Renosterveld we see today is very different from what it was 300 years ago, before the advent of large-scale commercial agriculture in the Western Cape. Before European farmers settled in the region, Renosterveld supported large numbers of big game, including Black Rhino, Eland and the now extinct Bluebuck and Quagga.
Succulents
The majority of the Succulent Karoo biome has a relatively mild climate with a strong maritime influence. Most of the region has winter rainfall, with the eastern Little Karoo experiencing year round precipitation. Mean annual precipitation for most vegetation units across the biome is from 100-200 mm. Some areas, including those adjoining the Namib Desert, experience less than 100 mm. The wettest part of the biome is the Robertson Karoo that received mean annual precipitation of almost 300 mm. The mean annual temperature for the Succulent Karoo biome is 16.8 °C. In the lower lying coastal regions such as the Knersvlakte, frost is extremely rare. However, at higher elevations further inland such as the Roggeveld Karoo, frost is relatively commonplace, occurring on average around 60 days per year.
Fynbos
Of the 9,000 plant species found here, a majority are native fynbos vegetation, which covers the region’s magnificent mountains, and lowland valleys and coastal plains. When you first look across an expanse of fynbos, you may not at first be impressed by the collection of low scrubby plants and a few bushes. But when you look a bit closer you will see the sheer diversity of these numerous species found nowhere else in the world. The country’s national flower, the king protea (Protea cynaroides), is perhaps the most famous species of fynbos, along with ericas and reeds.
Grasses
While the rustling sound they make can set the scene for some pretty romantic moments, it’s not often that grasses themselves grab our attention. But without this type of South African vegetation we wouldn’t see all of the animals and other plants that call this country home. The different types of grasses belong to the family known as Poaceae, which includes grasses, reeds and bamboos. Scientists have described grasses as being the most important plant species in the world. This is because: plant life outweighs all other lifeforms on Earth, and grasses make up around 20% of all plants on Earth – meaning they contribute to Earth’s ecosystems in a big way the different types of grasses can inhabit a diverse range of habitats all around the world grasses are useful to human beings in a variety of ways, like feeding cattle, providing fuel for cooking and heating, being used for medicinal purposes, and building structures.
Trees
The tree is a well-known symbol of life – a fresh start, positive energy, good health and a bright future. The tree generates oxygen, stores carbon, stabilises the soil and gives life to the world’s wildlife. South Africa has a plethora of iconic, indigenous trees that add to the beauty of South African biodiversity. SouthAfrica.co.za delivers factual and educational information on indigenous trees, such as the grand Acacia trees, White Karee, the sausage tree and the quiver tree. Vachellia xanthophloea ( Fever Tree ) are planted next to dams and streams on farms to control soil erosion, as a live fence or hedge and in ornamental planting for shade and shelter in amenity areas. It is a useful tree as it has medicinal bark, edible gum and the timber is used for boxwood, furniture and carving as it is hard and heavy.
