South African Natives

A Plant Paradise

Discovering the fantastic diversity and beauty of Africa’s flowering plants is a journey of intrigue and marvel. Africa is home to a multitude of mesmerizing flowering plants that have unique characteristics and uses.

South Africa is recognised as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Although probably best known for Kruger National Park and its enviable populations of megafauna such as rhinos, elephants, giraffes and lions, South Africa has even more to offer thanks to its incredible diversity of landscapes.

One of its most remarkable – and best kept – secrets is the incredible diversity of plant species found in the Cape Floral Kingdom (or the Cape Floristic Region) on the country’s Western Cape.

One of only six floral kingdoms in the world and unique to this small area, the region supports over 9,000 plant species, 70% of which are found nowhere else on the planet. These include exquisite species such as the king protea (South Africa’s national flower) and the exotic pincushion.

However, many of the critical habitats in the Cape Floral Kingdom are severely threatened by human development pressures on land. Ploughing of land for agriculture and conversion for viniculture and other industries endanger the region’s unique plants and the animals that rely on them.

South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and surrounds Lesotho. Its southern tip is also where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

20,000

plant species are found in South Africa – an astonishing 10% of all plants found on Earth.

70%

of the Cape Floral Kingdom’s 9,600 plants are found nowhere else on Earth.

South African Native Selection

South African Plants are common in New Zealand gardens. These evergreen plants are not fast growing, and give amazing displays over winter when not much else is in flower.

CARE TIPS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN NATIVES

To make your garden suitable for South African Native plants choose a sunny site, never use fertilizer, and increase the drainage by mixing in pumice and sand.