Fynbos — The Cape Floral Kingdom

The Cape Floristic Region in the Western Cape is one of the six floral kingdoms of the world — and the smallest and most species-rich. On an area of just 90,000 km² (smaller than Hungary), over 9,000 plant species grow, 70% of which are endemic (found nowhere else in the world). That's more biodiversity per area than in the Amazon rainforest!

The characteristic vegetation is called Fynbos (Afrikaans: "Fine Bush"): low, hard-leaved shrubs with an incredible variety of flowers. The Proteas (including the King Protea, South Africa's national flower), Ericas (heather, over 600 species!), and Restios (reed-like plants) are the three main families.

The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden at the foot of Table Mountain is the best place to experience Fynbos. The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway (a 140 m long walkway through the treetops) offers spectacular views.