Despite covering less than 0.5% of Africa's land area, the Cape Floristic Region holds roughly 9,000 plant species, around 70% of which grow nowhere else on Earth. It's the smallest and richest of the world's six floral kingdoms, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes fynbos different from other vegetation?
Fynbos is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and periodic fires, producing an unusually high concentration of unique, often highly specialised plant species found nowhere else.
Why does this matter beyond South Africa?
The Cape Floristic Region is recognised globally as one of the planet's most important biodiversity hotspots, meaning its protection has significance for global conservation, not just local tourism.
What are the other five floral kingdoms?
The remaining five are the Boreal, Paleotropical, Neotropical, Australian and Antarctic kingdoms — each spans multiple countries or even continents, unlike the Cape Floristic Region.