The mountain hosts over 2,200 plant species within its roughly 220 km² of protected area, compared to around 1,500 native species across the UK's 240,000 km². This extraordinary density is part of why the Cape Floristic Region is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot.
Source: South African National Parks (SANParks)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Table Mountain the only place with this level of biodiversity in South Africa?
No — the whole Cape Floristic Region shares similarly extraordinary plant diversity, but Table Mountain is one of its most visited and iconic examples given its location right above Cape Town.
Are any of Table Mountain's plants endangered?
Yes — several fynbos species found on the mountain are rare or threatened, some existing only within very small, specific areas of the reserve.
When was Table Mountain declared a national park?
The area was proclaimed Table Mountain National Park in 1998, consolidating several previously separate reserves into one protected area.