History

The Cape Floristic/Floral Region is located in Cape Province, South Africa. It is comprised of eight national parks/wilderness areas/nature reserves and is one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hotspots (UNESCO). A large part of the region is made up of rugged mountain passes, rivers, rapids, cascades, and pools, yet, what really makes this region fascinating is its flora. 

The Cape Floristic Region makes up less than .5% of Africa, and yet, is home to 20% of the continent’s plant life (UNESCO). It contains an estimated 9,000 plant species, 69% of which are endemic (UNESCO). That being said, there is a specific biome that dominates the region- the fynbos (fine bush) biome. 

The fynbos biome comprises 80% of the region and is a natural shrubland that is "adapted to both the Mediterranean type of climate and to periodic fires” (UNESCO). There are several other characteristics that make the plant species in this region special as well. These include "the responses of the plants to fire”, “seed dispersal by ants and termites”, and "the high level (83%) of plant pollination by insects” (UNESCO).

As previously mentioned, the Cape Floristic Region is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The region’s species diversity can be attributed to a wide range of elevations, soil types, and climatic conditions. In addition, the flora is "characterized by concentrations of relict endemics and massive ongoing speciation due to its isolation in an area of very long established climatic stability” (UNESCO). 

The Cape Floristic Region has long been a site of beautiful, biodiverse wonders, and, as an effort to preserve these wonders, the region was named a World Heritage Site in 2004. If we can expand the area of this region that is being preserved, then we can hopefully stop the region from deteriorating.