PLANTS
the land of a
KINGDOM
Around the world there are 6 floral kingdoms, areas of the world recognized by their distinctive plant life. The smallest of these kingdoms is the Cape Floral Kingdom and is found only in South Africa, predominantly in the Western Cape. Most of this vegetation is known as Fynbos, ‘fine-leaved’ plants.
But South Africa has more different vegetation types (biomes), such as Savanna, Grassveld, Renosterveld, Succulent Karoo, Albany Thickets, Nama Karoo and forests. Over 22.000 different plant species have been recorded here, making South Africa one of the most species-rich countries in the world. By far, the majority of plants can be found in 2 classes of flowering plants; Liliopsida and Magnoliopsida.
Areas like the Cape Floral Kingdom, Namaqualand, Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve and the Richtersveld are prime destinations to experience the beauty of South African plant life, but the many botanical gardens maybe more accessible.
DICOTS
Magnoliopsida
Dicots are flowering plants with the typical characteristics of 2 embryonic leaves and by far the largest class of plants in South Africa with roughly 12.000 different species. Within this class you will find Protea’s (also known as Sugarbush), Heaths, Beech, Oak, Walnut and Fig trees, Waterlilies and grapevines.
MONOCOTS
Liliopsida
The monocots are flowering plants with the typical characteristics of 1 embryonic leaf and the second largest class of plants in South Africa with roughly 4.000 different species. Within this class you will find Lilies, the spectacular Quiver Tree, Aloe’s, Orchids, about 400 grass species, beautiful Strelitzias and many more colorful and beautifully shaped plants.