Flora South Africa

The plant world of South Africa is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. There are 350 types of Protea on the South Coast alone. The National Flower is the King Protea.

Desert

The only desert in South Africa is the Namib, which is largely located in Namibia. Most of the time the desert is totally void of vegetation. If it does rain, the desert comes to life with annual grasses and herbs. It is also the home of the Welwitschia mirabilis (monotypic genus of gymnosperm plant that only occurs in Angola and Namibia)

The Great Karoo is a semi-desert, where mainly succulents grow.

Forest

Big forests can only be found in the Western Cape, with species of trees that can measure up to  7 metres around and can grow up to 60 metres high. Rare hardwood species also occur here.

Namaqualand

This area is characterized by a dry dusty landscape and high temperatures.  Many of the plant species that grow here, can only survive thanks to the condensation of the mist coming from the Atlantic Ocean. When the first rains have arrived around September, the barren fields change into a colourful sea of flowers.

Subtropical Coastal Strip

The coast of KwaZulu-Natal is characterized by swamps, salty river mouths and lush vegetation. This is also were the mangrove forests grow. Further inland you can still find evergreen forests with wild bananas and ebony wood.

Bushveld

In the inland parts of South Africa there are large areas with tall grass, low growing trees and tall shrubs, these areas are known as known as bushveld.  The Kruger Park is a transitional area; bigger trees like mopane, marula and baobab trees also grow here.

Mountains

The vegetation in the mountainous areas depends on the altitude. Annual colourful flowers bloom in spring in some places. In the Drakensberg there is a small sub alpine belt.