The Cape Floral Kingdom has a fabulous array of plant species (some 8000 and more).  Many of the protea family start flowering in  autumn, through winter and into spring.  Winter is traditionally the rainy season, but  it’s also a  wonderful time to walk on the mountains.  Once the rains have cleared, clear champagne air sweeps in bringing a crisp headiness to being outdoors.  Of the 360 species of protea, it is the King Protea (middle and left) which has the most spectacular form.