We’re blessed here on the Cape Peninsula to live in what could be termed the world’s richest natural garden: this tiny patch of land, only some 470 sq km has in excess of 2285 flowering plant species. As we move through the seasons, the landscape changes. Spring arrives in dynamic form after the winter rains in a mass of show-stopping colour as the Asteraceae or daisy family, with the geophytes and pelargoniums not far behind. When the Cape Snow arrives, we know that summer is on it’s way. Now the restios (reeds) cast a coppery sheen over the plains, and here and there a delicate pink merges as the erica meadows appear.
For those interested the Fynbos species forms part of the Cape Floristic Region, one of the world’s six Floral Kingdoms. Although the smallest in area, it is the richest in overall diversity with an astonishing 8 578 plant species. Sadly though the region is described as ‘among the very hottest of the world’s biodiversity hotspots’ : while it may be the among the world’s richest depositories of life forms, it is also among the most threatened. More than 1 400 fynbos plants are featured in the Red Data Book as being critically rare, endangered, threatened or vulnerable with at least 29 species already extinct.
Nature on the Edge 
We’ve got ice and cold today, so this was a delight to see!
Wow, quite a temperature difference! I had a look at your Flickr set, and the ice is thick! The snow shots also look pretty impressive. Interesting seeing your bird shots, plumped up feathers… keeping the cold at bay?
Absolutely!
To see the fynbos bloom must be an amazing sight, I’d never tire of it and I suspect you’re the same. Never seen the cape snow, how pretty.
The variety of plants is just fascinating, you’re right it’s an ongoing wonder. Wish i could send you some of the Cape snow, Gilly – they’re extraordinary blooms – papery in texture, and long lasting – their local name is ‘sewejaartjie” – seven years.
What a lovely thought my dear, thank you, as it is seeing your photos is very special.
A visual treat!
The world’s richest natural garden seems to sum it up indeed! Great images, Liz, yet another wonderful post, so beautiful.
Love, Dina
Thanks Dina – yes, we’re pretty fortunate to have such a diversity of plants… fuana and flora.
Thank you for this marvelous flowers! Here it is snowing!It’s cold!! 😦
Well, that’s a pleasure…. this sharing of flowers. Hope you’re keeping well wrapped up and warm.
Beautiful. Our flowers, of course, are only just contemplating blooming in few months.
fantastic!
Season shifts, through summer – winters…. such a change in landscapes.
These are incredible!
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 I’m always interested in the crossover of vegetation and floral species which our two countries share; there you have more protea species than we do! Those old links before Gwondanaland broke up 🙂