City of Cape Town

Indicator

Indigenous Plant Species

Description

The City of Cape Town is located in the heart of the worlds smallest of six floral kingdoms - the Cape Floristic Kingdom - which makes it unique in terms of plant biodiversity. The high concentration of indigenous plant species relates to the habitat diversity in the city. Seventeen national terrestrial vegetation types are found within the city of which seven have a "critically endangered" conservation status. The City Nature Conservation Branch and other partners manage a number of nature reserves and other natural areas across the city.

Existing Trends

Richest Plant Families in Cape Town

Family	Number of species
Asteraceae	>350
Fabaceae	>200
Ericaceae	>150
Cyperaceae	>150
Iridaceae	>100
Poaceae	>100
Restionaceae	>100
Mesembryanthemaceae	>50
Scrophulariaceae	>50
Campanulaceae	>50
Proteaceae	>50

Significance	Very High - At regional, national & international scales, the City supports a very high density of unique plant species.
Implications	Representative samples of the different vegetation types occurring in the City must be secured in order to conserve these unique plant species and associated fauna.
Map	A map showing natural vegetation remnants, wetlands and rivers in the City.
References	Environmental Resource Management, 2006
Contact	Dr Patricia Holmes Biophysical Specialist Environmental Resource Management Patricia.Holmes@capetown.gov.za
Complied by	Strategic Information, Strategic Development Information and GIS Department
Updated	2006/10/27