The Cape Floral Kingdom is home to over 8 000 plant species, including bulbs, heathers, grasses and proteas, which make up the famous and indigenous Cape fynbos population.

South Africa’s National Flower is the protea, which is also a symbol for South Africa’s cricket team. These plants play a vital role in the Cape’s ecology, and are water-friendly but also vulnerable to forest fires and destruction due to increasing population and urban growth.

In Cape Town’s forest areas, plants such as ferns, alpines, mosses, lichen, algae, wild mushrooms and many other shade-loving plant species can be found.

During spring months a spectacular array of wild flowers can be seen across the peninsula, in an abundance of colours from yellow to purple. Locals and tourists alike flock to small towns just outside of Cape Town to view these flowers, and flower shows are also common during spring months.

Roses, fuchsias, freesias, orchids, lilies, marigolds, pansies, Sweet peas and hundreds of other flowers can be found in botanical gardens and parks across Cape Town, and offer a vibrant and fragrant touch to suburban and city gardens.

There are a large number of imported Date palm trees in Cape Town, which are purchased for thousands of Rands, and planted across urban and suburban areas including luxury South African hotels and shopping malls.

From roses to fynbos, the Cape region offers a wide variety of flora across its diverse habitats.