(#2 of 8 )

In this second installment in our Virtual Africa series on the South African World Heritage Sites, we take a brief look at and share a few 360º virtual tours of The Cape Floral Kingdom.

As mentioned before (in “Why South African World Heritage Sites are of importance to you“), this is one of those classic examples of a World Heritage Site many local inhabitants know almost nothing about.

So here are some of the facts :

• The Cape Floral Kingdom consist of 8 protected areas in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.
• Of these, the best known would probably be the Table Mountain National Park and Baviaanskloof, but wonderful places like the Cederberg and De Hoop Nature Reserve are also included.
• Although it is the smallest of the world’s 6 floral kingdoms it is also recognized as the richest in terms of species per area.

When you read what the experts say about this part of the world, it is obvious that those in the know view the Cape Floral Kingdom as a little peace of heaven on earth.
They explain how the the type of soil, the climate and regular fires combine to make this part of the world so unique and diverse.

For those of us who don’t understand the difference between a Leucospermum and a Leucadendron, here are a few facts and stats to help explain why the Cape Floral Kingdom is a World Heritage site:

• it contains more plant species per square meter than anywhere else on our planet!
• it contains 20% of all floral species on the African continent
• of which 70% is endemic (if they die here – they are gone)
• the 8 protected area’s are some of the most beautiful spots on our planet …….

Links to more information:

• Unesco website
• Fynbos Guide

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