7.9.

2014 Fynbos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fynbos 4/6
Renosterveld, in this case
Swartland Shale Renosterveld
Researchers in a relatively remote stretch of Kogelberg
Sandstone Fynbos
south coast hinterland from Elgin to Port Elizabeth, the mountains north of
the Little Karoo from Laingsburg to Willowmore, and the inselberg hills
within the Little Karoo. About half of these areas are originally fynbos,
and about half are renosterveld.
Many different microclimates occur, so the flora changes from west to
east, and also varies with altitude up the hillsides away from the coast and
according to compass direction. Lower elevations are covered with
protea fynbos, with ericas taking over further up. Plant species include
pincushions (Leucospermum). The wildlife includes a number of endemic
bees, beetles, horseflies, and ants, and birds such as cape sugarbirds and
the orange-breasted sunbird. Many of these birds and insects are
important and specific pollinators for the fynbos, such as the mountain pride butterfly (Aeropetes tulbaghia)
which only visits red flowers such as Disa uniflora and pollinates 15 different species. Larger animals include
antelopes, particularly Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis), common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia), and
klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus). The extinct blue antelope and quagga were also fynbos natives.
Economic uses
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and Honeybush
(Cyclopia intermedia) are of economic
importance, grown and harvested in large quantities
in the Cederberg area, and providing important
exports. Restios continue to be used for thatching,
as they have for hundreds or even thousands of
years. Proteas and other floral species are grown in
many areas and their flowers harvested for export.
In many areas with Mediterranean climates, fynbos
species have become popular garden plants, in
particular aloes and geraniums, and in cooler
regions are used as window plants.
A very large number of fynbos plant species are
used in traditional medicine, and while only a tiny
proportion have as yet been subjected to formal
testing, many have already been identified as having
medicinal properties.
[6][7][8]
Threats and conservation
Large parts of the fynbos region have been inhabited for centuries, and only a small portion is protected. The
lowland areas are especially prone to be developed for agriculture and viticulture, or through urban expansion
along the coast especially around Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Fynbos areas are also threatened by the spread of invasive alien species, in particular wattle and acacia species
from Australia, as well as pine plantations in the Cape Fold hills. Many species have become extinct, and more
than 1000 are endangered. Their conservation is a priority, and reserves have been established in many areas.