South Africa has incredibly diverse plant life. The world is divided into six floral kingdoms. All these kingdoms encompass several countries, and in some cases, several continents. South Africa, which has a floral kingdom wholly contained within the country, is an exception.
The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Table Mountain alone has over 1,470 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom. South Africa is home to the world's smallest succulent plants (less than 0.39 inches) and the largest (the baobab tree).
The King Protea is the national flower of South Africa.
 |
| The King Protea |
 |
| It has an enormous head! |
If it interests you, we can include on our itinerary a stop at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens - set against the eastern slopes of Cape Town's Table Mountain.
 |
| Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens |
 |
| A beautiful setting |
On Sunday afternoons during the summer they host outdoor concerts at these botanical gardens. Pop on your hat, pack a delicious picnic - complete with South African wine, of course - and soak in the surroundings along with the local musical talent.
The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Table Mountain alone has over 1,470 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom. South Africa is home to the world's smallest succulent plants (less than 0.39 inches) and the largest (the baobab tree).
Feel free to cast a vote here regarding your interest level in going to these botanical gardens.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful. I love flora and would love to visit...sunday afternoon sounds amazing...but I'm sure we'll be at a meeting. :)
ReplyDeleteMy parents' meeting is at 11:30am - so that leaves the afternoon wide open! We'll see as it gets closer what artist they have planned for that day.
DeleteGorg!!!
ReplyDeleteI was just look at picture number two and it's titled "...An Enormous Head" and suddenly I thought of Simone. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the multi-pink shades of The King Protea!
ReplyDelete