The spectacular King Protea

The mountain that wears a tablecloth

Chapter 1

The ancient giant of the Cape

Chapter 2

The backyard plant kingdom

Chapter 3

Where two oceans collide

Chapter 4

Secret residents of the mountain

Ch 2 · The backyard plant kingdom

thabo The King Protea is a massive and fire-resistant wildflower.

thabo Cape Floral Kingdom

Plant kingdom! Plant kingdom! One single mountain beats the whole UK!

The backyard plant kingdom

BETA

thabo Match backyard plants to discover the unique wonders of the Cape's plant kingdom.

Renewal often depends on the very forces that threaten survival.

Glossary

fynbos (noun)
A distinctive belt of evergreen shrubland or heathland vegetation native to South Africa. This vegetation blankets Table Mountain, which boasts more plant species than the entire United Kingdom.

Quiz

In which specific mountainous region of the Western Cape does rooibos naturally grow?

Fun Fact

Orchid fire tricks: The Pride of Table Mountain orchid only blooms in large numbers immediately after a fire has cleared the surrounding fynbos.

Quiz

From which plant family is the globally popular rooibos herbal tea harvested?

Quiz

What does the Dutch-derived word 'fynbos' literally translate to?

Gossip

Which fynbos product would you most want to try right now?

Quiz

What is the scientific name of South Africa's national flower, the King Protea?

Quiz

Which bird species has co-evolved to pollinate the King Protea in the fynbos?

Quiz

Why are regular wildfires essential for the survival of the fynbos ecosystem?

Quiz

How many recognized plant kingdoms exist on Earth, with the Cape being the smallest?

Quiz

Approximately what percentage of the Cape Floristic Region's plants are endemic to the area?