Southern Afrotemperate Forest
Encyclopedia
Southern Afrotemperate Forest (The Southern Cape Forests) is a kind of tall, shady, multi-layered indigenous South Africa
n forest
.
This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula
in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east. In this range (apart from the massive Knysna-tsitsikamma forest complex
) it usually occurs in small forest pockets, surrounded by Fynbos vegetation
.
that can be found across Africa
as far north as Ethiopia. However, it is distinguished from other types of forest in southern Africa by its relatively distinct range of species and its being confined to the far south-western corner of Africa - separated from the other forested areas to the east and north. Southern Afrotemperate Forest tends to grow on soils derived from sandstone
and granite
which are the dominant rock formations in the south-western Cape.
The Western Cape
is prone to seasonal fires and the various types of fynbos vegetation that dominate here are all governed by the fire cycles. However, Southern Afrotemperate Forest is not adapted to fire and is therefore always restricted to “Fire refugia” such as gorges, wet riverine areas or rocky scree slopes where fires cannot reach. In the absence of veld fires, the taller forests tend to expand at the expense of the Fynbos.
.
Based on location and the species composition of the forests, this type is often informally divided into Riverine Forests ("Oewerbos" in Afrikaans
) and Scree Forests ("Dasbos" in Afrikaans
). The species composition of these two subtypes differs slightly, but they are still similar enough to be classed together as an ecosystem. The dominant, largest and most obvious tree species are Metrosideros angustifolia, Brabejum stellatifolium
, Cassine schinoides, Apodytes dimidiata
, Cunonia capensis
, Ilex mitis
, Kiggelaria africana
, Rapanea melanophloeos
, Olinia ventosa
and Podocarpus elongatus
.
Western Cape Talus forests naturally undergo periodic disturbance, flooding in the case of Riverine Forests and rock-slides in the case of Scree Forests. Swift regeneration immediately follows. The natural cycle of disturbance of the surrounding Fynbos vegetation is fire-driven, but this has little effect on the sheltered Talus forests.
The main threats to this ecosystem are from invasive alien plants, especially Black Wattle trees. The natural habitat of Western Cape Talus is usually within catchment area
s, and they thus perform an important function in regulating the water-systems and preventing erosion. They are also host to many scenic hiking trails and have value as a source of medicinal plants. In addition, several species (such as Clivia mirabilis and Cryptocarya angustifolia) are endemic to these forests and occur nowhere else in the world.
.
They also include the Cape Peninsula Forests such as those at Newlands Forest
, Kirstenbosch
and Orangekloof which are all located around Table Mountain
, within the city of Cape Town
.
Typical species include massive trees such as Yellowwoods
, Ilex mitis
, Kiggelaria africana
, Assegai trees
, Ironwoods
, Cunonia capensis
, Cassine species
, Olinia ventosa
and Rapanea melanophloeos
which form the highest canopy; smaller trees such as Halleria lucida
, Diospyros whyteana
and Maytenus acuminata
which form a medium layer; as well as a variety of fern
s, herbs, bushes, vines
and liana
s (eg. Asparagus scandens
, Rhoicissus tomentosa
). Though not as rich in biodiversity as the Southern Cape Afrotemperate forests (see below), these woodlands still contain a variety of endemic plants and animals which occur nowhere else in the world.
The major threats come from invasive alien plants such as Australian Cheesewood
, Bugweed
, Black Wattle, Lantana
, Privet
and Pine trees.
Western Cape Afrotemperate forests have a high socio-economic value, due to their use for recreation
such as hiking
, their role in preserving the Western Cape
's water supply, and their natural production of an enormous range of medicinal plants.
. It extends from Mossel Bay
in the Western Cape
, eastwards into the Eastern Cape
, nearly as far as Port Elizabeth.
This is a tall, dense, species-rich forest in a moist and warm temperate climate. The highest canopy is formed from the inter-meshed crowns of the most massive trees. Understories are formed from medium-sized, multi-stemmed trees and the forest-floor is home to a range of indigenous shrubs, bushes, ferns and flowers. Enormous liana
s and vines
reach up to the canopy and between the branches and a variety of animals inhabit these woods.
This forest is very similar to Western Cape Afrotemperate Forest with a very high species overlap; however, it also has some lesser similarities with the Amatole mistbelt forests that lie further to the east in the Drakensberg mountain range.
Previously, large game was abundant but today it is largely exterminated. A small population of elephant
s survives at Knysna
.
It is often subdivided into three smaller vegetation types: The Southern Cape Mountain, Coastal-Platform and Scarp forests.
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n forest
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
.
This is the main forest-type in the south-western part of South Africa, naturally extending from the Cape Peninsula
Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is a generally rocky peninsula that juts out for 75 km into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-western extremity of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope...
in the west, as far as Port Elizabeth in the east. In this range (apart from the massive Knysna-tsitsikamma forest complex
Knysna-Amatole montane forests
The Knysna-Amatole montane forests ecoregion, of the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests Biome, is in South Africa. It covers an Afromontane area of in South Africa's Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces.-Setting:...
) it usually occurs in small forest pockets, surrounded by Fynbos vegetation
Fynbos
Fynbos is the natural shrubland or heathland vegetation occurring in a small belt of the Western Cape of South Africa, mainly in winter rainfall coastal and mountainous areas with a Mediterranean climate...
.
Ecology
This forest ecosystem is a sub-type of the general Afromontane forestAfromontane
Afromontane is a term used to describe the Afrotropic subregion and its plant and animal species common to the mountains of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula...
that can be found across Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
as far north as Ethiopia. However, it is distinguished from other types of forest in southern Africa by its relatively distinct range of species and its being confined to the far south-western corner of Africa - separated from the other forested areas to the east and north. Southern Afrotemperate Forest tends to grow on soils derived from sandstone
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Most sandstone is composed of quartz and/or feldspar because these are the most common minerals in the Earth's crust. Like sand, sandstone may be any colour, but the most common colours are tan, brown, yellow,...
and granite
Granite
Granite is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite usually has a medium- to coarse-grained texture. Occasionally some individual crystals are larger than the groundmass, in which case the texture is known as porphyritic. A granitic rock with a porphyritic...
which are the dominant rock formations in the south-western Cape.
The Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
is prone to seasonal fires and the various types of fynbos vegetation that dominate here are all governed by the fire cycles. However, Southern Afrotemperate Forest is not adapted to fire and is therefore always restricted to “Fire refugia” such as gorges, wet riverine areas or rocky scree slopes where fires cannot reach. In the absence of veld fires, the taller forests tend to expand at the expense of the Fynbos.
Subdivisions
It is conventionally divided into three closely related sub-types:Western Cape Talus
This is a type of medium-height scree forest that is usually only found in small patches, growing on steep, rocky slopes and by mountain streams. It is endemic to the Western CapeWestern Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
.
Based on location and the species composition of the forests, this type is often informally divided into Riverine Forests ("Oewerbos" in Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
) and Scree Forests ("Dasbos" in Afrikaans
Afrikaans
Afrikaans is a West Germanic language, spoken natively in South Africa and Namibia. It is a daughter language of Dutch, originating in its 17th century dialects, collectively referred to as Cape Dutch .Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch; see , , , , , .Afrikaans was historically called Cape...
). The species composition of these two subtypes differs slightly, but they are still similar enough to be classed together as an ecosystem. The dominant, largest and most obvious tree species are Metrosideros angustifolia, Brabejum stellatifolium
Brabejum stellatifolium
Brabejum stellatifolium is a large tree, indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa....
, Cassine schinoides, Apodytes dimidiata
Apodytes dimidiata
Apodytes dimidiata is a bushy tree, with white fragrant flowers and small, dark red berries. It is usually about 5 m tall , and it is indigenous to Southern Africa.The taxonomical family placement for this and other Apodytes is currently under debate...
, Cunonia capensis
Cunonia capensis
Cunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
, Ilex mitis
Ilex mitis
Ilex mitis is a tall, dense, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It makes an excellent fast-growing hedge for gardens - growing tall, straight and dense.-Appearance:If not pruned, Ilex mitis can grow to a height of 20 meters or more...
, Kiggelaria africana
Kiggelaria africana
Kiggelaria africana is a large, robust, low-branching African tree.Despite its common name, it is not related to the more familiar fruit-producing Peach tree although the leaves do superficially look similar.-Appearance:A well-shaped, robust, evergreen tree with grey-green leaves...
, Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape Beech, Kaapse Boekenhout or IsiCalabi, is native to the afromontane forests of Southern Africa.-Distribution:...
, Olinia ventosa
Olinia ventosa
Olinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
and Podocarpus elongatus
Podocarpus elongatus
Podocarpus elongatus is a species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. Unlike the other Yellowwoods of Southern Africa, Podocarpus elongatus grows as an enormous, dense, multi-stemmed bush....
.
Western Cape Talus forests naturally undergo periodic disturbance, flooding in the case of Riverine Forests and rock-slides in the case of Scree Forests. Swift regeneration immediately follows. The natural cycle of disturbance of the surrounding Fynbos vegetation is fire-driven, but this has little effect on the sheltered Talus forests.
The main threats to this ecosystem are from invasive alien plants, especially Black Wattle trees. The natural habitat of Western Cape Talus is usually within catchment area
Drainage basin
A drainage basin is an extent or an area of land where surface water from rain and melting snow or ice converges to a single point, usually the exit of the basin, where the waters join another waterbody, such as a river, lake, reservoir, estuary, wetland, sea, or ocean...
s, and they thus perform an important function in regulating the water-systems and preventing erosion. They are also host to many scenic hiking trails and have value as a source of medicinal plants. In addition, several species (such as Clivia mirabilis and Cryptocarya angustifolia) are endemic to these forests and occur nowhere else in the world.
Western Cape Afrotemperate
The thicker, deeper, denser "South-western Cape forests" are dominated by larger Afromontane trees. These tall woodlands are typically found in sheltered gorges and mountainous areas in the Western CapeWestern Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
.
They also include the Cape Peninsula Forests such as those at Newlands Forest
Newlands forest
Newlands Forest is a conservancy area on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, beside the suburb of Newlands, Cape Town. It is owned and maintained by the Table Mountain National Parks Board, along with the City Parks Department of Cape Town, and includes a Fire Station, Nursery and Reservoir.The...
, Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch
Kirstenbosch is the name of a famous botanical garden nestled at the foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town....
and Orangekloof which are all located around Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa, and is featured in the flag of Cape Town and other local government insignia. It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top...
, within the city of Cape Town
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
.
Typical species include massive trees such as Yellowwoods
Podocarpus latifolius
Podocarpus latifolius is a large evergreen tree up to 35 m high and 3 m trunk diameter, in the conifer family Podocarpaceae; it is the type species of the genus Podocarpus....
, Ilex mitis
Ilex mitis
Ilex mitis is a tall, dense, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It makes an excellent fast-growing hedge for gardens - growing tall, straight and dense.-Appearance:If not pruned, Ilex mitis can grow to a height of 20 meters or more...
, Kiggelaria africana
Kiggelaria africana
Kiggelaria africana is a large, robust, low-branching African tree.Despite its common name, it is not related to the more familiar fruit-producing Peach tree although the leaves do superficially look similar.-Appearance:A well-shaped, robust, evergreen tree with grey-green leaves...
, Assegai trees
Curtisia
Curtisia dentata is a flowering tree from Southern Africa...
, Ironwoods
Olea capensis
Olea capensis, the Black Ironwood tree, is an African tree species belonging to the olive family . Olea capensis is widespread in Africa. It is found almost throughout Africa south of the Sahara desert from the east in Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan, south to the tip of South Africa, and west to...
, Cunonia capensis
Cunonia capensis
Cunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
, Cassine species
Cassine peragua
Cassine peragua is a medium-sized tree with fragrant flowers, decorative fruits and a saffron-coloured trunk. It is indigenous to the Afro-montane forests of South Africa....
, Olinia ventosa
Olinia ventosa
Olinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
and Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos
Rapanea melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape Beech, Kaapse Boekenhout or IsiCalabi, is native to the afromontane forests of Southern Africa.-Distribution:...
which form the highest canopy; smaller trees such as Halleria lucida
Halleria lucida
Halleria lucida is an small, attractive, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It is increasingly grown as an ornamental tree in African gardens.-Appearance:...
, Diospyros whyteana
Diospyros whyteana
Diospyros whyteana is a small African tree of the ebony family. Bearing dark green, strikingly glossy leaves and creamy fragrant flowers, it is increasingly cultivated in Southern African gardens as an attractive and strong ornamental tree...
and Maytenus acuminata
Maytenus acuminata
Maytenus acuminata is a variable, medium-sized, evergreen tree indigenous to Africa, including South Africa. Here it is especially common on the verges of afro-montane forest. It produces small, white flowers and bright orange or red berries. In cultivation it is useful as a light shade tree or as...
which form a medium layer; as well as a variety of fern
Fern
A fern is any one of a group of about 12,000 species of plants belonging to the botanical group known as Pteridophyta. Unlike mosses, they have xylem and phloem . They have stems, leaves, and roots like other vascular plants...
s, herbs, bushes, vines
Rhoicissus
Rhoicissus is a genus in the Grape family and the Vitoideae subfamily having 2 or more species.The leaves of species R. tomentosa and R...
and liana
Liana
A liana is any of various long-stemmed, woody vines that are rooted in the soil at ground level and use trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy to get access to well-lit areas of the forest. Lianas are especially characteristic of tropical moist deciduous...
s (eg. Asparagus scandens
Asparagus scandens
Asparagus scandens, is a plant native to South Africa in the Asparagus genus....
, Rhoicissus tomentosa
Rhoicissus tomentosa
Rhoicissus tomentosa is a vigorous, evergreen vine that is indigenous to the afro-montane forests of southern Africa...
). Though not as rich in biodiversity as the Southern Cape Afrotemperate forests (see below), these woodlands still contain a variety of endemic plants and animals which occur nowhere else in the world.
The major threats come from invasive alien plants such as Australian Cheesewood
Pittosporum undulatum
Pittosporum undulatum is a tree growing to 15m tall with wavy leaf edges. It is sometimes also known known as Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne, Australian Cheesewood, Victorian Box or Mock Orange...
, Bugweed
Solanum mauritianum
Solanum mauritianum is a small tree or shrub native to South America, including Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It has become a widespread invasive weed in Cook Islands, Fiji, Hawai‘i, New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Réunion Island, Mauritius,...
, Black Wattle, Lantana
Lantana camara
Lantana camara, also known as Spanish Flag or West Indian Lantana, is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family, Verbenaceae, that is native to the American tropics. It has been introduced into other parts of the world as an ornamental plant and is considered an invasive species in many...
, Privet
Ligustrum
Ligustrum is a genus of about forty species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees. They are now all known by the common name of privet.-Selected species:...
and Pine trees.
Western Cape Afrotemperate forests have a high socio-economic value, due to their use for recreation
Recreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
such as hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
, their role in preserving the Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
's water supply, and their natural production of an enormous range of medicinal plants.
Southern Cape Afrotemperate
By far the largest portion of Southern Afrotemperate Forest, including the enormous Knysna-Tsitsikamma forestsKnysna-Amatole montane forests
The Knysna-Amatole montane forests ecoregion, of the Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests Biome, is in South Africa. It covers an Afromontane area of in South Africa's Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces.-Setting:...
. It extends from Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a harbour town of about 130,000 people on the Southern Cape of South Africa. It is an important tourism and farming region of the Western Cape Province...
in the Western Cape
Western Cape
The Western Cape is a province in the south west of South Africa. The capital is Cape Town. Prior to 1994, the region that now forms the Western Cape was part of the much larger Cape Province...
, eastwards into the Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape is a province of South Africa. Its capital is Bhisho, but its two largest cities are Port Elizabeth and East London. It was formed in 1994 out of the "independent" Xhosa homelands of Transkei and Ciskei, together with the eastern portion of the Cape Province...
, nearly as far as Port Elizabeth.
This is a tall, dense, species-rich forest in a moist and warm temperate climate. The highest canopy is formed from the inter-meshed crowns of the most massive trees. Understories are formed from medium-sized, multi-stemmed trees and the forest-floor is home to a range of indigenous shrubs, bushes, ferns and flowers. Enormous liana
Liana
A liana is any of various long-stemmed, woody vines that are rooted in the soil at ground level and use trees, as well as other means of vertical support, to climb up to the canopy to get access to well-lit areas of the forest. Lianas are especially characteristic of tropical moist deciduous...
s and vines
Rhoicissus
Rhoicissus is a genus in the Grape family and the Vitoideae subfamily having 2 or more species.The leaves of species R. tomentosa and R...
reach up to the canopy and between the branches and a variety of animals inhabit these woods.
This forest is very similar to Western Cape Afrotemperate Forest with a very high species overlap; however, it also has some lesser similarities with the Amatole mistbelt forests that lie further to the east in the Drakensberg mountain range.
Previously, large game was abundant but today it is largely exterminated. A small population of elephant
African Bush Elephant
The African Bush Elephant or African Savanna Elephant is the larger of the two species of African elephant. Both it and the African Forest Elephant have usually been classified as a single species, known simply as the African Elephant...
s survives at Knysna
Knysna
Knysna is a town with 76,431 inhabitants in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and is part of the Garden Route. It lies 34 degrees south of the equator, and is 72 kilometres east from the town of George on the N2 highway, and 25 kilometres west of Plettenberg Bay on the same road.-History:A...
.
It is often subdivided into three smaller vegetation types: The Southern Cape Mountain, Coastal-Platform and Scarp forests.
Species
Some of the major indigenous tree species:- Podocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua Yellowwood)
- Podocarpus latifoliusPodocarpus latifoliusPodocarpus latifolius is a large evergreen tree up to 35 m high and 3 m trunk diameter, in the conifer family Podocarpaceae; it is the type species of the genus Podocarpus....
(Real Yellowwood) - Podocarpus elongatusPodocarpus elongatusPodocarpus elongatus is a species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. Unlike the other Yellowwoods of Southern Africa, Podocarpus elongatus grows as an enormous, dense, multi-stemmed bush....
(Breede River Yellowwood) - Apodytes dimidiataApodytes dimidiataApodytes dimidiata is a bushy tree, with white fragrant flowers and small, dark red berries. It is usually about 5 m tall , and it is indigenous to Southern Africa.The taxonomical family placement for this and other Apodytes is currently under debate...
(White Pear) - Brabejum stellatifoliumBrabejum stellatifoliumBrabejum stellatifolium is a large tree, indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa....
(Cape Wild Almond) - Celtis africanaCeltis africanaCeltis africana is a tree in the Cannabaceae family. This is a common and widespread forest tree from South Africa to Ethiopia. It is a fast growing and popular garden tree in South Africa and is easily propagated....
(White Stinkwood) - Chionanthus foveolatusChionanthus foveolatusChionanthus foveolatus is a medium-sized, evergreen, Afromontane tree that is indigenous to South Africa....
(Pock Ironwood) - Curtisia dentata (Assegai tree)
- Diospyros whyteanaDiospyros whyteanaDiospyros whyteana is a small African tree of the ebony family. Bearing dark green, strikingly glossy leaves and creamy fragrant flowers, it is increasingly cultivated in Southern African gardens as an attractive and strong ornamental tree...
(Bladdernut TreeBladdernutStaphylea is a small genus of 10 or 11 species of flowering plants in the family Staphyleaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The highest species diversity is in China, where four species occur....
) - Grewia occidentalisGrewia occidentalisGrewia occidentalis is a small, hardy, attractive tree indigenous to Southern Africa.A small, scrambling, deciduous tree reaching a height of about 3m, its purple, star-shaped flowers appear in summer, followed by distinctive four-lobed berries...
(Cross-berry tree) - Halleria lucidaHalleria lucidaHalleria lucida is an small, attractive, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It is increasingly grown as an ornamental tree in African gardens.-Appearance:...
(Notsung) - Ilex mitisIlex mitisIlex mitis is a tall, dense, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Southern Africa. It makes an excellent fast-growing hedge for gardens - growing tall, straight and dense.-Appearance:If not pruned, Ilex mitis can grow to a height of 20 meters or more...
(Cape Holly) - Kiggelaria africanaKiggelaria africanaKiggelaria africana is a large, robust, low-branching African tree.Despite its common name, it is not related to the more familiar fruit-producing Peach tree although the leaves do superficially look similar.-Appearance:A well-shaped, robust, evergreen tree with grey-green leaves...
(Wild Peach) - Maytenus acuminataMaytenus acuminataMaytenus acuminata is a variable, medium-sized, evergreen tree indigenous to Africa, including South Africa. Here it is especially common on the verges of afro-montane forest. It produces small, white flowers and bright orange or red berries. In cultivation it is useful as a light shade tree or as...
(Silky bark tree) - Cassine peraguaCassine peraguaCassine peragua is a medium-sized tree with fragrant flowers, decorative fruits and a saffron-coloured trunk. It is indigenous to the Afro-montane forests of South Africa....
(Forest Spoonwood) - Canthium inermeCanthium inermeCanthium inerme is a tough, adaptable medium-sized tree from South Africa. It bears small edible fruits and has a variety of uses in traditional medicine....
(Turkeyberry tree) - Cunonia capensisCunonia capensisCunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
(Butterspoon treeCunonia capensisCunonia capensis is a small tree, found in the afromontane forests of Southern Africa, and along rivers....
) - Ocotea bullataOcotea bullataOcotea bullata is a species of flowering tree in the family Lauraceae, native to South Africa. It produces very fine and valuable timber which, along with Yellowood, was much sought after to make traditional furniture. Due to over-exploitation it is now a protected species. Other names for it are...
(Black Stinkwood) - Olea capensisOlea capensisOlea capensis, the Black Ironwood tree, is an African tree species belonging to the olive family . Olea capensis is widespread in Africa. It is found almost throughout Africa south of the Sahara desert from the east in Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan, south to the tip of South Africa, and west to...
subsp. macrocarpa (Ironwood tree) - Olinia ventosaOlinia ventosaOlinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
(Hard PearOlinia ventosaOlinia ventosa is an evergreen forest tree indigenous to South Africa.Olinia ventosa is a native of the southern and eastern coastal regions of South Africa, from the Cape Peninsula to southern KwaZulu-Natal...
) - Nuxia floribundaNuxia floribundaNuxia floribunda is a species of tree, native to Africa. It usually grows to between 3 and 10 metres tall, although it occasionally may grow as tall as 25 metres. It has a crooked trunk, rough flaking bark and a rounded canopy...
(Forest Nuxia) - Cyathea capensisCyathea capensisCyathea capensis, also known as the Forest Tree Fern, is a widespread and highly variable species of tree fern. It is divided into two subspecies: C. c. capensis from the Old World Tropics and C. c. polypodioides from the New World Tropics. It is the only member of the family Cyatheaceae found in...
(Forest Tree Fern) - Cyathea dregeiCyathea dregeiCyathea dregei, also known as the Common Tree Fern and Gewone Boomvaring in Afrikaans, is a widespread species of tree fern in southern Africa...
(Common Tree Fern) - Pterocelastrus tricuspidatusPterocelastrus tricuspidatusPterocelastrus tricuspidatus is a medium-sized evergreen tree, indigenous to South Africa....
(Candlewood) - Rapanea melanophloeosRapanea melanophloeosRapanea melanophloeos, commonly known as Cape Beech, Kaapse Boekenhout or IsiCalabi, is native to the afromontane forests of Southern Africa.-Distribution:...
(Cape Beech) - Virgilia (genus)Virgilia (genus)Virgilia is a genus of Southern African trees in the family Fabaceae, having shiny to hairy pinnate leaves and attractive mauve to pink pea-shaped flowers followed by leathery pods...
(Blossom TreeVirgilia (genus)Virgilia is a genus of Southern African trees in the family Fabaceae, having shiny to hairy pinnate leaves and attractive mauve to pink pea-shaped flowers followed by leathery pods...
)
- Gonioma kamassi
- Heeria argentea
- Metrosideros angustifolia
- Platylophus trifoliatus
- Trichocladus crinitus
- Burchellia bubalina
- Oplismenus hirtellus
- Dietes iridioidesDietes iridioidesDietes iridioides is an ornamental plant in the Iridaceae family....
- Blechnum capense
- Blechnum tabulareBlechnum tabulareBlechnum tabulare or the Mountain blechnum is a large, attractive fern that is indigenous to sub-saharan Africa.It occurs from the Cape, South Africa, as far north as Uganda and Nigeria. This fern's natural habitat is along river banks and on the margins of afro-montane forests. It grows very well...
- Rumohra adiantiformisRumohra adiantiformisRumohra adiantiformis is a species of fern in the family Elaphoglossaceae.The fronds of R. adiantiformis contain round sori on the underside of the pinnae unlike many other ferns which have separate specialized reproductive fronds. Many of the sori have peltate indusia and have prominent scales...
- Heeria argentea
- Podocarpus elongatusPodocarpus elongatusPodocarpus elongatus is a species of conifer in the Podocarpaceae family. Unlike the other Yellowwoods of Southern Africa, Podocarpus elongatus grows as an enormous, dense, multi-stemmed bush....
- Platycarpos trifoliatus
- Cassine schinoides
- Cryptocarya angustifolia
- Metrosideros angustifolia
- Virgilia oroboides subsp. Ferruginea
- Strelitzia alba
- Clivia mirabilis
- Schoenoxiphium album
- Amauropelta knysnaensis
- Polystichum incongruum
- Breutelia elliptica
- Breutelia tabularis
- Distichophyllum mniifolium
- Fissidens fasciculatus
- Macromitrium macropelma
- Ulota ecklonii
- Wardia hygrometrica
- Zygodon leptobolax
Further Reading
- Von Maltitz, G., Mucina, L., Geldenhuys, C.J., Lawes, M., Eeley, H., Adie, H., Vink, D., Fleming, G. & Bailey, C. 2003. Classification system for South African indigenous forests: An objective classification for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Report ENV-P-C 2003-017, Environmentek, CSIR, Pretoria.