Which plant groups are especially diverse in South African fynbos?

The South African fynbos is an exceptionally diverse scrubland ecosystem, home to over 8,500 plant species. The most diverse plant genera within this region include:1

• Erica (heather family)
• Aspalathus (bean family)
• Senecio (daisy family)

Additionally, the fynbos is characterized by a high diversity of broad-leaved evergreen shrubs, particularly those in the Proteaceae family, such as Protea and Leucadendron.1

Beyond these shrubs, the ecosystem supports a rich variety of small herbaceous plants that grow beneath the canopy. These include:

• Sedges
• Irises
• Grasses
• Lilies
• Orchids12