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Why is the Cape region of South Africa recognized as a separate floristic region?

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World map using color coding to show the distribution of major floral kingdoms, subkingdoms, and regions. Key floral kingdoms include Boreal (green), Neotropical (pink), Paleotropical (yellow), South African or Capensic (purple), Australian (orange), and Antarctic (blue). Boundaries for subkingdoms, regions, and divisions are marked with different colored lines, and major regions such as Indoafrican, North American, and Malesian are labeled across continents. — biogeographic region Floral kingdoms, subkingdoms, and major regions of the world.

The Cape region of South Africa, also known as the South African or Capensic kingdom, is recognized as a distinct floristic region primarily due to its extraordinary botanical diversity and high level of endemism.12

Key reasons for its classification include:

Exceptional Endemism: The region is remarkably rich in plant life, containing more than 1,500 genera, with 30 percent of these being native nowhere else in the world. It also features 11 families and 500 genera that are entirely endemic to the area.21
Distinctive Character: Although it is the smallest of the phytogeographic kingdoms, its unique composition sets it apart from the surrounding Paleotropical flora.12
Ecological Specialization: The region experiences a winter rainfall regime similar to the Mediterranean, supporting specialized vegetation such as fynbos (scrubland) that is adapted to withstand long, dry summers.13

While plant geographers distinguish this area as a major, separate unit, it is notable that the fauna of the Cape region does not share this same level of distinction, as its animal life has largely merged with that of the surrounding regions.4