How many indigenous plants are in South Africa?

South Africa is home to more than 22 000 indigenous seed plants from almost 230 different families. It is also the proud home of 10% of the world’s flowering species, making it a major contributor to the global ecological scene.

Table of Contents

What are indigenous plants?

Indigenous plants are, by definition, those native to the specified locale. To qualify, the specimens in question must have been growing in that region for a considerable amount of time (longer than the plants that have merely naturalized in the region).

What plants are only found in South Africa?

12 edible indigenous South African plants

Pelargonium culallatum (wild malva)
Pelargonium tomentosum (peppermint-scented pelargonium)
Coleonema pulchellum (confetti bush)
Oxalis pes-caprae (wild sorrel)
Artemesia afra (African wormwood)
Carissa macrocarpa (num-num)
Tulbachia violacea (wild garlic)

What is the indigenous plant of Africa?

The contribution of species indigenous and/or endemic to southern Africa in the development of cut flower crop plants is widely acknowledged. These include what is known in the trade as gladiolus, freesia, gerbera, ornithogalum, clivia, agapanthus, strelitzia, plumbago and protea.

Is Lavender indigenous to South Africa?

Lavender is native to Western and Central Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa. In this guide we will deal with the two main types used in the production of essential oil for medicinal and flavouring uses.

What is the difference between native and indigenous plants?

Native and indigenous are similar meaning words that refer to naturally growing plants, living animals, and even original inhabitants of a particular region. When using for animals, indigenous is used for species, while native is used for particular animals and not whole species.

What does it mean if a plant is indigenous to South Africa?

When we say something is indigenous, we mean that it originally came from a particular area. So if you say that a plant or animal is indigenous, you must also specify the area you are talking about. For example, the Cape Flats Erica is indigenous to the Cape Flats between Wynberg and Zeekoevlei.

What is the most famous plant in South Africa?

Protea cynaroides is the national flower of South Africa. The king protea flower is large when opened and can grow to about 12 inches in diameter.

What is the most popular plant in South Africa?

Agapanthus praecox Agapanthus is one of the most popular plants in South Africa, and is cultivated world-wide. The beautiful blue or white blooms look stunning during the summer flowering season, and help to liven up an otherwise dull area of the garden.

What are 3 native plants in Africa?

Top 10: Iconic African trees

Fever tree (Vachellia xanthophloea)
Baobab (Adansonia)
Saugage tree (Kigelia africana)
Quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma)
Leadwood (Combretum imberbe)
Marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea)
Whistling thorn (Vachellia drepanolobium)
Mopane tree (Colophosphermum mopane)

What grows South Africa?

South Africa has a highly diversified agricultural sector which includes the production of all the major grains (except rice), oil seeds, deciduous and subtropical fruits, sugar, citrus, wine, most vegetables, cattle, dairy, pigs, sheep, broilers, ostriches and eggs.

What are the indigenous medicinal plants in South Africa?

Below is a list of indigenous medicinal plants in South Africa: 1. Buchu plant – Agathosma Crenulata The Buchu has been a favourite plant for South African healers for centuries and is inherited from one generation to the next.

Can you grow indigenous plants in South Africa?

The Botanical Society of South Africa encourages the wise use of indigenous plants in southern Africa. Good Hope Garden Nursery shared some great tips on indigenous plants that you can easily grow and harvest in your very own garden for medicinal remedies and exciting culinary experiences.

What are South Africa’s most fabulous indigenous flowers?

To celebrate National Heritage Day, here’s a collection of some of South Africa’s most fabulous indigenous flowers (including SA’s national flower, the King Protea )…as seen at the Sunday Tribune Garden Show in Pietermaritzburg this past weekend. (Update: View more indigenous flowers of South Africa, 2016 .)

What is the plant life like in South Africa?

Proudly South AfricanSouth Africa Plant Life. South Africa boasts a world of plants that are both fascinating and beautiful. These range from the fine grasses of the Free State Province and scrubby bushes of the Karoo Region to the dense greenery of the Garden Route forests and the mountain plains of the country s inland.