The plants

South African wines are produced in one of the world's most breathtaking ecosystems, the Cape Floral Kingdom.

This World Heritage-listed region is home to more species of flora and fauna than the entire northern hemisphere. Recognising the importance of the Cape Floral Kingdom and with over 95 per cent of South African wine produced within its boundaries, the entire South African wine industry is committed to protecting and preserving this unique environment for future generations.

  • The Cape Floral Kingdom represents less than 0.5% of the area of Africa, but is home to nearly 20% of the continent's flora.
  • South Africa has the third-highest level of biodiversity in the world, thanks in no small part to the Cape Floral Kingdom.
  • A stretch of land and sea spanning 90 000 square kilometres, or 0.05% of the earth's land area, the Cape Floral Kingdom contains roughly 3% of the world's plant species.
  • Of the 9,600 plant species found in the Cape Floral Kingdom, about 70% are endemic.
  • The dominant vegetation in the Cape Floral Kingdom is fynbos - making up 80% of the plant species.

Proteas

Named after the Greek Proteas who could change his shape at will, Proteas come in many different forms and are a perfect example of the diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Proteas have huge flowers with several brightly coloured blooms per plant. It is not surprising that the stunning King Protea has been adopted as the national flower of South Africa.

Restios

These are the unique distinguishing feature of the fynbos - tall grasses that are also popular as garden ornamentals due to their nodular foliage. They range from reed like grasses with a striped appearance to soft feathery rushes.

Aloe Striatula - Hardy Aloe

This is one of the hardiest Aloes on the planet; these plants have thick fleshy leaves adapted to conserve water in hot climates. It is an upright branching Aloe with large candle like yellow flowers on a long stem.

Agapanthus - African Lily

Originating in South Africa, this is probably one of the most familiar of the plants on display. Commonly grown in UK gardens, this plant has typically blue or white bell-like flowers on a long stem with tuberous roots.

Gazania- Treasure Flower

Native to South Africa these hardy, drought resistant plants with delightful striped orange flowers are from the Asteraceae - the largest family of flowering plants that includes Daisies and Sunflowers.

Osteospernum - African Daisy

These bright Daisies - also from the Asteraceae - have 35 species in South Africa and come in a variety of beautiful colours. They grow prolifically in the wine regions in amongst the vines.

Grape Vines - Vitis Vinifera

The Variety doesn't stop at the Cape Floral Kingdom - the variety of grapes grown in South Africa is as diverse as the plants that surround the vineyards. From Chenin Blanc to Pinotage and from Sauvignon Blanc to Shiraz, the environment can support and cultivate a huge range of grape varieties successfully.