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 Blessed with multiple eco-systems (grasslands, mountains, fertile coastal areas and deserts), Southern Africa boasts spectacular vegetation. The Republic of South Africa alone contains more than 9,000 plant species and 68 separate vegetation types. The most famous vegetation group is the southern coast's Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the smallest and most diverse floral eco-systems on the planet.
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Fynbos (Dutch: fine or small-leafed plants):
 Fynbos is the major vegetation type in the Cape floral region. It defines a series of shrubs and reedy plants with various shapes and sizes, but that all share small, leathery leaves. These include species of protea, (leathery leafed) Ericas (tiny leafed), several variety of geranium (thick leafed) and Bruniacea, a group of plant families unique the area.
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The Giant Protea (Protea cynaroides) :
 South Africa's national flower, the giant protea is part of a plant family scattered from South Africa to Madagascar and Australia. The group is named for the Greek god Proteus, known for his ability to change shapes. Like its namesake, proteaceae come in many shapes and sizes. The one that carries South Africa's national floral banner looks something like a colorful artichoke, with pink or red petals surrounding a white, fuzzy center. They grow in poor soils and can survive in both dry heat and moister weather . Macadamia nuts are a product of the proteaceae family.
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Succulents:
 Found in South Africa's southern Karoo Desert, this large plant family 's members do all they can to hide themselves by sporting spotty brown surfaces that match the land. These dry-climate plants take many forms, from small, twiggy bushes with brightly colored leaves to smooth Lithops plants like the one here (Lithops meyeri L. Bol.). They can be found on dry, rocky surfaces. When infrequent rains come, these inconspicuous plants turn showman and sprout beautiful red and yellow flowers.
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Bruniaceae :
 Part of the plant fynbos plant group, bruniaceae come in many colors and sizes. They are attractive plants often with small thick needle-like leaves. -Many resemble lollipops with spiny stems. Flowers can be white, red and yellow and are often fluffy, like dandelions. These evergreen plants grow from 1 to 3 ft. tall, and thrive in rocky soil under cool moist conditions.
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