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Advantages of Growing Fynbos:

Discover the advantages of cultivating Fynbos in the Cape Floral Kingdom, and delve into their unique traits.

Advantages of Cultivating Fynbos:
Advantages of Cultivating Fynbos:

Advantages of Growing Fynbos:

Hey There, Green Thumb!

You're in For a Treat: 5 Fabulous Reasons to Plant Fynbos

28

SEPTEMBER, 2022

By Marlena Niedl

Have you ever wondered what all the buzz is about the Cape Floral Region? Well wonder no more, because this tiny floral kingdom is a true masterclass in endemism and biodiversity! The term 'fynbos' encompasses a staggering 9,600 species that are mostly found nowhere else on our beautiful planet. But why should we bring these wonder-plants into our gardens? Let's dive into five reasons that'll have you praising the benefits of your new asparagus ferns and ericas.

1. Diversifying Your Ecosystem

The fynbos biome is one of the most diverse floral ecosystems in the world, even beating out some tropical rainforests! Unfortunately, due to urban sprawl, climate change, and invasive alien plants, many fynbos species are already on the verge of extinction in the wild. That's why it's essential to eliminate alien vegetation and replace it with locally indigenous species. By incorporating fynbos into your patch of earth, you're not only supporting the Cape Floral Region's vibrant diversity, but you're also helping combat the declining floral richness in urban areas.

Did you know? Deon Louw, our Urban Greening Manager, says the Cape Floral Kingdom is a treasure trove for our local gardeners!

2. Rallying the Pollinators

Fynbos isn't just a boon for flora, but it's an all-star attraction for fauna too! These beauties attract a wide range of indigenous pollinators, which range from bees and insects to birds and even rodents. In fact, bird species like the Cape Sugarbird visit more than a hundred plants daily, offering a helping hand in pollination processes! Sadly, increasing urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and pollution are making it tough for these busy little helpers to fly their usual routes. But don't lose hope! By supporting the Fynbos Corridor Collaboration, we can strategically place fynbos gardens around cities to create vital pollinator paths.

Curious fun fact? The seeds of Leucospermums (Pincushions) are dispersed by ants!

3. Low Maintenance, High Rewards

Score! Fynbos species are known for being very low-maintenance, making them the perfect choice for the lazy gardener in all of us! These vibrant plants require minimal TLC and thrive even in harsh winter conditions in the Western Cape and parts of the Eastern Cape. That's right; you can watch your fynbos deck the halls (or sides of hills) with blooms, while you kick back and enjoy your hard-earned relaxation.

Tip from Mark Stout, our Urban Greening Intern: Fire helps fynbos! By setting fires periodically (every 10-25 years), you can help stimulate seed germination and revitalize your fynbos garden.

4. Medicinal Magic

Did you know fynbos plants have healing powers? There's more to these handy plants than pretty flowers and great conversation starters! In traditional medicine, fynbos is often used to alleviate symptoms like fever or cramps. For instance, Buchu leaves make a lovely calming tea that can help with stomach issues, bloating, and infections. Moreover, the oil from fynbos is even used in skincare for its reputed ability to speed up cell regeneration.

Fascinating fact: Helichrysum 'Impepho' is known as the 'wand of life' in traditional South African medicine and is used as a treatment for anxiety, respiratory problems, and as a pain reliever.

5. A World of a Difference

As we've established, the Cape Floral Region is a biodiversity powerhouse! In fact, it contains over 8,500 species found nowhere else on the planet – talk about being unique! Planting fynbos brings us one step closer to maintaining the health and vitality of this World Heritage Site, which is crucial for the conservation of the globe's incredibly diverse flora and fauna.

If you're ready to make a positive impact on the planet, visit www.fynboscorridors.org and discover how you can contribute to fynbos conservation efforts in the Cape Town area.

Join our mission and let's create a greener, more vibrant world together!

And remember, Happy Gardening!

Want to learn more about our organization's mission and values?

explore our blog

meet the team

view annual reports

frequently asked questions

Interested in contributing to our cause?

contact us

request a speaker

suggest a planting site

download our digital assets

Want to make a difference and get your hands dirty?

activate your company

book a planting day

volunteer

apply for internships

When it comes to your garden, choose fynbos – you won't regret it! These fantastic plants make a world of difference not only for your personal backyard oasis but for the greater Cape Floral Region and our planet as a whole. So, go ahead, plant a fynbos – and make your mark on the world!

[1]https://www.elbgreataus.co.za/sites/default/files/pisces_bagr2020-peerrekil-report.pdf[2]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P4JKo6r2h1fwON6LB638Rq-lkki6BLpj/view[3]https://www.greeningthewesterncape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Fynbos_Biodiversity-WEB.pdf[4]https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-1481(03)00137-5[5]https://www.greeningthewesterncape.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The-Importance-of-Fynbos-WEB.pdf

  1. To aid in the preservation of South Africa's unique biodiversity, consider planting indigenous fynbos species in your home-and-garden, helping combat the decline of floral richness in urban areas.
  2. By incorporating fynbos into your garden, you're not just supporting the Cape Floral Region's vibrant diversity but also creating vital pollinator paths for various indigenous pollinators, such as bees, birds, and insects.
  3. Fynbos plants are known for being low-maintenance and thriving even in harsh winter conditions, making them an ideal choice for a lazy gardener seeking a visually stunning, minimal-effort addition to their garden.
  4. In traditional medicine, fynbos is often used to treat various ailments, such as fever, cramps, stomach issues, bloating, infections, and even as a pain reliever.
  5. Choosing to plant fynbos in your home or garden can help in the conservation of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site that contains over 8,500 species found nowhere else on Earth.
  6. As global climate change continues, it's essential to focus on sustainable living and environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices, and incorporating fynbos into your gardening routine is a simple and effective way to contribute.
  7. To learn more about the benefits of fynbos, the Cape Floral Region, and environmental preservation efforts in Africa, explore blogs, meet the team, view annual reports, or FAQ sections on relevant websites.
  8. To get involved in fynbos conservation efforts, consider volunteering, applying for internships, contacting organisations, or suggesting planting sites to make a difference in the protection of South Africa's unique flora and fauna.
  9. To take your relationship with the environment to the next level, look into activating your company for corporate social responsibility, booking a planting day, or hosting a speaking engagement focused on environmental issues.
  10. Embrace fynbos as part of your organic, eco-friendly life choices, and join a community of individuals passionate about greening their surroundings, conserving habitats for biodiversity, and making a positive impact on the global climate change challenge.

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