Fynbos is evergreen shrubland vegetation, characterized by small leafed, drought tolerant tough plants growing on poor soil. (The word Fynbos stems from the Dutch word Fijinbosch meaning "fine leafed" bush.) It has extraordinary diversity of species - more than 8 000, including Erica's (shrubs with small, fine leaves and delicate tube-like flowers), Proteas (woody shrubs with leathery leaves) and always Restios (reed-like plants with no leaves). It is also rich in bulbous plants (such as the gladiolus species). There are many endemic species.

Geology and vegetation

Geologically the whole area comprises of Table Mountain Sandstone which weathers into shallow, coarse, sandy soils with outcrops of shale in some areas. The water table is very high during winter giving rise to vlei's with dark water stained by tannins leached from the plants.

The water is very potable and it is a simple process to remove the colour, to make it clear. Sebastian and a professor friend did exactly that when they wanted to fill the swimming pool!

Plantings in the Harold Porter Botanical Garden reflect the different types of vegetation in the different areas:

Beach and dunes: Low wide shrubs with extensive roots systems which are able to bind the sand and are also able to cope with the severe conditions produced by strong winds, sand blasting and salt spray.
Coastal plains and vlei's: Restio's and reeds and a host of other species thrive in permanently or seasonally waterlogged conditions.
Mountains and slopes: Low growing, wind blown shrubs, including Erica's many members of the Protea, Daisy and Pea families amongst others and a large number of Restio's. Geophytes are plentiful.
Forested gorges: Relict of afromontane forest is: Cunonia capensis (Red Alder), Curtisia dentate (Assegai), Podocarpus latifolius (Real Yellowwood), Platylophus trifoliatus (White Elder) and Rapanea melanophloeos (Cape Beech).

Fauna

The birds are a special joy in the Garden. More than 60 species have been recorded, including the Cape Sugarbird and the Orange Breasted Sunbird that is endemic to fynbos. A bird list is available at the entrance of the Botanical Gardens. Mongooses and baboons are often seen but there are also other small mammals, e.g. otters and dassies. Leopards are very rare and are nocturnal as are porcupines and genets. Sometimes a number of reptile species can be seen, including the puffadder and tortoises.