Threatened plants at the south-western corner of Africa

Abstract

An account is given of the extent of floristic and habitat destruction in the area currently and formerly covered by the Cape Floristic Kingdom. An evaluation is given of the proportions of habitat threats and other factors affecting a sample of critically rare species. It is shown that invasive plants introduced from other countries pose a major threat to critically rare species in the areas where natural vegetation has not been fully replaced by suppressive land-uses. The value of the Cape Flora as a genetic resource for purposes such as an expanding cut-flower export-industry is demonstrated and research needs in this field are outlined.